We've Visited Fort Collins 5 Times! Here's What We Love (2025)

The silver lining of our month spent in Cheyenne, Wyoming, was discovering all of the best things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.

I tell no lies on this travel blog.

We made the short trip from Cheyenne to Fort Collins a total of five different times during our month in Wyoming and I still didn’t get enough.

From the beer to the outdoor activities to the multiple cheese shops, Fort Collins is on our shortlist for a much longer stay in the future. It’s a very short list.

Fort Collins is worth MANY visits.

For us, we had to stop at five, but only because we left the region.

Fort Collins is worth a visit for its diverse list of attractions, a beer scene that rivals no other in the state, and relaxed vibes you may not find in bigger Colorado cities.

Its Old Town area is also full of whimsy, a reason why it inspired the most iconic part of Disneyland. Fort Collins is worth a longer stay, too, if you’re lucky enough to linger for a bit.

How to Spend a Day in Fort Collins

You can spend a day in Fort Collins like this:

• Hit the trails at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
• Grab lunch or brunch at The Farmhouse atJessup Farm.
• Visit Old Firehouse Books, the inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A.
• Pick up sweet treats at Nuance Chocolate or savory ones at Welsh Rabbit Bistro.
• Walk the Colorado State University campus for the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens and the Campbell’s Soup Can.
• Watch the whitewater rafters at Poudre River Whitewater Park.
• Choose a few of Fort Collins’ many breweries to taste-test.
• Relive your youth at the Totally 80s Pizza & Museum.

Things to Do in Downtown Fort Collins

If you have limited time in Fort Collins, you’ll want to start in Old Town Fort Collins. Specifically, get yourself to Walnut Street. Parking can be a little tricky if you arrive on a sunny weekend afternoon, but you should be rewarded with a little patience.

Start at Old Firehouse Books.

If this bookstore feels familiar, it’s because it served as one of the main sources of inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.

Yep. Fort Collins is basically a fairytale town and it is indeed cute as heck.

Old Firehouse Books is also the largest bookstore in Northern Colorado, so if you’re looking for a niche title to add to your coffee table, this is a great place to do it.

Spill the tea (or drink it) at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse.

Get tea by the ounce like you’re some tea fiend at this adorable shop next door to Old Firehouse Books. We went home with a few different varieties that tasted like Big Red cinnamon gum and chocolate-covered strawberries.

My tea tastes don’t usually get that wild, but I was overtaken by the smells.

Get your rocks on at Nature’s Own.

This isn’t a bakery. It’s a rock shop. Shop for your new favorite pendant or beads to DIY your own precious jewelry, or just peruse the rocks, fossils, and crystals on display here. Prices here seem reasonable, too, although I’m definitely no rock expert.

Practice your “Bonjour!” at Philippe French Bistro & Bakery.

Indulge in beignets that resemble donut holes in the best way and fresh macarons that are almost as good as anything you’ll find in France at this colorful bistro.

If I lived here I’d take advantage of their wine and mussels specials because that’s just how I roll.

Note: Love a good French bakery? La Creperie & French Bakery is another fun option with as many sweet and savory crepes as you can handle.

Feed your inner cheese demon at The Welsh Rabbit Bistro.

The Welsh Rabbit Bistro can be a sit-down wine and cheese experience if you’d like, but you can also just pop into the cheese shop portion for hunks to take home with you. That’s what I like…hunks (of cheese).

If you want one of their beautiful cheese boards, give them some notice. They like you to call a day ahead of time so they can give your cheese plates the proper attention they deserve.

Fun fact: If you’re a cheese fiend like me, pop into The Fox and the Crow in Scotch Pines Village before you leave. Order some treats to go or have a seat with one of their meat and cheese boards. Can it ever be enough?

Pick up more sweet treats at Nuance Chocolate.

This popular spot sells very yummy truffles, chocolate bars, and sipping chocolates. Anything boozy here is a great idea if you’re looking for truffles.

I admittedly dropped quite a bit of cash here so I know what I’m talking about. The bourbon cream and honey and lavender were my favorites.

Grab lunch at The Exchange.

There was major construction here during my visit, but they were still all can’t stop/won’t stop with the yummy eats. The Exchange offers a variety of foods, drinks, and desserts out of shipping containers in a communal courtyard.

