27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Fort Collins (Colorado)
For those who live there, Fort Collins, or “FoCo,” is a beautiful place to visit about an hour north of Denver.
Colorado State University is close by, so the town is mostly known as a college town. However, it has a lot to offer all kinds of tourists, including families, couples, lovers, and people who want to go on an adventure by themselves.
Tourists love going to malls, museums, and waterfalls that are hidden in mountain forests.
If you like being outside, the mountains have lots of fun things to do. On the ranch, you can swim, ski, kayak, paddle board, and ride horses.
Is there something you’d rather do inside? You can go to playgrounds, art galleries, theaters, and places with live music.
Also, Fort Collins is fun because it’s strange and feels like an old town.
In its historic center, you can find a pizzeria, a spooky ice cream shop, and a museum with an 80s theme, among other fun places to visit.
Are you ready for the best holiday ever?
Are you feeling like going to the Rocky Mountains?
These are some of the best things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.
SEE ALSO: 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Syracuse (NY)
1. Horse and Dragon Brewing Company
There are bigger breweries in Fort Collins, but the Horse and Dragon Brewing Company is known for its good beer, country charm, and laid-back, friendly vibe.
You can put your feet up, crack open a cold one, and talk to locals about fun things to do in the area.
You can’t miss the building itself.
The outside is red and looks like a farm. It has a metal logo with the title horse and dragon on it.
Outside, there is a kestrel nest with a live #kestrelcam so you can watch them at any time of the day. Inside, there is a bar and tanning room.
When you go on vacation, the best places have beer.
It’s fun to get high in Fort Collins. Park your horse outside of the Horse and Dragon Brewing Company.
Address: 124 Racquette Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
2. Fort Collins Trolley
The Fort Collins Trolley ran from 1919 to 1951 and was brought back to its original glory a few decades ago.
These days, it winds through the city with an old-fashioned paint job and a signature double chime. It can be a fun and interesting way for tourists to see different areas.
There are several stops along the trolley line, and you can get on and off at any of them.
As you go, you may notice interesting things like parks, bars, shops, and more.
At the end, you’ll even get a coupon for ice cream!
The trolley is also great because it’s run totally by volunteers. This means that when you buy a ticket, you’ll not only be seeing the neighborhood, but you’ll also be helping a good cause.
Start your search for things to do in Fort Collins by taking the Fort Collins Trolley.
You can see the sights, check off fun spots in your guides, and then choose how to spend the rest of your time in Colorado.
Address: 1501 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
3. Fort Fun
Speedway cars. Small golf. You can get out of escape rooms.
These are just some of the things that you can do at Fort Fun, which is one of the best places to have fun in Fort Collins.
For those looking for thrills, Fort Fun has a lot to offer across a huge indoor and outdoor complex.
Rides, slides, and games include bumper boats, laser tag, and a playground where you can shoot aliens or throw basketballs and skeeballs.
Before you go to sleep, stop by the restaurant for pizza, burgers, funnel cakes, and mac-and-cheese pieces, among other things.
You can get fuel for the next paddle boat ride or round of golf!
You will not know what to do with yourself at Fort Fun because there are so many things to see and do.
A fun park taken to a whole new level of awesome.
They are great for families with kids or single travelers who want to let their inner child run wild.
Address: 1513 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United State
4. Walrus Ice Cream
These triple-decker scoops are the best you’ve ever had!
Walrus Ice Cream looks like any other old-fashioned ice cream shop at first glance.
It has brightly colored walls and a big red awning outside. Inside, there are dozens and dozens of tubs with tastes that change every day.
Most of the time, they’re also very clever.
From “horchata” to “Jack Daniels chocolate chip,” you can order it all.
But this shop isn’t what it seems to be.
People say that the building is haunted by the ghost of a famous businessman from the early 1900s.
There are also tales of tunnels under the store. Different people have different ideas about what they are, ranging from cold weather shortcuts to abandoned speakeasy passageways.
But one thing is certain: Walrus Ice Cream is a big part of the neighborhood.
If you want to know what the best things are to do in Fort Collins, come here and get a cone.
Address: 125 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
5. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
The Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is one of the most breathtaking places to go in all of Colorado.
Covering almost 3,000 acres, it’s filled with cliffs, valleys, forests, boulders, and waterfalls as far as the eye can see.
It’s the kind of destination where you take selfies at the summit of a mountain with your arms outstretched against stunning heights and clear blue skies.
Activities at the park include hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
There are numerous trails to follow, and their elevations reach as high as 7,200 feet.
