things to do in ft collins colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado is a charming city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a thriving downtown area. Here are some things to do in Fort Collins:

Outdoor Activities

1. Rocky Mountain National Park: Only an hour’s drive from Fort Collins, this national park offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Horsetooth Reservoir: A popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.
3. Poudre Canyon: Offers scenic drives, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
4. Fort Collins Natural Areas: Over 30 natural areas with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
5. Cache La Poudre River: Go rafting, kayaking, or fishing in the nearby river.

Downtown Fort Collins

1. Old Town: A historic district with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
2. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery: A science museum with interactive exhibits.
3. The Lincoln Center: A performing arts center with concerts, theater, and dance performances.
4. New Belgium Brewing Company: Take a tour of the famous craft brewery.
5. Jaycee Park: A scenic park with a playground, picnic areas, and a lake.

Other Attractions

1. Colorado State University: Visit the beautiful campus, including the CSU Art Museum and the Flint Animal Cancer Center.
2. Fort Collins Museum of Art: Showcasing local and regional art.
3. The Avery House: A historic home turned museum, offering tours and exhibits.
4. Fort Fun: An entertainment center with mini golf, go-karts, and an arcade.
5. The Gardens on Spring Creek: A botanical garden with beautiful displays and a butterfly house.

Events and Festivals

1. Fort Collins Music Festival: A summer festival featuring local music and food.
2. Taste of Fort Collins: A food festival with local vendors and live music.
3. Fort Collins Fringe Festival: A performing arts festival with experimental and avant-garde shows.
4. Colorado Brewers’ Festival: A celebration of local craft beer.
5. Fort Collins Book Festival: A literary festival with author readings and workshops.

Winter Activities

1. Eldora Mountain Resort: A ski resort with downhill skiing and snowboarding.
2. Cross-country skiing: Many natural areas in Fort Collins offer cross-country skiing trails.
3. Ice skating: Enjoy outdoor ice skating at the Old Town Ice Rink or the Edora Pool Ice Center.
4. Snowshoeing: Explore the natural areas on snowshoes.
5. Sleigh rides: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado. The city offers a great balance of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and entertainment options.