It’s perfect for groups that include a picky diner with plenty of dog-friendly outdoor space as long as your pooch doesn’t mind crowds. This place gets busy!

There are also a variety of shops here that don’t have anything to do with eating. You could get some fresh flowers if you’d like, for example. I’d much rather eat.

Chill out at Old Town Square.

If you’ve been following along, you’ve likely had quite an indulgent time.Before you leave the downtown area, feel free to join the locals in some people-watching in Old Town Square.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch someone playing one of the public pianos there. I’m telling you this place is full of whimsy.

Outside of Downtown Fort Collins

The best of Fort Collins isn’t all downtown. These are some of our favorite places to go in Fort Collins outside of those Disney vibes.

Hit the trails at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

Rocky Mountain National Park is an easy day trip from Fort Collins for some of the best hiking in the country, but you don’t even need to go that far for outdoor pursuits.

We visited Horsetooth Mountain Open Space twice because we slept in too late to snag a parking spot for the super popular Horsetooth Falls Trail the first time around.

I’d highly recommend it if you love a good waterfall but get to the parking lot before 10am if you want a guaranteed parking spot.

For the best experience, take the moderate Horsetooth Falls Loop. It’s just about three miles to the falls and views of verdant meadows and the Horsetooth Reservoir. Follow the purple arrows for this one or download the AllTrails map before you go.

You’ll need to pay for parking either at the booth attendant or one of the kiosks upon arrival.

If you’re similarly shut out of parking for the falls, here are some alternatives in the area:

• Hike the Shoreline Trail to Horsetooth Reservoir. This was our Plan B on our first trip to the park, and we didn’t leave disappointed. This one is just 1.3 miles total with an out-and-back view of the scenic reservoir.

• Go big on the Horsetooth Mountain Trail. We had our pup with us on both visits. At 8.9 miles and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, it would’ve just been too much for that cutie. We love a challenging hike, though, so maybe next time!
• Take the SUPs out on Horsetooth Reservoir. You don’t need to hike at all while you’re here. If you don’t have a stand-up paddleboard of your own, there are plenty of rentals like What’s SUP in town.

READ MORE: Love a good hike? Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a great option for hikers at all skill levels.

See the glory of Lory State Park.

Lory State Park is just west of the city in Bellvue, but that’s just a 20-minute drive from Fort Collins. It can take just as long to get to Horsetooth, and that’s within the city limits. I’m trying to justify allowing it here is what I’m doing.

Once you’re there, it’s the perfect place for some solitude, especially if Horsetooth was a little overwhelming for you. Arthur’s Rock Trail is the most popular trek in the park. It’s a moderate trail of 3.2 miles with some scrambling at the end.

For more hiking opportunities in Fort Collins proper, visit the Coyote Ridge Natural Area or the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area. The city is spoiled with outdoor pursuits if that’s what you’re after.

Make a quick stop at the Hattie McDaniel house.

This is one of those hidden things to do in town that only earn that title because it’s someone’s private residence. As such, be respectful.

You’ll see a sign in the front yard describing the achievements of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Gone With the Wind. That’s a movie that definitely hasn’t aged well.

Again, people live here, so read the signage and go on your merry way.

Commune with the waterfowl at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.

This is a beautiful place to take a stroll that basically shouldn’t exist because it’s right off the main highway. It’s a bit of wetland with a stretch of the Poudre River and loads of opportunities to watch waterfowl.

I saw a large pelican during my visit, and that sort of thing never gets old.

There are opportunities to fish if you’re into that sort of thing. Otherwise, enjoy an easy loop trail circling the pond to watch the birds basking in the sun.

Explore Colorado State University.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in college but I love a good college campus. Colorado State University in Fort Collins is tree-lined, green, and all kinds of lovely.

The best spot to experience the campus is The Oval. It’s a literal oval that you’ll get a little bit dizzy on if you drive around it too many times in search of parking. It’s much better experienced on your feet.

The campus also has a great vegetable garden at the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens. See more types of mint than you could even imagine.

You’ll find plantings on either side of the street all the way up and down the block, so take your time here. The plantings are dense but labeled quite well for the budding botanists out there.

Finally, don’t miss the Campbell’s Soup Can.

There were three soup cans created with Andy Warhol for a special Warhol at Colorado State University exhibit.

If you’re already checking out the test gardens, you’ll be able to see the one remaining on the campus across the street from the main plots that the school restored and kept. This one is signed by Warhol.

