9 Must-Do Fort Collins Adventures (That Aren’t Brewery Tours)

Fort Collins might be famous for its craft beer scene, but there’s so much more to this Colorado gem than brewery tours. The city and its surrounding areas offer amazing outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor wanting to experience the real Fort Collins, these nine adventures will show you what makes this place truly special.

1. Explore Horsetooth Reservoir

Nestled against dramatic rock formations, Horsetooth Reservoir sparkles like a blue jewel just minutes from downtown. The 6.5-mile-long reservoir creates a playground for water enthusiasts of all kinds.

Rent a kayak and glide across the crystal-clear waters, or challenge yourself on a stand-up paddleboard. The swimming beaches offer perfect spots for cooling off during hot summer days.

Hikers will love the trails that wind around the reservoir’s edge, offering breathtaking views that change with the seasons. For the ultimate experience, pack a picnic and find a secluded cove to watch the sun paint the sky and water with brilliant orange and pink hues.

2. Stroll Through Old Town Fort Collins

Walt Disney himself was so charmed by Old Town’s historic architecture that it inspired Disneyland’s Main Street USA. The magic remains today in this vibrant district where colorful Victorian buildings house unique boutiques and local treasures.

Street performers often add musical ambiance as you wander past flower-filled planters and historic landmarks. Duck into independent bookstores, browse art galleries showcasing local talent, or hunt for vintage finds in eclectic shops.

When hunger strikes, the food scene offers everything from farm-to-table restaurants to quirky cafés. Don’t miss the painted pianos scattered throughout – they’re free for anyone to play, adding unexpected melodies to your Old Town adventure.

3. Bike the Poudre River Trail

Freedom awaits on two wheels along this stunning riverside path. The Poudre River Trail stretches for 21 glorious miles, offering an escape into nature without leaving city limits.

Rent a cruiser from one of the local bike shops and feel the gentle breeze as you pedal alongside the rushing Cache la Poudre River. The paved trail accommodates all skill levels, making it perfect for families and serious cyclists alike.

Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead, deer grazing in meadows, and the occasional fox darting through underbrush. Natural resting spots appear around every bend, inviting you to pause and appreciate the mountain views that frame this peaceful corridor.

4. Visit the Gardens on Spring Creek

A living canvas of colors and textures awaits at this botanical wonderland. The Gardens on Spring Creek transforms with the seasons, offering something new to discover with each visit.

Wander through themed gardens that showcase everything from prairie wildflowers to mountain plants native to Colorado. The butterfly house flutters with delicate wings during summer months, while the children’s garden encourages little ones to dig, explore, and connect with nature.

Photography enthusiasts find endless inspiration among the carefully designed landscapes. The Gardens also hosts seasonal events like the magical Garden of Lights winter display and summer concerts that fill the air with music as fireflies begin to twinkle at dusk.

5. Get Inspired at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Curiosity finds its playground at this innovative museum where science, history, and music collide in spectacular fashion. Unlike traditional museums, touching and interacting are encouraged here!

Control wind turbines, build and test flying machines, or create musical compositions on unusual instruments. The Music & Sound Lab lets visitors experiment with sound waves and vibrations through hands-on exhibits that delight all ages.

The highlight for many is the immersive Digital Dome theater, where 360-degree projections transport you through space, underwater ecosystems, or historical events. Local history comes alive through authentic artifacts and compelling stories about the people who shaped Fort Collins from its earliest days.

6. Take a Ghost Tour of Haunted Fort Collins

As darkness falls, a different side of Fort Collins emerges – one filled with spine-tingling tales and unexplained phenomena. Local guides lead brave souls through shadowy streets, revealing the city’s most haunted locations and the spirits said to linger there.

You’ll explore historic buildings where staff report mysterious footsteps and objects moving on their own. The tour ventures into normally off-limits areas like underground tunnels that once connected Old Town businesses during Prohibition.

Even skeptics find themselves captivated by the rich historical details woven into each ghostly account. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these tours offer a fascinating glimpse into Fort Collins’ colorful past – from wild west shootouts to tragic love stories that supposedly echo into our present day.

7. Catch a Show at the Lincoln Center

Standing as Fort Collins’ cultural cornerstone since 1978, the Lincoln Center brings world-class performances to this college town. The beautifully designed performance spaces host everything from Broadway touring productions to intimate chamber music concerts.

The art gallery showcases rotating exhibits featuring both established and emerging artists. Before showtime, the elegant lobby buzzes with excitement as patrons discuss the upcoming performance over drinks from the well-stocked bar.

Local theater companies put on stellar productions throughout the year, while the dance series brings contemporary and classical movement artists from around the globe. Check their calendar when planning your visit – catching a performance here offers a perfect evening of entertainment without a single mention of hops or barley.

8. Wander Through Art in Public Places

Fort Collins transforms ordinary streets into an open-air gallery through its impressive public art collection. Around every corner, surprising sculptures, vibrant murals, and functional art installations wait to be discovered.

The painted pianos program places colorfully decorated instruments throughout downtown, available for impromptu concerts by passersby. Massive murals transform plain building sides into stunning visual stories that reflect the city’s history and values.

Grab a free map from the visitor center or download the app that guides you through self-directed tours organized by theme or location. The collection grows yearly through the city’s commitment to dedicating funds specifically for public art, making Fort Collins itself a living canvas that rewards those who explore with curious eyes.

9. Spend a Day at Lory State Park

Wild beauty stretches across 2,600 acres at this outdoor paradise nestled against the foothills. Lory State Park offers the perfect escape from city life without requiring a long drive into the mountains.

Hikers can choose from trails ranging from gentle valley paths to challenging climbs that reward with panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the plains beyond. Mountain bikers love the technical single-track routes that wind through diverse terrain.

Horseback riders enjoy dedicated equestrian trails, while wildlife watchers might spot mule deer, foxes, or golden eagles. The park changes dramatically with the seasons – spring wildflowers carpet meadows, summer brings lush greenery, fall paints the landscape in gold and amber, and winter offers peaceful solitude on snow-dusted trails.