Notable landmarks include Horsetooth Rock and Horsetooth Falls.
One thing to note about the park is that it has a maximum capacity, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially in the summertime when visitors from all across the country descend on Colorado’s mountains.
Ultimately, however, if you’re looking for cool places to visit in and near Fort Collins, you’ll want to make time for the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
It’s a beautiful destination with a lot to offer nature enthusiasts.
Address: 6550 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States
6. Annual Flower Trial Garden
Another beautiful outdoor destination, the Annual Flower Trial Garden has been a staple of Fort Collins since 2000.
It’s open daily from May to October, and it’s completely free.
You can find it on the Colorado State University campus.
What is the garden?
Simply put, it’s a collection of more than 1,000 annuals.
From sunflowers to snapdragons, you can walk among a dazzling assortment of flowers that range every color of the rainbow and emit all kinds of scents.
They’ll be gone by the fall, but their ephemeral nature only adds to their beauty.
If you’re looking for free things to do while on vacation, visit the Annual Flower Trial Garden.
Not only will you be amazed at the sights, sounds, and fragrances of such a large garden, but you’ll also get to keep money in your wallet for future tourist attractions!
Address: 1401 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
7. Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides
Many of the best things to do in Colorado take place outdoors.
There are just so many mountains, waterfalls, and mossy forests that it’s a downright crime to visit the state without exploring its stunning natural scenery.
The good news is that tour companies like Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides can help you see it all.
You don’t have to choose between majestic canyons and sparkling waterfalls!
Operating five days per week, this tour company will take you around the most gorgeous destinations of northern Colorado, and you won’t have to lift a finger in terms of transport.
They’ll handle everything.
As they drive, you’ll be free to take pictures of everything from rugged cliffs towering over the water to curious foxes darting across the roads.
Let someone else do the hard work for you.
When you schedule a tour with Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides, your only responsibility will be having a good time while in Fort Collins.
Address: 408 Skyway Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States
8. OpenStage Theatre and Company
As the oldest theater in the city, the OpenStage Theatre and Company is one of those Fort Collins attractions that you won’t want to miss.
It brings everything from comedies to cutting-edge dramas to its stage, and it often works with theater artists from all over northern Colorado to expand its retinue and keep its shows exciting and fresh.
What can you watch at the theater?
A better question might be, “What can’t you watch?”
There are plays, musicals, and even puppet shows.
The venue is small, so you’ll always have a good view, and since it’s located right in the heart of downtown, you’ll also be surrounded by eating and shopping options for your post-show high.
Do you love the theater?
Have you always wanted to enjoy dinner and a show?
Maybe you’re just looking for a great date night destination in Fort Collins.
Whatever your reasons for considering OpenStage Theatre and Company, it’s worth the attention.
Address: 720 E Vine Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
9. FoCo Fondo
Held every summer, the FoCo Fondo is a cycling marathon with thousands of participants that come from all over Colorado.
It’s open to all ages, genders, and skill levels, so in addition to meeting people from every walk of life, you can also customize your experience with different tracks and terrains.
If you’re looking for family fun, for example, you can choose a simple, scenic route that will allow you to make memories with the kids as you go sightseeing on wheels.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself, on the other hand, you can go hardcore on a 100-mile route that pushes you to your physical limits.
When you’re done, there will be a FondoFest waiting for you, offering food, drink, live music, bike demonstrations, and more.
Hopping on a bike is one of the most popular things to do in Fort Collins.
You don’t even have to wait for FoCo Fondo; bike tours are a regular pastime.
If you’ll be in the area in the summer, however, you might as well pedal up with other like-minded folks in the area.
Address: Fort Collins, CO, United States
10. Holiday Twin Drive-In
Is there anything more romantic than cuddling with your sweetheart while watching a movie?
At the Holiday Twin Drive-In, you can add a bit of nostalgia to your amour.
It’s a traditional, drive-in movie theater where you stay in your car while enjoying a film projected on a big outdoor screen.
Titles range from current blockbusters to cult classics and other campy favorites.
Concessions are available if you want to munch on popcorn and candy while you watch.
You’ll need either a car radio or a portable device capable of tuning into the audio on an F/M radio system.
The Holiday Twin Drive-In is one of the most romantic things to do while on vacation in Fort Collins.
If you want to experience a fun, flirty evening with your loved one, try an old-fashioned date night idea this weekend.
Address: 2206 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States
11. Mountain Whitewater
If you’re wondering what to do on your Fort Collins vacation, why limit yourself to just one or two activities?