There were three soup cans created with Andy Warhol for a special Warhol at Colorado State University exhibit.

If you’re already checking out the test gardens, you’ll be able to see the one remaining on the campus across the street from the main plots that the school restored and kept. This one is signed by Warhol.

Meet the butterflies at The Gardens on Spring Creek.

The Gardens on Spring Creek are absolutely lovely. Don’t miss the giant sequoia right out front before you even enter the garden. The highlight for me, though, was the butterfly house.

There are timed entries to this space or you can ask one of the staff members to let you in. This is to protect the butterflies and make sure you don’t have any escape artists through the double door system they have set up in there.

If you’re traveling to Fort Collins with kids, I imagine this is a great place for some educational opportunities. They have a pleasant children’s garden where kids can water plants, learn about seeds, and interact with what they see in a safe and positive way.

Admire the architecture at the 1879 Avery House.

This beautiful Victorian home on the National Register of Historic Places belonged to Franklin C. Avery.

He was known for making all kinds of contributions in Larimer County as far as how things are plotted out here. That includes the city’s canals, wide streets, and agricultural irrigation systems outside of town.

You can visit inside, but they have very limited hours. Take a look at their online calendar if you’re interested in a tour or open house time.

See the farm at Lee Martinez Community Park.

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park is a fun stop if you’re traveling with littles on a fun family trip or just love a good farm animal. There was a baby calf during my visit and yes, I made an audible, “Awww!” while gazing upon its cuteness all by myself.

Lee Martinez Community Park itself is also great for outdoor recreation. I even saw a few people horseback riding while walking along some of the paths that went deeper into the park.

Feel like a kid at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

Mess around in the Music & Sound Lab, get hands-on with science in The Schatz Family Exploration Zone, or just admire the fossil exhibits. No, you don’t need to be traveling with kids to have fun here. Yes, tickets in advance are always a good idea.

This one is super close to the Lee Martinez Community Park if you’re already here. It’s very popular for school field trips, particularly in the springtime as the school year comes to a close. Just keep that in mind if you’re here on a weekday.

Fun Fact: This museum is part of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), the first of its kind west of the Mississippi River. Yes, it’s a museum.

Feel an adrenaline rush at Poudre River Whitewater Park.

There are several river access points here if you want to get into the water and have the appropriate gear. Otherwise, it’s a great place to people-watch and get some sun. That’s about as much adrenaline as I need, honestly.

There are viewpoints from above that take you to walking paths along the river, too. It’s a super scenic spot in the city.

Find your favorite green space.

Fort Collins has no shortage of fantastic spaces for adventure, but sometimes you just want to relax.

Fort Collins City Park was my favorite. This is also where you’ll find the Fort Collins Municipal Railway Trolley Depot if you’d like to take a ride on the Fort Collins Trolley.

The park itself is lovely, and you can see a mini Statue of Liberty while you’re here courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America.

I’ve found that this is something they do, by the way. I just saw another in Fargo. The Boy Scouts love the Statue of Liberty.

If you love a good stroll, there’s the large Sheldon Lake to walk around in the middle of the park.

Drive the Cache La Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway.

I drove a decent section of this stunning byway all by myself, and I must say there is bravery involved when you lose service in a new place. I have a terrible sense of direction, but luckily it’s just the one road.

The Century Park Picnic Site, Mountain Park Recreation Area, and Kelly Flats Campbroad are all worth a stop for scenic photos or a snack stop. You can also just have some time with your thoughts as you think about the majesty of Mother Nature.

This is definitely one of the most scenic stretches of road I’ve driven in the United States, and I’ve done some scenic road trips in this country.

Note: If you’re adventurous, there are outlets for rafting excursions along the river. Driving these winding roads on my own was enough of an adventure for me.

Where to Eat in Fort Collins

It wouldn’t be one of our favorite cities if it didn’t have an excellent eating scene. I’ve already a few of our favorite spots downtown, but there’s so much more to eat your way through in this city.

Test out the coffee scene.

Fort Collins has an excellent coffee scene. I was looking for a bag of the stuff to take back with us to Cheyenne and knew I already liked Dazbog Coffee. (The mostly Colorado coffee chain has two locations in Cheyenne.)

It was started by two Russian immigrants seeking a better life in the United States, and I can certainly respect that in the current climate. There are a few locations for this one, so pick one that’s convenient to what you’re doing next.

