Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Fort Collins, Colorado
Year Listed: 2010
Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and along the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Fort Collins is a gem of North Central Colorado. One of the few communities to successfully retain its downtown pedestrian mall – known as Historic Old Town Square – the town is a vacation paradise comprised of walkable, bike-friendly streets featuring a dense collection of unique, locally owned businesses and ample recreational activities for all ages. With so much to offer, it's little wonder that Money magazine named this fun-loving college town the #1 best place to live in the nation.
Preservation Around Town
Few visitors to California's Disneyland realize that the theme park's 'Main Street, USA' is actually modeled on Fort Collins' Main Street. Accurately restored buildings and charming storefronts house upscale restaurants and casual cafes, art galleries, live performance venues and shops and serve as the backdrop for the city's multitude of annual festivals in the heart of Fort Collins. Preservationists will appreciate Fort Collins' award-winning restorations to the over 1,800 historic properties listed on the National, State or local historic register and designated historic districts characterized by architecture ranging from the nineteenth century to the 1950s.
Active Living
With an abundance of natural resources and breathtaking scenery at their doorsteps, it's no wonder that the locals of Fort Collins embrace the great outdoors and provide ample opportunity for their visitors to do the same. The downtown Bike Library rents bikes free of charge to those who wish to explore the city's 280 miles of bike lanes and 30 miles of bike trails, or participate in one of the "Bike the Sites" self-guided tours of Fort Collins' local mirco-breweries, historic sites and environmental attractions. The surrounding national parks and designated wilderness areas are the perfect settings for rock climbing, camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking and hiking.
Going Green in Fort Collins
Most recently named the 3rd Smartest City by the National Resources Defense Council for their sustainability efforts, Fort Collins has received international recognition for its longstanding commitment to green practices. A combination of wind energy, smart grid technology, peak load demand management and energy conservation practices are being developed in an effort to make downtown Fort Collins the first Zero Energy District in the nation.
Preservation is green. Learn more.
Don't Miss:
To plan your trip and learn more about Fort Collins, visit the Fort Collins Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by FCNative at: March 2, 2010
I grew up there and have moved away for work. I hope to move back someday. Fort Fun has a great mix of cowboys/cowgirls, entrepeneurs, outdoors seekers, scholars, the arts, fishers/hunters, religious and not, liberals and conservatives living together.
Submitted by windhaven at: February 27, 2010
I grew up in Fort Collins and my first job was as a soda jerk at Farley's Fountain downtown. It doesn't get much more Americana than that! It is absolutely a wonderful place to live and raise a family!
Submitted by Rosemary at: February 26, 2010
Fort Collins is the home of my cherished cousins, Heather Joan and Hugh, who have welcomed so many travelers from the East Coast and shared with them the area's beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventures! I look forward to my next visit...
Submitted by sam at: February 23, 2010
Fort Collins rocks
Submitted by CC Chaplain at: February 23, 2010
I love Fort Collins!
Submitted by Jen at: February 22, 2010
Go, Fort Collins!
Submitted by Boomer at: February 21, 2010
I Love You Fort Collins!!
Submitted by CHappy at: February 19, 2010
I moved here to live the CO dream over 14yrs ago, and realized it was way much more. Now with a family, my roots are deep. Great place to raise the kids. Unique place to 'BeLocal' and independent in business. Plethora of fantastic local brews. Recreation abounds here; mtn biking rock-climbing, fly fishing can be accessed by biking from your home. A drive up the Poudre Canyon to xcountry and tele-skiing, rafting, camping and hiking. Bring your outdoor adventurous side and stay a while. Read the cultural posts below, very true too
Submitted by just a native..... at: February 19, 2010
More cultural options than cities far larger - theater, music, dance, festivals, ethnic celebrations - many in the Old Town historic district. Outdoor recreation and activities in the parks are also abundant. Sunshine more than 300 days a year. People here are caring, active and intelligent.
Submitted by treeman at: February 18, 2010
Came here in the 70's for school and have been living here since then. Just as pleasant as you could want. Locals call it "Fort Fun"
Submitted by readsew at: February 17, 2010
I love this place! You can get pretty much anywhere on a bicycle, and the scenery is splendid. When I took relatives walking around Old Town, and then on an afternoon tour of the foothills and Poudre Canyon, they fell in love with the whole area! Ft. Collins is big on open space, and supports co-existence with wildlife. Old Town is pet-friendly and pedestrian-friendly. A great place for a family vacation, with free bike rentals. One can tour microbreweries, but there are also the Discovery Science Center, the Ft. Collins Museum (local history), the Avery House tour, and other kid-friendly attractions. Ft. Collins has something for everyone, without hype and tacky commercialism. The arts are alive and well, with small theatres, music venues, and art galleries. Young at heart, retirees love Ft. Collins, too!
Submitted by PJ at: February 17, 2010
Youthful, active, sunshine, outdoors, variety... you name it! Ft. Collins is to say the least INVIGORATING on all fronts!
Submitted by RealWriter at: February 16, 2010
Great shops, like Santa Fe Craftsman; cool restaurants like the Egg & I and Cooper & Smith's Pub and Brewing; fountains and statuary, alleyways lined with planters and places to sit...all with the Rocky Mountains as the view. A magical, energizing place. What's not to like?
Submitted by mary at: February 15, 2010
Loved it so much we when we visited that we moved here.
Submitted by MMO at: February 15, 2010
Great place to raise a family - have lived here 34 years and raised four children here! Beautiful, the climate is great and it is the best of all worlds living here!
Submitted by anon at: February 14, 2010
Fort Collins doesn't afraid of anything.
Submitted by Bill at: February 12, 2010
A very bike friendly place to commute around all year long--wide streets, many bike enthusiasts, moderate climate.
Submitted by Bob at: February 11, 2010
The variety of a big city with the feel of a small town.
Submitted by Mason at: February 11, 2010
Rocks!
Submitted by Kim at: February 11, 2010
Yes!