I like American small towns – they just teach you how to slowww down. With its 150.000 people you wouldn’t necessarily think Fort Collins could be considered as one, but FoCo (as the locals affectionally name it) just oozes a tranquil and down to earth-kind of vibe. Like much of Colorado, the town of Fort Collins is a home to easy going people, who like the simple life and appreciate all things local. On top of that, just about everyone seems to own a doggo and that basically equals good folks.
The town’s unique charm and old-fashioned feel make it a great place to visit, or even one where you want to settle down for a while. Its main street is a lively hub of restaurants and quirky shops. But the best thing about Fort Collins might be its proximity to some truly lovely hiking and biking trails – its basically one big playground here once you leave the city center. If you’re an outdoorsy person it must be great if you can consider these paths your backyard.
All in all you can say that towns like these are hard to come by.
I visited FoCo in July and August and though these summer months are sizzling in this area for sure they’re also a great time for a visit due to the plethora of activities: foodie walks, music and theater festivals, a weekly outdoor cinema event. Even the doggos keep entertained as in summer you can join Pooches Plunges or make a flower crown for your four-legged friend.
If I had to come back I’d plan my visit in the fall preferably as I can imagine the town and its backdrops covered in autumn leafs must be quite something to behold. But I think no matter the season you’re visiting; FoCo will treat you nicely for sure!
Check out in here what fun stuff there’s to do in the area:
Horsetooth Reservoir
From prairie-dogs filled meadows to soaring peaks; a ride to Horsetooth Reservoir has it all! Although it’s not an easy climb to the reservoir, once you made it to the edge the views are totally worth it. On the one hand you have a beautiful panorama of the city and on the other you can smell the fresh air of the Rocky Mountains.
If you’re in for more activities, the lake invites you for boating, paddle boarding and swimming. Hikers won’t be disappointed too as there are trails leading to Horsetooth falls and the high-in-the-sky Horsetooth mountain from the southern side of the reservoir.
Old Town Square & Downtown FoCo
Loads and loads of flowers, red-brick buildings, a couple of street-carts, children laughing and playing in and around the fountains, a car-free Old Town Square, a painted piano that invites everyone to play – you might get it; the downtown streets of FoCo are utterly charming.
Rumor has it that the Old Town Square even inspired Disneyland’s main street and despite the many modern brands that you can find around the square it, the area does indeed feel like a blast from the past.
Museum of Discovery
No idea what to do on a rainy day? Visit the Museum of Discovery, fun for adults and kids alike! The museum might be small, but it features some fun stuff to see and do. It’s divided in a musical part, a local history area and wildlife section. It’s interactive and indeed made to ‘discover things’. Hit the tornado booth for example, jam out on the virtual instruments or see how the skeleton of a bison looks like!
Go for a coffee and an experience to FoCo Cafe
A no-nonsense and non-profit cafe, just a bit north of town. It’s close to both the bus station and the Museum of Discovery if you’re in dire need of a cup of caffeine in between.
The cafe has a pay-what-you-can concept and it seems to be successful too. The menu is based on whatever’s available and changes every day. Those who have less can browse the outside fridge that stars nearly-expired and whatever’s left produce.
Although you have to get used to the funky vibe in here for a bit – it’s worth checking this quirky spot out.
Hit the trails!
FoCo is a neat place for cyclers and hikers (with pooches!) alike as there are just so many trails in the area. And this means there’s some for everyone :): from steep and technical roads to easy and effortless ones. The views along the road are pretty too, as the mighty peaks of the rockies are never far away and birds will brighten your view for sure as well. Ride along the Cache la Poudre River, try to spot one of those turtles and pelicans along the Fossil Creek Trail, cruise towards the southern Boyd Lake, make your acquaintance with the prairie dogs on the Spring Creek Trail or make your way to elevated Horsetooth Reservoir.
Have detailed look at the trails in here. Also, I’d recommend you to download the app maps.me. In general a convenient download as this app shows you all of the trails all over the world.
Raise a glass at a brewery
Fort Collins is famous for its many local breweries. Considering that FoCo isn’t that big of a city it’s astonishing you can find 25 of them spread throughout the area.
Every brewery has another vibe and particular style of brewing. I only went to New Belgium Brewery Company, so I can’t tell you about the other ones, but I really liked the atmosphere of this one. The brewery has a large outdoor courtyard with music, games, a food truck, resting areas and even pooches are welcome in here!
On top of that, I think the brewery is a great place for the novice and skilled craft beer fan alike. New Belgium offers a large variety of beer including sour beer and unique fruit flavours such as passion fruit and orange. The 1,5-hour tour is free to join for everyone and will teach you all about the company’s history, their specific brewing processes and the company culture. You get to taste a couple of beers too!
I’d say if you have the time, try this one out for sure! But why not add another one to the list. I can imagine one tour is quite enough, but most of the breweries have a lovely ‘Beergarten’ worth visiting too. Cheers!
The Little Bird Bakery
It is what it is: a bake shop! The daily selection of baked goods is amazing. They serve all kinds of stuff in here ranging from pies to cookies, to madeleines and breads, as well as croissants and their own kind of ‘oreo’s’ with a twist. If you’re not in the mood for this kind of sugar rush, they have some filling breakfasts in here too, with home-made granolas, the better kind of yoghurts and oats. During lunch they serve sandwiches and salads on top of that.
The bakery is located on a corner of the Old Town Square, so some nice people- and dog-watching is conveniently included too!
Benson Sculpture Garden
Honestly, this site isn’t necessarily within Fort Collins, but it’s worth a little detour. Benson Sculpture garden is an open park where you can freely walk around. The sculptures in here seem to be endless. Even if you’re not into artsy stuff this is a fun activity, also on warm days as there are lots of trees providing shade. Most of the artists come from the area and the objects often make you laugh from time to time for sure!
Where to stay on a budget?
Fort Collins has quite a few hotels, but if you’re backpacking and want to stay on the budget, opt for Fernweh Inn & Hostel. The hostel is very cosy and clean and although a little out of downtown, not too far from it either. Most of the rooms are dorms, yet spacious and only with four people per room. The vibe in the hostel is just very tranquil and if you need a ride to the Rockies, there’s a fat chance you can catch one in here!
