Collins, Colorado, also known as “FoCo” by locals, is a lively city at the base of the Rocky Mountains, about an hour north of Denver. Fort Collins, Colorado is known for its beautiful scenery, booming craft beer scene, and rich cultural history. There are many fun things to do there.
There’s something for everyone in this charming city, whether you like the outdoors, history, food, or art. This article has a list of the 23+ best and most fun things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado. These activities will make your trip there unique.
23+ Fun and Great Things To Do In Fort Collins, Colorado 2024
1. Take A Stroll Down Historic Old Town
Start your trip in Fort Collins by checking out the beautiful Historic Old Town. A lot of the pioneer-era buildings in the Historic Old Town have been kept.
Beautiful brick buildings, cute shops, art galleries, and other unique businesses can be found in this charming area. As you walk through the streets, take in the lively atmosphere and look at the bright fronts of the buildings.
19 Old Town Square Suite #230, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA.
2. Fort Collins Museum Of Discovery
Going to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a fun thing to do in Fort Collins, CO. This modern building has exhibits that you can connect with, interesting artifacts, and educational programs for people of all ages.
There are fossil walls, moving trains, music and sound labs, bug hotels, and model spaceships that stand out as interesting exhibits. You can learn about the city’s history, and the animals that live there, and do science projects with your hands at the museum.
The address is 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA.
3. Explore The Gardens On Spring Creek
If you like being outside, one fun thing to do in Fort Collins is to check out the Gardens on Spring Creek. This lovely botanical park has a lot of different kinds of plants, bright flowers, and peaceful paths for walking.
You can take a slow walk, go to a gardening class, or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. People who are vacationing in Fort Collins can check out events in the grounds. There are camps in the summer, cooking lessons in the fall, Halloween and Christmas parties, and many more.
The address is 2145 Center Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA.
4. Hike Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space hikes are some of the best things to do outside in Fort Collins, CO. Many people think this is the most interesting place in all of Colorado.
This open space in Horsetooth Mountain has cliffs, valleys, forests, boulders, and streams. It’s about 30,000 acres big. People who love the outdoors should go to Horsetooth Reservoir to see the beautiful views of the local landscapes.
The address is 6550 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA.
5. Indulge In Craft Beer Tastings
Go on craft beer tastes in Fort Collins. They are one of the best and most fun things to do there. There are more than 20 breweries in the city, which is famous for its craft beer scene.
Take a beer-drinking tour and try a bunch of different, tasty beers. It’s easy to find the right pint for your taste, with options like IPAs, stouts, and more. I like the New Belgium Brewing Company. In Fort Collins, the Odell Brewing Company has been going strong since 1989.
6. The Gregory Allicar Museum Of Art
One free thing to do in Fort Collins is to go to the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, which is inside Colorado State University.
The amazing collection of art at this museum includes works from ancient times to the present day. Look at great works of art by famous artists and learn more about the visual arts.
The address is 1400 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
7. Colorado State University Campus
Check out the Colorado State University Campus. It’s a fun and free thing to do in Fort Collins. There are many landmarks and historic sites on campus, which are the center of academic and cultural events. Look at the beautiful building, stroll through the well-kept gardens, and see a show at one of the university’s theaters or music venues.
The Avenir Museum has the university’s collection of historic clothing and textiles. The Annual Flower Trial Garden is another draw on campus. This is where students and researchers can do horticultural research.
The address is 711 Oval Drive, 80521, Fort Collins, CO.
8. Cache La Poudre River
Rafting through rapids on the Cache la Poudre River is a fun thing to do on the weekend in Fort Collins.
A rapid rafting trip down the Cache la Poudre River is a great way for both tourists and locals to get their heart racing. This river is a great place to go rafting for both newbies and experienced paddlers because it has both challenging rapids and beautiful scenery.
Address: 3745 E Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525
9. Enjoy A Picnic At City Park
A lunch in City Park is a fun thing to do in Fort Collins that the whole family will enjoy. The city council owns the park, which is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Going for walks on the paths, having a picnic on the grass, fishing in the lake, swimming in the community pool, and hitting balls on the tennis court are all fun things to do at the park. Interestingly, pets are also allowed at the park, and there are days when the pool is just for dogs.
1500 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
10. Visit The Annual Colorado Brewers’ Festival
Going to the Colorado Brewers’ Festival every year is a fun thing to do in Fort Collins, Colorado, in the summer. If you’re in Fort Collins in late June, this event should be on your list of things to do.
Local breweries, food sellers, and live music come together for the Colorado Brewers’ Festival, which lasts all weekend and is a wonderful time. As a visitor, you can try a lot of different craft beers and enjoy the lively fair atmosphere.
11. Lincoln Center
Seeing a live show at The Lincoln Center is one of the best things to do in Fort Collins at night. It is one of the biggest places for performing arts in the whole state of Colorado.
The best multi-venue performing arts place has a lot of different kinds of shows, like concerts, dance performances, theater productions, and more. Find out what’s going on and treat yourself to an evening of artistic entertainment.
Address: 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
12. Visit The Fort Collins Trolley Museum
The Fort Collins Trolley Museum is a fun place to visit if you want to do something different in Fort Collins. The streetcar lines spread out from the corner of Mountain and College in downtown Fort Collins, going west on Mountain Avenue. They were built in 1907.
Through hands-on displays and guided tours, you can learn about the past of the city’s trolley system. Take a ride on a fully restored trolley car and learn about how trolleys have affected Fort Collins’s transportation past.
