Welcome to Fort Collins: The Choice City
Welcome to Fort Collins, consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, work, and play in America. Known affectionately by locals as the “Choice City,” Fort Collins is a vibrant community of 143,000 residents—ranging from Colorado State University students and ambitious professionals to families and active retirees.
What makes us different? It’s our “friendly-first” attitude. Whether you are grabbing a latte in a historic alleyway or hiking the foothills, you’ll find a casual, welcoming spirit that defines the Northern Colorado lifestyle.
The Heart of the City: Historic Old Town
Did you know that our downtown served as the inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland? When you wander through Old Town, you are stepping into a beautifully preserved piece of Americana.
- The Vibe: Red-brick streets, flower-filled planters, and twinkling lights overhead create a magical atmosphere year-round.
- The Experience: Explore remarkable local history, ride a meticulously restored 1919 trolley car, or discover hands-on science at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.
- Arts & Culture: From first-class theatrical performances and symphony concerts to the “Pianos about Town” program, the city is a living canvas. Visit during one of our many festivals to see local bands that often move from our small stages to national tours.
A World-Class Craft Beer Capital
You cannot talk about Fort Collins without mentioning the “liquid gold.” As the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado, we produce 70% of the state’s craft beer.
- The Giants: Take a tour of the world-famous New Belgium Brewing or visit the iconic Odell Brewing Co. * The Boutique Scene: If you prefer something smaller, the city is dotted with dozens of neighborhood nanobreweries where you can chat with the brewmaster while sampling a flight.
- Distilleries & More: Not a beer fan? The city has seen a recent boom in local distilleries and cideries, ensuring there is a “choice” for every palate.
Sports & Outdoor Recreation: Our Playground
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Fort Collins is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. We are a “Platinum Level” Bicycle Friendly Community, boasting over 280 miles of bike lanes and paved trails.
From the River to the Peaks
- The Poudre River: Colorado’s only “National Wild and Scenic River” flows right through our backyard. It’s the perfect spot for whitewater rafting, fly fishing, or a peaceful riverside picnic.
- Horsetooth Reservoir: Just minutes from downtown, this 6.5-mile long reservoir is the hub for boating, paddleboarding, and rock climbing.
- Hiking & Biking: Hike the iconic Horsetooth Rock for a panoramic view of the city and the Front Range, or explore the miles of multi-use trails through our pristine City and State Parks.
- CSU Spirit: Join the sea of green and gold to cheer on the CSU Rams at the state-of-the-art Canvas Stadium.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
When the sun goes down, the Choice City really shines. Our culinary scene ranges from “farm-to-table” fine dining to “college-town” fast-casual staples.
Diverse Flavors
Whether you are craving authentic international cuisine, award-winning steaks, or a late-night salsa dancing session, the options are endless. The city offers everything from opera and ballroom dancing to underground jazz clubs and indie rock venues.
Retail Therapy
Shopping in Fort Collins offers a mix of local charm and major brands:
- Downtown Boutiques: Find one-of-a-kind gifts, local art, and specialized outdoor gear in the historic district.
- Front Range Village: Located in the southern part of the city, this sprawling lifestyle center offers major retailers and convenient dining.
- The Foothills: A revitalized shopping destination featuring a mix of fashion, home goods, and entertainment.
Why Visit Fort Collins?
There is a unique rhythm here—a balance between the energy of a major university town and the serenity of the Rocky Mountains. You can spend your morning soaring in a hot air balloon over the plains and your evening enjoying a world-class symphony performance.
Fort Collins isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. We invite you to explore our galleries, wander through our museums, and discover for yourself why so many people choose to call this corner of Colorado home.