Instead, book a tour with Mountain Whitewater and enjoy them all!
Mountain Whitewater is an adventure company that can get you out of your hotel and into the great outdoors.
They’re most famous for their whitewater rafting tours; you can enjoy a number of Class II, III, and IV rapids along the Cache La Poudre River, including one named “The Plunge.”
Other cool things to do with the guides include kayaking and paddle boarding.
There’s an on-site rental shop where you can stock up on everything from wetsuits to camping tents, and a nearby pub serves food and beer.
There’s even a sand volleyball court if you want to be recreational on land rather than water.
If you love the outdoors, pick up your phone and call Mountain Whitewater.
They’ll see to it that you have a great time in Fort Collins.
Address: 1329 US-287, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
12. Coyote Ridge Natural Area
Beautiful all year round, the Coyote Ridge Natural Area is also free and open to the public, making it the perfect all-season destination for travelers who enjoy the outdoors.
If you’re visiting in the summer, go hiking, cycling, or horseback riding among 600-foot panoramas.
If you’re visiting in the fall, watch the leaves change color while spotting local wildlife such as deer and mountain lion.
Wintertime opens up certain fields and ponds for skiing and ice skating; spring thaws them out again, bringing fresh flowers along with activities such as nature photography.
There’s no charge for entry, so if you’re looking for free things to do while vacationing in Fort Collins, a day trip here could be a viable option.
The Coyote Ridge Natural Area is a beautiful destination for travelers of all types.
Even better, it’s always open, so it doesn’t matter when you’re headed to Fort Collins or Colorado in general.
The stunning sights will always welcome you.
Address: Spring Mesa Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States
13. The Colorado Room
The Colorado Room is one of the best places to grab a bite in Fort Collins.
Like its name suggests, it’s all about state pride, and it showcases this loyalty in everything from locally-sourced ingredients to locally-produced artwork.
Even the tables are made from recycled Colorado hardwood!
Dining options include everything from gourmet burgers and salads to finger-licking delights such as poutine.
The atmosphere is warm and casual; there’s a small fireplace with a central table, and outdoor patio seating is available during the warmer months.
If you enjoy good food with an even better ambiance, consider The Colorado Room.
You’ll make memories with your loved ones in a unique setting that’s perfect for your Rocky Mountain getaway.
Address: 642 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
14. Avery House
Built in 1879, the Avery House is one of the oldest homes in the area; it’s actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was established as the homestead of a rich banker and his wife.
During their years of residence, they continually expanded on the property, transforming it from a simple two-story home into a grand piece of architecture and a talking point of Fort Collins.
Today, the house has been converted into a museum.
You can look at the rooms, halls, parlors, and Queen Anne towers to see how the elite lived back in the 19th century.
You can also venture outdoors and take in the sights of gardens, fountains, gazebos, and carriage houses.
The Averys had a lot of money, and they knew how to spend it!
Some of the coolest things to do in Fort Collins are also the oldest.
If you’re at all interested in history, make sure to check out the Avery House.
It’s a standing testament to the lives and legacies of those who knew Fort Collins before you.
Address: 328 W Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
15. Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum
One of the more unique things to do in the city, the Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum is exactly what it sounds like: a museum dedicated to the culture of the 1980s, one that also serves pizza, chicken wings, cheese curds, and other guilty pleasure delights.
Nostalgia is the name of the game at this museum.
Exhibits range from toys to magazines to vintage cereal boxes, and there’s an endless assortment of ’80s pop culture memorabilia, including a Han Solo in carbonite and the real bike used in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.
You can play old-school arcade games; you can marvel at props and posters from classic movies and television shows.
Everything pops with color and an unabashed joy for older, simpler times.
Are you wondering what to do in Fort Collins this weekend?
Are you looking for an experience that you’ve never had before?
Take a walk down memory lane with the Totally 80’s Pizza and Museum.
As the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to this decade, it’ll be a one-of-a-kind visit.
Address: 2567 S Shields St Unit 4C, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States
16. Ginger and Baker
Originally built in the early 1900s, Ginger and Baker started as a feed and grain supply store that served both local residents and pioneers passing through Colorado.
Today, it’s been converted to a multipurpose dining space, but it still retains its turn-of-the-century architecture and country charm.
Places to see at Ginger Baker include a cafe, market, bakery, and rooftop bar.
You can enjoy “farm to fork” cuisine with locally sourced ingredients; you can sip cocktails in front of a fireplace or with the backdrop of a live band; you can watch bread being kneaded and cupcakes being topped with frosting.