Address: Fort Collins, CO 80521
13. Boyd Lake State Park
One of the fun things to do near Fort Collins, Colorado is to go to Boyd Lake State Park, which is only a short drive away. A lot of different outdoor things can be done at the park.
You can swim in the lake, fish go boating at Boyd Lake State Park, or just chill out on the gravel beaches. The park also has places to sleep, which makes it a great place to get away for the weekend.
3720 N County Rd 11c, Loveland, CO 80538
14. Have a Foodie Adventure
Food tours are a great way to spend time with your partner in Fort Collins. There are a lot of different kinds of food in the city, so there is something for everyone.
There are also some of Colorado’s best places in Fort Collins. Take a food trip through the city’s restaurants, cafes, and food trucks when you’re a visitor. There is a wide range of food, from farm-to-table to foreign, so there is something for everyone.
15. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge
Nature lovers can do a lot of different things close to Fort Collins. One of these is to visit the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge and look for wildlife. The Cache la Poudre–North Park is 105 miles west of Fort Collins. The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to visit in Colorado.
A wide range of animals, such as elk, moose, birds, and more, live in this large refuge. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the area by taking a scenic drive or hiking along the marked paths.
The address is 80528 Fort Collins, CO.
16. Horsetooth Reservoir
You can have fun at the Horsetooth Reservoir, which is close to Fort Collins. The beautiful Horsetooth Reservoir is just west of the city of Fort Collins and is a popular place to go outside.
You can do water sports at the pond, like fishing, boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. You could also walk on the trails around the reservoir and enjoy stunning views of the clear water and rough mountains.
17. Shop At The Fort Collins Farmers’ Market
There are many things to do in Fort Collins. One of them is to shop at the Fort Collins Farmers’ Market. There is a market where you can try local food and handmade goods.
Take your partner for a walk through the busy market and look at the stalls full of fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, and crafts made by hand. Get to know the farmers and artists in Fort Collins and enjoy the tastes of the area.
1001 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525 is the address.
18. Edora Park
Going to Edora Park is a free thing to do in Fort Collins that kids will enjoy. One of the best places to play disc golf in Colorado is in the park.
It’s fun to play golf in the park. The courses are tricky, and you can get through the trees and shoot for the baskets. Disc golf is a cheap and fun way to enjoy the outdoors while competing with other people.
Address: 1420 E Stuart St, Fort Collins, CO 80525
19. Aggie Theatre
Going to a live music show at the Aggie Theatre is one of the most romantic things to do in Fort Collins. Take in the city’s lively music scene by going to a show at the old theater.
This small space can hold up to 650 people and has bands from all over the country playing a wide range of styles. At a live show, you can dance, sing along, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The address is 204 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
20. The Farm At Lee Martinez Park
Want to find family-friendly fun things to do in Fort Collins? Go to Lee Martinez Park’s Farm. Families, couples, and kids will all enjoy the park, which lets you get close to farm animals.
You can learn about farm life while you pet goats, feed chickens, or ride a pony. The park has playgrounds, picnic areas, and lovely walking tracks, which makes it a great spot for a family trip.
The address is 600 N Sherwood St, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
21. Bas Bleu Theatre
One of the fun things to do in Fort Collins is to go to the theater at night. The theater is based on the famous literary clubs in Europe in the 18th century, which were called “Bluestockings” (or Bas Bleu).
This small theater puts on a wide range of shows, such as plays, musicals, and stories that make you think. Pay attention to the skill and artistry on stage and understand the power of live theater acts.
Address: 401 Pine St., Fort Collins, CO 80524
22. Explore The Fort Collins Natural Areas
When you visit Fort Collins, there are lots of things you can do outside. The City is lucky to have a lot of natural places where people can go exploring.
From the beautiful Cathy Fromme Prairie to the peaceful ponds of Fossil Creek Wetlands, these protected areas give animals a place to live and give people a chance to connect with nature.
23. Take A Ghost Tour
Are you just visiting Fort Collins and want to find something to do? Take a ghost walk to learn more about Fort Collins’s haunted past.
Learn about Fort Collins’s scary stories and tales and visit places that are said to be haunted. No matter if you believe or don’t believe, these tours give you a unique look into Fort Collins’s past and make your trip more exciting.
24. The Exchange
The Exchange is an open-air entertainment area in downtown Fort Collins that is dog-friendly and one of the few places in the city where you can get alcoholic drinks, food, and desserts.
You can buy food or drinks at any of the stores in shipping containers. Then, you can enjoy your meal outside on a lawn chair or at a community picnic table. During the summer, you can enjoy events like The Excnahe Summer Series.
The address is 200 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
25. Alleycat Coffee House
If you need a coffee fix in Fort Collins, Alleycat Coffee House is a great place to go. In downtown Fort Collins, there is a coffee shop that is always open and has great music, board games, and acoustic guitars.
The address is 120 W Laurel St, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
26. Fort Fun Entertainment Center
The Fort Fun Entertainment Center is one of the best places to have fun in Fort Collins. There are lots of things for kids and families to do at the recreation center.
There are slides, games, rides, and even a playground where you can shoot aliens or throw basketballs and skeeballs. On top of that, there is a diner where you can grab pizza and burgers.
Address: 1513 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524
27. Airport Golf Club
The Airport Golf Club is one of the best things to do near Fort Collins. It’s only 35 minutes north of Fort Collins.
The Airport Golf Course is home to the Wyoming Open, one of the few professional golf events in the state. It is often thought of as Cheyenne’s best golf course.
At the Airport, there is a classic golf course with trees all around it. Even though the golf course can be hard, it is fun, quick, and cheap. As an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the Airport is also a great place to see many kinds of wildlife.