If you’d like to have yourself a little coffee shop crawl, here are a few more to try:

• Alleycat Coffee House: Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. This place is open late. They serve breakfast sandwiches and smoothies if you’re here during lunchtime.
• Harbinger Coffee: This is one of the more sophisticated options in town for when you need a classy cup. There are two locations in Fort Collins, a North and a South.

Grab a delicious Fort Collins brunch.

Our favorite spot for daytime eats was The Farmhouse at Jessup Farms. Admittedly, we got sandwiches because it was right on the cusp of an early lunch by the time we were seated, but there were also biscuits involved that should come alongside every meal.

I’m not even talking about meals at this place. I’m talking about all meals EVER. They were that good.

If you can nab a reservation for this one, I’d highly recommend it. We did have to wait about a half hour for a table here, thus the sandwiches.

Here are a few more brunch options for less patient folks:

• Bindle Coffee: I could have listed this one under the best coffee shops in Fort Collins, but it’s more likely that I’d be here for the breakfast burritos. It is what it is. This one is next door to The Farmhouse if you really don’t feel like waiting.
• little on mountain: It’s killing me not to write out that name with the appropriate uppercase letters, but that’s how they like it. Their brunch menu is a little of everything (get it?) but you can also go hard with items like bone marrow burgers.

Relive your youth at Totally 80s Pizza & Museum.

If you’re of a certain age, you will absolutely love this place. The pizza is fine, with quirky toppings like Fritos and cream cheese and hot Cheetos, but it’s the ambiance that really got me going.

It was also all of those thirst traps of Tom Selleck in the women’s bathroom, but that’s not accessible to all.

While you wait for your pies and giant garlic cheese twists — you won’t regret those as an appetizer —spend some time checking out the memorabilia on the walls.

If it’s crowded, sit back and relax while you watch 80s music videos and movie clips from Dirty Dancing.

Imagine how lusty things got at our table after I had that Tom Selleck experience followed by Patrick Swayze announcing he wasn’t putting babies in the corner.

There’s a small arcade off the front entrance if you like playing more than mind games.

Compare that with the rest of the pizza scene.

The nostalgic option above doesn’t even serve up the best pizza in town. As with beer and basically everything else, you can get some fine slices in Fort Collins. As I love pizza, we obviously wouldn’t stop at just one place.

SlycePizza Co. was our pick on a return trip. We shared a mac ‘n cheese pizza while I housed their slice-of-the-month all by myself. It was a Mediterranean delight with chickpeas and artichokes. It worked, people.

Are you a similar pizza fiend? Here are a few more to try:

• JJ’s Wood-Fired Pizza: This one is likely out of the way on most Fort Collins itineraries, but it’s a local favorite. Order the Stagioni if you like Italian classics.
• Krazy Karl’s Pizza: This one is popular with the college kids in these parts. If you’re in need of a sports bar during your trip, this place can serve a dual purpose.

Grab lunch outside of Old Town.

Here are a few favorites outside of the usuals in Old Town Fort Collins:

• Butterfly Cafe: Enjoy sandwiches, soups, and salads or a half portion of each if you’d like to pace yourself. The interior space is small but there are tables outside if it’s a day with decent weather.
• The Colorado Room: This local favorite just south of downtown Fort Collins is a popular stop for comfort food when nothing else will do.
• Music City Hot Chicken: Sometimes it feels like there isn’t a hot chicken sandwich that we haven’t eaten, and then we find more. Brian loves them. Enjoy sammies and chicken plates with various levels of spice.

Get your pie on at Ginger and Baker.

Ginger and Baker is one of the most photogenic spots in town, but that doesn’t take anything away from their tasty treats. The café menu looks great, but I was here for the pie. I got a slice of butterscotch and a slice of apple because I’m nothing if not classic.

They were both delicious and gone much too soon.

If you’re enjoying one of the 300 days of sunshine while you’re here, you may have a hankering for ice cream vs. straight pie.Walrus Ice Cream Co.is the local favorite for both unique and classic flavors in premium scoops.

Beer in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is the craft beer capital of Colorado. There are more than 20 breweries in the area, an impressive feat for a town this size. Perhaps even more impressive, about 70 percent of Colorado’s beer comes from Fort Collins.