Ginger and Baker is also a place for many community events, so if you’ve ever wanted to take a cooking class or play “pie bingo,” this is the spot for it!
Consider a trip to Ginger and Baker if you’re looking for yummy fun that will also support the local economy.
Just like the pioneers of the past, you can pull up, fill your belly, and restock on supplies before heading out for further adventures.
Address: 359 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
17. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures
With the goal of cultural understanding, the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures showcases artwork from all over the world.
From Chinese woodblocks to Hungarian paintings to Indian dolls, it has a little something for everyone.
You can explore entire societies without ever leaving Colorado!
Admission to the museum ranges from $1 – $5, so if you’re looking for cheap things to do, it can also be a good choice for travelers on a budget.
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of half-priced Fridays, either.
Ultimately, a trip to the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures can be one of the most interesting things to do in Fort Collins, and it won’t even break the bank.
It’s entirely possible to experience art and culture while on the budget.
Just visit Global Village!
Address: 200 W Mountain Ave # C, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
18. Magic Rat Live Music
While Fort Collins has a number of music venues, there’s something special about Magic Rat Live Music.
Calling itself “off-beat and uniquely comfortable,” it offers a cozy and intimate space to appreciate live music, and it’s frequented by eclectic crowds that are often just as interesting as the performers.
Every genre of music is welcome at Magic Rat, including pop, rock, funk, and folk.
The acts range from local talent to big-name artists dropping by Colorado.
While you enjoy the band on stage, you can also eat and drink from a full menu provided by the Emporium, an American brasserie located near the venue.
Magic Rat Live Music is one of the best places to go for music lovers in Fort Collins.
If you enjoy the thumping of a good bass while you sip on a cocktail, swing by at night and see who’s playing!
Address: 111 Chestnut St, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
19. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show is a worldwide phenomenon, and as luck would have it, you can experience it right in Fort Collins.
It’s one of the best ways to experience a fun, dynamic evening filled with laughs, twists, and a few good old-fashioned murders!
The idea is simple.
As you dine, you’ll enjoy a show from costumed actors playing out a murder mystery in real time.
At this show, however, the detectives and suspects also interact with the audience, some of whom are hidden actors themselves.
The end result is a wild ride that’ll provide tons of entertainment value with your meal.
You may or may not be called upon to answer questions or defend your motives.
Do you have what it takes to protect your good name?
Buy tickets for the Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show and find out!
Address: 425 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States
20. The Lincoln Center
Hailed as one of the best Fort Collins attractions, The Lincoln Center is among the largest performance arts venues in the entire state of Colorado.
It’s certainly one of the busiest: New events are scheduled every single week!
Shows range from plays and musicals to children’s programs and band performances.
There are two performance halls; one is a small, intimate 220-seater while the other is a grand and impressive 1,180-seater.
Other points of interest in the facility include ballrooms, outdoor terraces, and rooftop patios.
It’s a popular site for big events such as weddings and business expos.
If you’re looking to enjoy a night on the town in Fort Collins, consider swinging by The Lincoln Center.
There’s always something new on the schedule, and you’ll be able to have a fun, memorable experience for your vacation.
Address: 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
21. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
What do fossils, bicycles, and music records have in common?
They’re just a few of the 30,000 objects showcased at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery!
Fun for both children and children at heart, this interactive, hands-on museum can offer a great time for everyone in the family.
The little ones will love playing and exploring while mom and dad will appreciate the fact that they’re learning even as they’re running around and having a blast.
Notable exhibits include fossil walls, moving trains, music and sound labs, insect hotels, and model spacecraft.
There’s an animal encounter zone and a playground zone.
You can even forage for food like your ancestors did!
All things considered, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is one of the top places to go in the city.
It’s a must-see destination if you want to combine education and entertainment.
Address: 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
22. Gardens on Spring Creek
Stretching for more than 12 miles as a tributary of the Cache La Poudre River, Spring Creek is already beautiful, but it reaches even new heights thanks to the Gardens on Spring Creek.
This botanical garden is filled with gorgeous and fragrant flowers from all around Colorado, but they’re conveniently grown together for the sake of Fort Collins visitors.
You’ll start by passing through the entryway garden.
Once inside, you can choose to wander through rock gardens, rose gardens, hummingbird gardens, and prairie gardens.
There’s a glass-walled butterfly house; there’s a great lawn and pavilion.
You can explore at your leisure while surrounding yourself with natural elegance on all sides.
Are you headed to Fort Collins near a major holiday?
