Things To Do
in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is a vibrant city located in northern Colorado, known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and thriving craft beer scene. The city is home to Colorado State University, giving it a lively college town atmosphere. With its historic downtown area featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, Fort Collins offers a charming mix of modern amenities and small-town charm.
The surrounding natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Learn about the local history and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Head over to the Cache la Poudre River for some outdoor fun. You can go kayaking or enjoy a scenic hike along the river.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a local brewery. Enjoy some craft beers paired with delicious food in a cozy atmosphere.
Visit the scenic Horsetooth Reservoir for a refreshing morning hike. The views of the water and surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at Lory State Park. Explore the trails and take in the beautiful natural landscape.
Unwind at a local coffee shop or brewery. Enjoy a warm drink or a craft beer while relaxing outdoors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails.
- Home to Colorado State University, enriching the cultural and educational landscape.
- A vibrant craft beer scene with numerous local breweries.
- A relatively low unemployment rate and diverse job opportunities.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other areas in Colorado.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Seasonal weather can result in harsh winters and occasional snowstorms.
- Rapid growth may lead to overcrowding and strain on local infrastructure.
Best Activities in Fort Collins
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic hiking trails and enjoy stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding mountains
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque Poudre River, with opportunities to observe wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes
Experience the beauty of Horsetooth Reservoir from the water while participating in water sports like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding
Challenge yourself with rock climbing at The Palace, a popular climbing area with routes for all skill levels
Relax and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the scenic City Park, surrounded by green spaces and beautiful lake views
Tours
Uncover the best of Fort Collins with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Fort Collins
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the reservoir, the city, and the surrounding mountains. Great spot for sunset photos.
Beautiful garden with colorful flowers, perfect for nature photography and peaceful strolls.
Provides a panoramic view of the city and is a popular spot for capturing the cityscape.
Food in Fort Collins
Fort Collins Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish featuring succulent locally-sourced Colorado lamb, often served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes. Head to the farm-to-table restaurants such as The Kitchen or restaurant farms like Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar to savor this local delight.
Must-Try!
A beloved staple in Fort Collins, green chile is a flavorful, mildly spicy sauce made from roasted green chile peppers, pork, and other seasonings. Sample this dish at renowned eateries like The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant or the Silver Grill Cafe.
Fort Collins boasts a thriving craft beer scene. Don't miss the opportunity to taste locally brewed beers at New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, and Funkwerks. These breweries offer a diverse range of innovative and traditional beer styles.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Fort Collins better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Old Town, the Fort Collins Farmers' Market is a paradise for food lovers. The market features an array of locally produced fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and street food. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the assortment of flavors from food trucks offering diverse cuisines.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Fort Collins, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when in public places or waiting in line.
Using polite language and a friendly tone is appreciated in Fort Collins. It's important to be mindful of how you communicate with others to show respect.
Taking an interest in and respecting local customs and traditions, such as participating in community events and festivals, is a great way to show respect for the culture in Fort Collins.
Safety
Tipping in Fort Collins
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Fort Collins, United States. It is common to tip between 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and for other services such as haircuts, taxis, and tour guides.
Payment in Fort Collins is typically conducted using cash, credit/debit cards, or digital payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Most businesses in Fort Collins accept credit/debit cards, and ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Fort Collins with pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, and outdoor concerts and events.
Summer offers warm weather, outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and festivals and events such as the Colorado Brewers' Festival.
Fall brings beautiful foliage, harvest festivals, and cooler temperatures, making it a great time for outdoor exploration.
Winter is a quieter time in Fort Collins, with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains and cozy indoor activities like brewery tours.
Fort Collins at Night
Hiking in Fort Collins
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination with stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding areas, featuring various trails suitable for different skill levels.
Offers a diverse range of trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with beautiful landscapes, rock formations, and access to the upper portion of Horsetooth Reservoir.
A scenic area nestled along the Cache la Poudre River, providing numerous hiking opportunities with picturesque views and a variety of flora and fauna.
Features several trails along the canyon lakes, with beautiful views, wildflowers, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
A unique rock formation that serves as a focal point for hiking trails, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore the distinctive geologic features of the area.
Aiports
How to reach Fort Collins by plane.
The primary airport serving the Denver metropolitan area, approximately 70 miles south of Fort Collins, Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the United States, offering numerous international flights.
Located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, about 45 miles north of Fort Collins, this airport offers limited commercial flights, mainly to Denver.
Located around 100 miles south of Fort Collins, this airport serves the Colorado Springs area with various domestic flights and a few international destinations.
Located just about 12 miles southwest of Fort Collins, it serves primarily domestic flights and general aviation, but is a convenient local option.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Fort Collins, often representing a significant portion of the population.
A growing demographic group in Fort Collins, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural environment.
Represents a smaller percentage of the population, adding to the city’s diversity.
Individuals identifying with two or more racial backgrounds, reflecting an increasing trend in mixed heritage.
Represents a small percentage of the population, with historic and cultural significance.
Includes individuals from Pacific Islands, representing a small segment of the Fort Collins population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Fort Collins, especially with the local high school and Colorado State University teams.
Widely played and supported, with numerous youth leagues and adult clubs in the area.
A favorite recreational sport at both community and school levels, with local leagues and tournaments.
With access to numerous trails, outdoor activities like hiking and trail running are extremely popular.
Fort Collins is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, making cycling a popular sport for both commuting and recreation.
Often played recreationally and competitively, including beach volleyball at local parks.
An increasingly popular sport among youth and high school teams in the area.
With nearby access to climbing routes, rock climbing is a favored activity for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fort Collins.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Fort Collins is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with many restaurants offering a variety of plant-based dishes. Notable mentions include Tasty Harmony, a restaurant dedicated to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and The Rainbow Restaurant, which offers an array of vegetarian and vegan options.
For those with gluten sensitivities, Fort Collins provides numerous options. The Gold Leaf Collective and The Fox and the Crow are known for their gluten-free offerings, including baked goods and savory dishes.