Fort Collins, Colorado, is a vibrant city in Northern Colorado, located about 65 miles north of Denver at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its historic downtown, craft breweries, Colorado State University, and access to outdoor recreation, Fort Collins combines urban attractions with beautiful natural surroundings.

Old Town Fort Collins

One of the city’s best-known destinations is Old Town, a historic district featuring distinctive architecture, independent shops, restaurants, cafés, and local businesses. Its unusual street layout dates back to the city’s early development in the 1870s and 1880s, when streets followed the angle of the Cache la Poudre River and the former military post, creating distinctive triangular blocks and flatiron-style buildings. Old Town Square, now a central gathering place for concerts, festivals, and community events, was created in 1985 as part of a downtown revitalization effort. Another fascinating fact is that Harper Goff, a Fort Collins native who became a Hollywood art director, used photographs of buildings from his hometown as inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland.

Colorado State University

Beyond its historic downtown, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, founded in 1870 as Colorado’s land-grant institution.

The university plays an important role in the city’s identity, contributing to its economy, research, education, and cultural life. CSU is particularly recognized for its programs in veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and atmospheric science. Its campus, research facilities, and university events are also important parts of the community.

A Renowned Craft Beer Scene

Fort Collins is also well known for its craft beer industry. New Belgium Brewing, founded in Fort Collins in 1991, and Odell Brewing Company, established in 1989, helped establish the city as a major destination for craft beer enthusiasts. New Belgium became especially well known for Fat Tire, a beer inspired by co-founder Jeff Lebesch’s cycling trip through Belgium. Today, numerous breweries and taprooms contribute to the local economy and make craft brewing an important part of the city’s identity.

Horsetooth Reservoir and the Rocky Mountain Foothills

In addition to its downtown attractions, Fort Collins offers easy access to outdoor recreation. Horsetooth Reservoir, located just west of the city, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming in designated areas. The surrounding foothills and distinctive rock formations create a dramatic landscape, while nearby Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers hiking opportunities and views across Northern Colorado.

The Cache la Poudre River

Another notable natural feature is the Cache la Poudre River, which flows through the Fort Collins area. Its name comes from a French expression meaning “hiding place for the powder,” associated with a story about French trappers who reportedly hid gunpowder in the region. The river is particularly significant because it was Colorado’s first and only designated National Wild and Scenic River, recognized for its natural, scenic, and recreational values.

Gardens, Parks, and Natural Areas

Fort Collins also offers a variety of parks and botanical attractions. The Gardens on Spring Creek features themed gardens, seasonal displays, educational programs, and special events. Across the city, parks and protected natural areas preserve local wildlife habitats and provide opportunities to enjoy the region’s landscapes throughout the year.

A Strong Local Business Community

Along with its university, breweries, and outdoor attractions, Fort Collins has a diverse economy supported by technology, research, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, and professional services. Locally owned restaurants, specialty shops, bakeries, breweries, and independent service providers all contribute to the city’s character and offer visitors plenty of ways to discover the local community.

Discover Fort Collins with Colorado Business Finder

We love visiting Colorado towns and discovering new places and interesting things along the way. During our visit to Fort Collins in September, we enjoyed seeing the Annual Flower Trial Garden at Colorado State University.

The garden featured more than 1,000 varieties of annual flowers, which were evaluated to see how well they performed in Colorado’s unique growing conditions. The colorful displays offered plenty of inspiration for gardeners and a wonderful opportunity to admire the beauty and variety of these flowers.

Want to see more photos and a video of the garden? Check out our social media pages!

Carrie and Peter

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