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| The Center of the Northern Colorado Experience |
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Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and alongside the banks of the Cache La Poudre River,  just 65 miles northwest of Denver, Fort Collins is the hub of northern Colorado. Outdoor adventure begins with Poudre River Canyon, extends to the Pawnee Grasslands and includes so much inbetween! Tubing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, cycling, affordable golfing and back to town for nightlife and entertainment. A family-friendly town and singles find it supreme too with its culture! Insider Tip: Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the town as a "base camp" to the Rocky Mountain region. |
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| Year-round Adventure and Recreation |
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Recreational opportunities abound in Fort Collins. Enjoy a hike through Horsetooth Mountain Park, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking views. Lory State Park, known for wildlife and wildflower trails, will satisfy hikers, bikers and horseback riders of all ages and experience.
 The beautiful Cache La Poudre River meanders through the middle of Fort Collins from its origins high in the Rocky Mountains, providing spectacular views and abundant water sports opportunities. Several outfitters offer whitewater rafting daytrips and kayak paddles down Colorado's only "Wild and Scenic" River.”
The Poudre River, with more than 60 miles of fishable water, is home to Native Cutthroats, Rainbows, Browns, Brooks and Mountain Whitefish, providing some of the best fly and reel fishing in Colorado.
Horsetooth Reservoir provides outstanding bouldering in the Front Range and, overlooking the reservoir, the famed Mental Block and Eliminator have attracted climbers far and wide. Best in the spring and fall, the area is accessible year-round.
From rustic to full-service campgrounds, Fort Collins has the perfect campsite for RVs or backpackers. And the beautiful trails and scenery make for an incredible Northern Colorado horseback riding experience. A variety of riding options are available in the area, from hourly rides to dinner rides to family pack trips. |
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| Family Fun |
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Fort Fun began as the vision of a Fort Collins couple and grew into a prime entertainment spot for residents and visitors. Two unique miniature golf courses, Fort Fantasy and Old Fort, will test ones  putting skills. With laser tag, arcade games, a picnic pavilion, go-carts, Balloon Blast, bumper boats, bumper cars and Auntie Stone’s restaurant, Fort Fun offers sufficient activities to keep a family engaged for the day.
The Fort Collins Museum is a regional center focusing on area history and culture. Along with artifacts and information about the area, the museum also has three actual cabins and an 1800s-era schoolhouse that visitors can explore.
Visitors of all ages will love the Discovery Science Center, with 100 interactive exhibits that entertain and educate. Areas such as the Electricity Room, Simple Machines, Light and Optics and Thoracic Park will keep one involved and intrigued during a visit.
The Environmental Learning Center is a unique natural resource comprising 212 acres with four distinct ecosystems: wetlands, riparian, cottonwood forest and a prairie ecosystem. Tour 2 ½ miles and trails with an interpretive brochure and view Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Grate Horned Owls and other native birds at the East Drake site.
Five major city parks and more than 40 neighborhood parks offer families all-season entertainment. In the summer, paddleboat on City Park Lake or ride a miniature train or trolley, pitch horseshoes, fish or hike. The parks offer excellent sledding, cross-country skiing and ice skating opportunities. Fossil Creek Community Park is the city’s newest and largest community park, sporting athletic fields and playgrounds as well as areas for quiet and solitude. Fossil Creek is a kid’s paradise, with the Tar Pits Play Area, Adventure Island, interactive water feature, an urban obstacle skateboard park and more.
Swetsville Zoo is not an ordinary zoo. Thirteen years ago, retired farmer Bill Swets took all his creations made from car parts, farm machinery and scrap metal and put them on display at his farm, which has grown into a quirky tourist attraction. A sculpture park area displays more than 150 creations, the Bungled Jungle features unusual animals and the Museum of Antique Oddities features antique tractors, a 10-seat bicycle and other strange relics. Admission is free and visitors are invited to bring picnic lunches or use the barbecue facilities. |
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| Fort Collins is The Napa Valley of Beer |