The town has so many breweries for a variety of reasons. The brewers themselves credit the purity of the water here, but it may also have something to do with Prohibition.

Fort Collins took decades to allow folks to pick up the bottle (legally) after Prohibition was repealed.

Here’s one more theory. When Anheuser-Buschopened its giant facility in Fort Collins, locals were all, “Blegh!” and started brewing their own beer in a more aggressive fashion. It’s probably a little of all three.

Start with New Belgium Brewing Company.

The New Belgium Brewing Company is one of the big dogs. There’s a reason why this one is so popular and so crowded. The beer is great, but the space might be even better.

We arrived on a nice Saturday afternoon and the outside areas were busy as heck. We still found empty tables inside to enjoy some tasters and partake in some people-watching. I haven’t met a brewery yet that offers less-than-stellar people-watching.

Get funky at Funkwerks.

I’ll get into our other faves below, but I had to highlight my most favorite brewery in Fort Collins. I’m not even going to call it a hidden gem because it’s well-known by locals as the place to get funky pours.

Brian wasn’t left out of the loop on the funk train. There were some strong ales and Belgian-style beers that did the trick. I loved their Bramble, a super funky barrel-aged saison that tasted like walking through a ripe blackberry patch.

Don’t stop there with the beer.

I cannot articulate enough how much high-quality beer you can sample in Fort Collins. It feels like cheating to list them all, but it’d feel like cheating not to at least list the ones we enjoyed on our multiple trips there.

Here they are:

• Jessup Farm Barrel House: If you’re already at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farms, you’ll have a short walk to this scenic spot. Brian loved this one because they had all kinds of barrel-aged brews available. He likes ’em strong.
• Maxline Brewing: We got a recommendation to visit this one while at another brewery. They pour a delicious variety in a dog-friendly space. It’s around the back once you get to the strip mall address. Don’t be afraid.
• Odell Brewing Company: This is another one of the big names here. During our visit, there was live music playing in their large outdoor venue. People were hanging out despite thunderclouds on the horizon because that’s how they roll.

There is a lot of beer here. Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Purpose Brewing & Cellars, and Zwei Brewing Co. are all at the top of our list for next time.

When to Visit Fort Collins

The climate in Fort Collins is defined by its four seasons but they’re not as extreme as you’d think for Northern Colorado. Expect hot summers and cold winters and you should be fine no matter when you plan your visit.

This place gets 300 days of sunshine per year, by the way.

We did experience some thunderstorms, but the amount of rain we saw was out of character for Fort Collins.

If you’re looking to visit in the winter, come prepared for snow. Fort Collins gets a little less snow than Denver, but this is still Colorado. January is generally the coldest, snowiest month.

READ MORE: Visiting the mountains? Plan a trip to Breckenridge, one of my favorite ski (and summer!) destinations in Colorado.

How to Get to Fort Collins

To get to Fort Collins, you’ll need to fly into Denver International Airport. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from there, so you’ll need a car to travel from Denver to Fort Collins.

Once you’re in Fort Collins, getting around with a car is most efficient. If you’re sticking to downtown Fort Collins, you can make use of Max Bus Rapid Transit to avoid navigating parking. Biking is also a popular option for getting around.

Where to Stay in Fort Collins

We traveled to Fort Collins a number of times from our month-long base in Cheyenne, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have some Fort Collins hotel recommendations for you.

Use the map below to browse Fort Collins hotels and apartment-style stays:

You need to visit Fort Collins.

If you love outdoor adventures, visit Fort Collins. If you enjoy an excellent food and beer scene, come to this city. For culture, hit a few places I missed like the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures and the Museum of Art Fort Collins.

I don’t love it everywhere, but I definitely loved Fort Collins. I’d be shocked if that’s all she wrote about my experiences here!

Traveling elsewhere on your Colorado trip? Check out these posts:

• Visit Raindance, the Longest Golf Course in North America
• A Detailed Guide to the Best of Fairplay
• Is Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Worth Your Cash?
• How to Visit the Florissant Fossil Beds
• Top Things to Do on Trips to Colorado Springs

Exploring more of the region? Read these next:

• A Guide to Charming Laramie, Wyoming
• How to Plan a Road Trip Through Wyoming
• Should You Visit Devils Tower National Monument?
• How to Visit Grand Teton National Park
• Where to Stay on Visits to Yellowstone

Ready to see more?