Fort Collins Colorado Guide | Breweries, Old Town & Things to Do

Your Guide to Fort Collins

College town charm meets craft beer culture

Home to Colorado State University and more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else, Fort Collins strikes the perfect balance between college town energy and outdoor adventure. New Belgium and Odell put this town on the craft beer map.

Old Town Fort Collins inspired Disneyland's Main Street USA—that's how quintessentially charming it is. Brick streets, local boutiques, and restaurants fill the walkable downtown, while Horsetooth Reservoir and Poudre Canyon offer quick escapes into nature.

Located an hour north of Denver and 45 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance, Fort Collins makes an excellent base for exploring northern Colorado.

Explore Fort Collins

What makes Fort Collins special

BEER

Craft Breweries

New Belgium, Odell, Horse & Dragon, Funkwerks—over 30 breweries in town. Brewery tours, taprooms with mountain views, and the Colorado Brewers Festival every June.

DOWNTOWN

Old Town

Historic downtown with brick streets, local shops, and great restaurants. The model for Disneyland's Main Street. Live music venues, coffee shops, and year-round events.

LAKE

Horsetooth Reservoir

6.5-mile reservoir for boating, paddleboarding, and swimming. Hiking trails along the western shore with views of the town below. Popular sunset spot.

CANYON

Poudre Canyon

Colorado's only Wild & Scenic River. World-class fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and scenic drives. The canyon road leads to Cameron Pass and beyond.

CAMPUS

CSU Campus

Beautiful tree-lined campus with the Oval as its centerpiece. Free events, museums, and a vibrant college atmosphere that keeps the town young.

TRAILS

Trail System

50+ miles of paved trails connect neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces. The Poudre River Trail follows the river through town. Bike-friendly city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Fort Collins visit

How far is Fort Collins from Denver?

About 65 miles, roughly an hour via I-25. From DIA, expect 90 minutes. The drive is easy and direct. Bustang offers bus service for those without a car.

Which breweries should I visit?

New Belgium for the famous tour (book ahead). Odell for the taproom atmosphere. Funkwerks for sours. Horse & Dragon for local favorite. Zwei for German styles. You can't go wrong.

Is Fort Collins good for outdoor activities?

Excellent. Horsetooth Reservoir for water sports, Lory State Park for hiking, Poudre Canyon for fishing and rafting. The city trail system makes biking easy. Skiing is 2+ hours away.

Where should I eat in Fort Collins?

The Mayor of Old Town for upscale pub fare, Jax Fish House for seafood, Lucile's for Cajun brunch. Music City Hot Chicken for Nashville-style. Food trucks at breweries add options.

Fort Collins, Colorado