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From the King of Beers to Fat Tire, Fort Collins is home to five award-winning craft breweries and one of the best known large breweries in the world, Anheuser Busch. The Annual Colorado Brewers Festival in downtown Fort Collins takes place the last weekend in June. The festival – featuring great beer, food, music and fun – is comprised solely of Colorado Breweries, including the host breweries from Fort Collins. Colorado makes more beer than any other state (23.4 million barrels) and has the highest per capita number of craft breweries (92). Here's why Fort Collins is the "Napa Valley of Beer":The Annual Colorado Brewers Festival in downtown Fort Collins takes place the last weekend in June. The festival – featuring great beer, food, music and fun – is comprised solely of Colorado Breweries, including the host breweries from Fort Collins. Visit Anheuser Busch to learn how Budweiser is made and dive into the history of one of the longest-running brewing companies in the country. Complimentary samples of the various beers are available following the tours. The world-famous Clydesdales can be seen in their beautiful Rocky Mountain home, and once a month is Clydesdale Camera Day. Fort Collins Brewery is the newest microbrewery in northern Colorado, specializing in lagers only. Its unique Major Tom’s Pomegranate Wheat (crisp and fruity) is popular with customers as well as the Chocolate Stout, Retro Red and the GABF award-winning Rauchator Doppelbock. FCB experienced 80 percent growth in 2007 and is working on expanding its distribution on the West and East coasts. The brewery currently makes Doktor Lager, a pale lager, Edgar Lager, an amber lager, Z Lager with a slightly aromatic smoky flavor and Major Tom’s Pomegranate Wheat. They also have specialty brews on tap each month, featuring smooth, clean lagers brewed the hand-crafted way. large breweries in the world, Anheuser Busch. Colorado makes more beer than any other state (23.4 million barrels) and has the highest per capita number of craft breweries (92). Here's why Fort Collins is the "Napa Valley of Beer": CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewing, located in the historic J.L Hohnstein building in Old Town Square, has been brewing beer since 1989. There are always at least 10 handcrafted ales available, with styles to please the most “pedestrian” palates to the “stoutest” of beer enthusiasts. In 2008 there has been talk of a possible new 30,000 square-foot brewery. Coopersmith Pub & Brewing is located in the heart of Old Town Square and thrives on the epicenter effect of all downtown activities and events. From its humble beginnings in a basement to the opening of the brewery, New Belgium Brewing Company has produced such quality beers as regional favorites Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat and Blue Paddle Pilsner. Known as much for its commitment to the environment as its great beers, New Belgium has won awards as the first wind-powered brewery in America, as well as its natural warehouse lighting and use of recycled materials. New Belgium is the third largest brewery in Colorado and fifth largest craft brewery in the nation. Its new product (Sept. 2008) - Mothership Wit Organic Wheat Beer - is the brewery’s first all-organic brew. New Belgium and Elysian Brewing Company in Seattle, WA announced in early September 2008 a unique and new model in the industry by agreeing to brew at each other's breweries. By sharing facilities, the two breweries have the ability to increase efficiency and encourage creative experimentation. Odell Brewing Company was the second microbrewery established in Fort Collins and it is going strong today, with award-winners like 90 Shilling and 5 Barrel Pale Ale. The brewery specializes in English-style ales using imported British malts and hops to make their unique brews.Odell Brewing Company is family owned and operated and keeps pace with the beer industry by producing more than 30,000 barrels annually. Their 5 Barrel Pale Ale was the 2006 Great American Beer Festival’s Gold Medal winner. Visit Anheuser Busch to learn how Budweiser is made and dive into the history of one of the longest-running brewing companies in the country. Complimentary samples of the various beers are available following the tours. The world-famous Clydesdales can be seen in their beautiful Rocky Mountain home, and once a month is Clydesdale Camera Day. Fort Collins Brewery is the newest microbrewery in northern Colorado, specializing in lagers only. Its unique Major Tom’s Pomegranate Wheat (crisp and fruity) is popular with customers as well as the Chocolate Stout, Retro Red and the GABF award-winning Rauchator Doppelbock. FCB experienced 80 percent growth in 2007 and is working on expanding its distribution on the West and East coasts. The brewery currently makes Doktor Lager, a pale lager, Edgar Lager, an amber lager, Z Lager with a slightly aromatic smoky flavor and Major Tom’s Pomegranate Wheat. They also have specialty brews on tap each month, featuring smooth, clean lagers brewed the hand-crafted way. |
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| Art and Culture and More |
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From musical theater to dramatic theater, Fort Collins has it all. Lincoln Center is the city of Fort Collins’ cultural arts center, bringing to the area headlining Broadway shows and performers as well as local and regional events. Since opening its doors in 1978, the center has become one of Colorado’s largest and most diverse venues for professional theatre, dance, music, visual arts and children’s programs.
 Other great cultural experiences await at the Carousel Dinner Theater, the Bas Bleu, a theatre modeled after the great 18th century European literary salons; the Canyon Concert Ballet with its quality ballet training and productions; the Fort Collins Symphony, which brings music for the entire family to northern Colorado; and the Opera Company of Northern Colorado, which presents annually a major opera, a young people’s performance and other opera-related events.
The Museum of Contemporary Arts hosts a studio tour promoting contemporary art in the community, with more than 80 artists opening their personal studios and teaching visitors about their art and technique and revealing the creative process come to life.
