What to See and Do in Fort Collins
Fort Collins offers more than just mountain views. The city is lined with parks where you can walk, bike, or spread out for a picnic.
City Park and Spring Canyon Park both have trails, playgrounds, and open fields that draw families on weekends.
Horsetooth Reservoir, just west of town, is a popular spot for hiking, boating, and swimming in summer. Old Town is another draw, with historic storefronts now housing restaurants, breweries, and shops.
The district inspired the design of Disneyland's Main Street, but it functions as a working downtown with patios and live music.
The craft beer scene is nationally recognized, led by New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing, both of which offer tours and taprooms.
For an indoor experience, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery combines hands-on science exhibits with local history and culture.
Colorado State University's campus adds gardens, performance spaces, and sporting events that spill over into the community.
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is located in the Old Town district of Fort Collins, Colorado.
The fabled building boasts over 11,000 square feet of exhibit space, including education classrooms, community resource rooms, and retail and entertainment amenities.
The museum is home to some impressive achievements, such as the OtterBox Digital Dome theater, which plays short films in the dome theater style.
Other noteworthy features include an on-site archive and collections.
Additionally, the museum offers free admission to low-income community members through its Opportunity Program.
In addition to its many offerings, the museum hosts several educational programs and events throughout the year.
The museum is a popular tourist attraction and is not to be missed. This is particularly true if you are a fan of awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Fort Collins City Parks
There are several fun things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado, including a visit to the city's City Park.
It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This park features a large pool, slides, a tennis court, a volleyball court, a playground, and more.
The park is also home to an outdoor archery range, a splash pad, and a miniature Statue of Liberty model.
Fort Collins is a very family-friendly city. There are many attractions in town, and some of the most popular are located right in the city's center.
The city has several parks and natural areas open to the public.
One of the top attractions in Fort Collins is Gardens on Spring Creek. These gardens are located near the Poudre River.
They feature a butterfly house, gift shop, visitor's center, and more.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir is one of the best outdoor recreation spots in Northern Colorado.
It is a recreational park with hiking trails, cabins, and a marina. There are also 111 campsites available.
Horsetooth Reservoir is located in the foothills west of Fort Collins, Colorado. Its total capacity is 151,750 acre-feet.
It is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project (CBT) and is one of the twelve reservoirs constructed as part of the project.
The first water spilled into the reservoir in 1951. The Horsetooth Reservoir is now the primary water source for the Poudre Valley and the surrounding area.
Horsetooth Reservoir is also a popular fishing destination. Inlet Bay Marina offers boats for rent, along with fishing gear.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is a 2,700-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for those in Northern Colorado.
The area is home to scenic trails, scenic viewpoints, and a great selection of wildlife. In addition to hiking and biking, the area is also popular for fishing.
Horsetooth Reservoir, a 6.5-mile-long lake, is a popular destination for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts.
Fishing is available for bluegill, crappie, and perch. Boating and paddleboarding are also available.
Aside from these activities, the lake is ideal for kayaking and swimming. You can also stay in a boat-in campsite at Horsetooth Reservoir.
Hiking in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is a wonderful way to take in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Front Range scenery.
The area has 29 miles of trails, including Horsetooth Rock, which offers spectacular views.
During the spring, wildflowers bloom in the open space.
Museum of Art Fort Collins
The Museum of Art Fort Collins is located in a building that was once the post office in Fort Collins.
This building is a National Register of Historic Places. Located in Old Town, this museum is open seven days a week and is free to enter.
The Museum of Art Fort Collins has a gift shop and a fountain. You can take a guided tour through the museum or browse the displays.
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to enjoy a free exhibition.
The Museum of Art Fort Collins also features a monthly Art Walk.
Held from 6 pm to 9 pm, the Art Walk will feature a rotating selection of art and cultural exhibits. There are also many other fun activities to partake in.
Some of these include the Museum of Art Fort Collins, which has also been recognized for its ability to educate the public.
For example, they have a program called "Museums for All," which provides free admission to veterans during Memorial Day and Labor Day.