You can also check out special events hosted in the gardens.
These include summer camps, fall cooking classes, Halloween and Christmas parties, and more.
A trip to the Gardens on Spring Creek is one of the top things to do in Fort Collins.
Even if you aren’t usually the type to go gaga over gardenias, the sights here will change your mind.
Address: 2145 Centre Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526, United States
23. FoCo Cafe
FoCo Cafe is an utterly unique restaurant in Fort Collins.
Rather than charging set prices for its dishes, it employs a “pay what you can” system.
Generous patrons can pay more; those struggling financially can pay less, but they’ll still receive a nutritious and high-quality meal.
There’s also an option of working off your bill through volunteer labor.
The restaurant works primarily because of donors, volunteers, and other good-hearted folks in the Fort Collins community.
They wanted to ensure that everyone had access to healthy eating options, so they created a space to make it happen.
Do you want to make a difference while on vacation?
Pay it forward with a soup or salad at the FoCo Cafe.
Not only will you be helping the less fortunate, but you’ll also be treating yourself to a meal that’s delicious and healthy.
It’s a virtue with every bite!
Address: 225 Maple St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
24. Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area
Some of the best places to visit in Colorado are the ones untouched by modern civilization.
One of these beautiful and rugged destinations is the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area.
A federally designated National Heritage Area, this nature and wilderness preserve offers miles and miles of pure, undeveloped landscapes.
While there are still things like trailheads and campgrounds, you won’t find any big buildings polluting the air or outshining the stars.
It’s a great place to connect and commune with nature.
You don’t have to just sit on the ground and meditate, however.
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy while exploring the scenic spots of the preserve.
You can go hiking, biking, tubing, fishing, kayaking, and more!
Open year round, the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area is definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of the outdoors.
Whether you’re visiting tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, or next summer, you’ll enjoy your time in one of Fort Collins’s most beautiful destinations.
Address: 3745 E Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525, United States
25. City Park
Are you wanting to do something fun and free in Fort Collins?
You might want to visit City Park.
Its name says that the city council owns and takes care of it, so there is no fee to use any of its many features.
You can walk along the paths, have a picnic on the grass, fish in the lake, swim in the community pool, and hit some balls on the tennis court at the park.
Your pet is welcome, and there are even days when the pool is just for dogs.
You can bring your dog or just watch them shake their fur all over the place.
The park is great because it’s open all year, and the things you can do change with the seasons.
For example, when it’s cold, you can switch out your tennis stick for ice skates or fishing gear for the ice.
City Park is one of the best places to visit in Fort Collins all around.
People from the area and people from other countries love going there for a reason.
Address: 1500 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
26. Magic Bus Tours
If it’s hard for you to decide which Fort Collins sites to visit, you could pick them all!
If you go on a Magic Bus Tour, you can visit bars, restaurants, horse farms, whitewater rapids, and more.
One-day trips will take you to the city’s best spots.
With Magic Bus Tours, you can choose from a number of different tours.
– Tours of Old Town Fort Collins that are haunted or have “haunted history”
– You can walk, ride a bike, or take a limo bus to see the brewery.
tours that go from farm to table on local farms and ranches; trips that take place outside and include activities like kayaking and trout fishing;
With Magic Bus Tours, you can pretty much pick your own journey.
If you like the first tour, you can even come back for more!
Address: Fort Collins, CO, United States
27. Downtown Fort Collins
People coming to Fort Collins often stop in downtown, which is also known as “Old Town Fort Collins.”
It still has a lot of the buildings that were built in the pioneer era, and it feels so charming and old-fashioned that Disneyland’s Main Street was based on it!
Downtown Fort Collins has a lot of interesting places to visit, like the Old Town Square, which is where many of the shops, cafes, museums, galleries, and stores are gathered.
You can go on a walk with a guide or look around on your own.
Many tours have themes, so if you’re interested in a certain subject, you can go on walks about food, history, ghosts, or breweries.
Tour companies also like scavenger hunts because they are a fun way to see the places and do something different.
For generations, downtown Fort Collins has been a place where people go to drink.
People in covered wagons used to come, but now it’s tourists with smartphones and “bucket list” items.
Don’t miss this great place that has been visited by many people over the years!
Address: 19 Old Town Square Suite #230, Fort Collins, CO 80524, United States
Start Planning Your Trip To Fort Collins
The Centennial State is waiting for you.
Using these fun things to do in Fort Collins, you can plan an exciting and exhilarating trip that’ll create lifelong memories of your time spent in Colorado!
Happy travels.