Fort Collins and festivals go hand in hand, bringing the community together to reconnect with old friends, welcome visitors and just have a great time. June is the month of festivals, with the WineFest, Poudre River Fest, Taste of Fort Collins, Colorado Bug Classic and the Colorado Brewers Festival. The end of the Summer is celebrated with the NewWestFest, northern Colorado’s largest festival, which draws more than 120,000 guests and features more than 300 arts, crafts and food booths, Kids’ World, a carnival, two beer gardens and three stages of continuous entertainment. |
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| Experience Fort Collins’ History |
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From its origin as an army camp along the banks of the Poudre River, Fort Collins has become a modern city. The historic Old Town Square is rich in Fort Collins history and community. Here, a vibrant business district exists within historic buildings and new structures built to complement the original ones. The oldest surviving business in Fort Collins is City Drug, which traces its origins to 1873. Historic walking tours through the oldest part of the city takes visitors on a trek through the city’s past.
 The Avery House, a prestigious four-bedroom Victorian house made of sandstone mined from the area, was home to a prominent figure in Fort Collins history, Franklin C. Avery, who developed the plans for the city street and named them. Avery bank, First National Bank, and his Akin Live Stock Company opened the area for business to flourish. The Avery House has been fully restore and is filled with antiques from the 1800s.
In 1862, soldiers from the 9th Kansas Calvary at Fort Laramie were sent to what is now Laporte, to protect the Cherokee trail and to guard the Overland Stage Line. Because of Indian raids, the main route was moved and then followed the Poudre River, eventually connecting to the Cherokee Trail. Visitors can still experience part of this route today.
From its origin as an army camp along the banks of the Poudre River, Fort Collins has become a modern city. The historic Old Town Square is rich in Fort Collins history and community. Here, a vibrant business district exists within historic buildings and new structures built to complement the original ones. The oldest surviving business in Fort Collins is City Drug, which traces its origins to 1873. Historic walking tours through the oldest part of the city takes visitors on a trek through the city’s past.
The Avery House, a prestigious four-bedroom Victorian house made of sandstone mined from the area, was home to a prominent figure in Fort Collins history, Franklin C. Avery, who developed the plans for the city street and named them. Avery bank, First National Bank, and his Akin Live Stock Company opened the area for business to flourish. The Avery House has been fully restore and is filled with antiques from the 1800s.
In 1862, soldiers from the 9th Kansas Calvary at Fort Laramie were sent to what is now Laporte, to protect the Cherokee trail and to guard the Overland Stage Line. Because of Indian raids, the main route was moved and then followed the Poudre River, eventually connecting to the Cherokee Trail. Visitors can still experience part of this route today. |
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| Rest and Relaxation |
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After a full day of adventures, enjoy some of the secluded, relaxing activities in Fort Collins. The Shambhala  Mountain Center, one hour north of Fort Collins, offers hundreds of programs on Buddhist meditation, yoga and other contemplative disciplines on 600 acres in a mountain valley far from the stresses of daily life.
In the serenity of the mountains, 45 minutes from Fort Collins, is St. Walburga Abbey, home to a group of cloistered nuns. The abbey has a retreat house and welcomes visitors for day, overnight or weekend stays.
If road trips sound more appealing, scenic drives from the Pawnee Grasslands to the mountaintops offer breathtaking scenery all around the area. A walk along the Poudre River is an excellent way to rejuvenate a tired mind and body. The Poudre Trail meanders along the river for just over 8 miles. After a walk enjoy massages, body wraps and other pampering at one of the many spas in Fort Collins. |
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| Plan a Fort Collins Vacation |
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Fort Collins, the inspiration for the Disneyland Main Street California, is a four-season adventure vacation destination. Call the Fort Collins Convention and Visitor’s Bureau staff or peruse the Visitors Guide today for a dream vacation.
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| Note This! |
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~ League of American Bicyclists announced Fort Collins achieved GOLD LEVEL designation in the Bicycle Friendly Community Program. Fort Collins is one of nine other U.S. communities with the gold level designation (Sept. 24, 2008). ~ New Belgium Brewery, best known for its award-winning Fat Tire beer, recently started selling a new product -- Mothership Wit Organic Wheat Beer. It is the brewery's first all-organic brew. New Belgium's brewery is in Fort Collins and offers tours, tastings and twisty slide rides! (Sept. 4, 2008) ~ Fort Collins Bike Library opened April 5, 2008. Residents and visitors can borrow a bicycle and head to the Poudre River Trail - free of charge! ~ Fort Collins recognized as "#2 America's Best Places to Live 2008" (Money magazine, July 2008); "Towns for Retirement" (Where to Retire, June 2008); "#1 Best Place to Live-small city" (Money magazine, 2006); "34th Best Places to Live" (Kiplinger's magazine, 2006); "16th Best Places for Business and Career" (Forbes magazine, 2006); and "6th 100 Affordable Communities/Best Places to Raise Your Family" (Frommer's Travel, 2006). ~ Outdoor Life magazine listed Fort Collins #14 for Outdoor Town (2008). ~ Fort Collins was named "Dog-Friendly City" from Dog Fancy (2007). ~ Allstate Insurance named Fort Collins second for "Safest Drivers" (2006). ~ Fort Collins was recognized as a "Top Sustainable City" from the Sierra Club (2005). |
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