5 fun ways to explore Fort Collins

Student blows on large dandelion

Fort Collins, Colorado: a college town that won’t leave you yawning on the weekends. A plethora of outdoor recreation options, local events, and an easygoing feel create a fun, adventurous atmosphere that’s perfect for college students. The city regularly steals the hearts of our future Rams, and it’s easy to understand why.

Here are a few of the ways you can get out and explore Fort Collins as a Ram.

#1. Spend a day on the water

A student paddle boards on the Horsetooth Reservoir

If you’re a water enthusiast, Fort Collins won’t disappoint. With the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir in our backyard, you’ll have access to a variety of activities. Paddle board and kayak rentals allow you to hit the water with little notice. If you’re looking for more of a thrill, grab a group and go whitewater rafting along the Poudre. Just north of downtown, there’s also a whitewater park that offers safe, year-round access to the Poudre River, which runs through town.

#2. Head to the hills for a show

A concert plays at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre

If you’re a fan of great music and the beauty of Colorado, you won’t be disappointed by our local outdoor amphitheatre, the Mish. The Mishawaka Amphitheatre is a concert venue located at the base of the Poudre Canyon in the Rocky Mountain foothills. The canyon creates a natural amphitheater for sound, allowing fans to have a high-quality outdoor concert experience. It’s a much-loved spot by fans and bands alike, garnering attention from popular performers in a range of genres. Since the venue is tucked into a canyon, parking is limited. You’ll need to ditch the car and book a ride on the Mish’s shuttle to catch a show. Shuttle pick-ups happen right here on campus.

#3. Get a sugar fix in Old Town

Students grab a treat at Walrus Ice Cream.

Walrus Ice Cream, located in the heart of Old Town, is a locally owned handmade ice cream shop. It’s a favorite spot for locals and students alike, and it’s not unusual to see a bit of a line leading in. Old Town Churn and Glacier Fort Collins are also local favorites in or near downtown.

If you’re not up for ice cream, stop by one of our other locally owned sweet shops: Nuance Chocolate and Mary’s Mountain Cookies.

#4. Explore the trails

Students hiking dirt trail

Fort Collins is an outdoor haven. We have hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails nearby for all skill levels just waiting to be explored! You can even rent a bike while you’re here!

Take a look at some of our trails near campus to get a feel for your options.

#5. Stop by a free local event

A concert takes place in Old Town

Downtown Fort Collins, which is only a 15-minute walk from campus (or a few minutes on the bus), offers a number of free events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include:

First Friday Art Walk

Head downtown on the first Friday of each month for a self-guided walking tour that celebrates creativity, culture, and community! You find a spectrum of artistic styles for art aficionados of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.

Food Truck Rally

Every Tuesday in the summer months, you can feast on food truck fare while chilling in the park and enjoying live music. The event is free, but you’ll have to pay for the food from the trucks.

Lagoon Summer Concert Series

The Lagoon Summer Concert Series is a midweek summer escape for great live music, food and fun. Located at the scenic lagoon at Colorado State University, the free concert series is a staple of the Northern Colorado music scene.

Bohemian Nights

From June to September, the city hosts a free concert series in Old Town Square.

Tour de Fat

Put on your best costume and hop on your bike. The original New Belgium Brewery bike parade and concert happens annually in September. The concert isn’t free, but the parade is.

Tour de Corgi

Hundreds of happy Corgis parade in costume near Old Town in October. You won’t want to miss it.

Fort Collins Downtown lighting ceremony

During the winter months, Old Town is draped in beautiful winter lights. The lighting ceremony, held in November, offers free entertainment and a beautiful scene.

Stop by for a visit

Visit CSU and explore our amazing city while you're here.

Jill Baylis

Jill was a staff member in the Office of Admissions until 2019 when she moved to Denver. As a first-generation college student, she focused on simplifying the college admissions process and helping future Rams find community on campus.