Outside of the usual spots like Colorado State University and the Museum of Discovery, Fort Collins has much to offer for anyone. Beer tastings, hiking breathtaking mountain trails and spending a night out on the town at a comedy show are little nuggets of joy the city offers.
Here are ten things to do in and around Fort Collins.
Masonville Mercantile
9120 North County Road 27, Masonville
Located within the foothills southwest of Fort Collins, Masonville Mercantile has become a historical Colorado fixture. From its opening in 1896 as a gold rush-era trading post to a 3.2 bar and antique store in the 1970s, Masonville Mercantile has lived many lives, and visitors from across the nation have gathered there to indulge in the spot's unique offerings. After becoming a hub for cyclists and vintage lovers in 2018, Masonville faced closure and went on auction in late 2024. Fortunately, the mercantile was saved in May 2025 and is preparing for its 130th anniversary in 2026. If you are looking for steampunk, western or gothic apparel alongside antiques and gifts, Masonville Mercantile is your best bet.
Foothills (shopping center)
215 East Foothills Parkway, Fort Collins
Wanting a taste of retail right in the city? Right within the heart of FoCo is Foothills Shopping Center, where many arrive to shop, dine and experience local entertainment. With over thirty retail stores and fifteen tasty food spots, it's time to stop, drop and shop around the mall. For those seeking live entertainment, SMOK BBQ Beer Garden hosts karaoke nights every Tuesday and Music on the Lawn takes place on the Easy Lawn stage every Friday until August.
Vern's Place
4120 West County Road 54G, Laporte
Back in 1946, brothers Willard and Vern Nelson established the location just northwest of Fort Collins as a sporting goods store, roadside diner and filling station. Known to be the potshot prior to heading toward the Poudre Canyon, Vern's Place earned a reputation for homestyle food and great neighborly service. Vern's Place was under different management for decades until Harvey and Dinah Kittle took over and created massive change in their 33 years as owners. In 2023, local restaurateurs Alan and Jackie Jantzen purchased Vern's Place and have continued the commitment to community, hard work and great bites, especially as the 80th anniversary of Vern's takes place next year.
Odell in Fort Collins made the 2023 list of the top fifty producing craft brewing companies.
Courtesy Odell Brewing
800 East Lincoln Avenue, Fort Collins
Sometimes referred to as the "Napa Valley of Beer," Fort Collins has quite the range of breweries that fit almost any need and taste. Founded in 1989 by the Odell family, a sense of community and true passion for beer has continued on for over thirty years at Odell Brewing Company. From operating the largest carbon dioxide recapture system in the state's craft beer industry to contributing to hundreds of nonprofits annually, Odell is here for the community in any aspect. The independent, employee-owned establishment has expanded into the Five Points and Sloan's Lake neighborhoods in Denver, but the flagship location is in FoCo.
Aggie Theatre
204 South College Avenue, Fort Collins
Latin Night, Shrek Rave and Yung Gravy all have one thing in common: they will take over the Aggie Theatre stage this year. With live performances and sets being hosted nearly every weekend, the Aggie Theatre is the perfect hub for a night out on the town. Built in 1906, the Aggie was once a furniture store and movie theater before becoming a music venue in 1996. Known as the most historical venue in town, the theatre has hosted acts such as Tyler, The Creator, John Mayer and Soulja Boy. With a capacity of 650 people, the premier independent music venue offers an intimate yet powerful space for music goers and fans alike to bond over many genres of music.
little on mountain
1046 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins
Inspired by two restaurants in Los Angeles and Vail, owners Brent Jackson and Dan Smalhesier wanted an intimate yet immersive dining experience where people care for others. Although the menu is "little," the community that the restaurant fosters is big and bright. little on mountain sources local producers as much as it can. Vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, seafood and breweries are easily traced back within the community, emphasizing the importance of community and supporting local whenever possible.
The Forks Mercantile & Saloon
17685 North Highway 287, Livermore
The Forks has lived many lives: hotel, post office, gathering center and dance hall. Newcomer from Chicago R.O. Roberts opened the location as a hotel (and literal fork in the road) in 1875 in what we know now as US-287. The original building was made up of donated lumber from local loggers in Poudre Canyon and became a hotspot for travelers, workers and locals who passed by Fort Collins. After a devastating fire burned down the building in 1985, community members came together to rebuild The Forks in its exact location north of FoCo. Since re-opening in 1990, the mercantile has served fantastic sandwiches, ice cream and drinks to anyone who enters the doors. The pioneer spirit is alive and well at The Forks, so make sure to check out some of its historic artifacts, like the original phone booth.
Totally 80's Pizza & Museum
2567 South Shields Street 4C, Fort Collins
For those wanting a blast from the past, the search is finally over with Totally 80's Pizza & Museum. Ccreator Alex Morgan took ten years to collect all of the '80s-themed memorabilia in the museum. With the idea of younger generations learning about the iconic decade, guests can order pizza, appetizers and ice-cold beer on tap while they explore significant milestones that occurred during the decade of decadence. Founded in 2014, Totally 80's has the world's largest '80s pop culture keepsakes, such as computers, cereal boxes and autographed photos. You never know who will arrive at Totally 80's; icons such as Corey Feldman and Robin Shelby have made appearances.
Glen Echo Resort
31503 Poudre Canyon Road Highway 14, Bellvue
For a century now, Glen Echo Resort northwest of Fort Collins has been a riverside refuge for people all over the world. Initially, the resort started out as a tent camp and general store. Founder John F. Cooke offered a place for travelers and outdoorsmen to rest, relax and take in the fresh alpine air. Although it was named Cook's Camp, the name "Glen Echo" came from a nearby canyon spot where voices and sounds easily echo off the walls. The resort's store and restaurant, standing in the Rockies at 7,200 feet, burned down in 2002 and Glen Echo was rebuilt. Now, as the resort celebrate its 100th year, those who explore the Cache La Poudre River can rest assured there is a spot for them to relax, dine and cozy up in the heart of the Roosevelt National Forest.
Blue Moose Art Gallery
4032 South College Avenue, Fort Collins
With an ever-evolving arts scene, Blue Moose Art Gallery truly has it all. Professional art pieces, incredible gifts and events that will lift your spirits are housed under Blue Moose. The work of over eighty artists, mainly from Northern Colorado, is featured in the gallery and their work can be purchased in person or online. Whether it be pottery, fiber arts or woodworking, the avenues of art encompass over 3,000 handmade pieces that are gift-worthy. Each month, the Blue Moose hosts over 25 classes that teach visitors art forms and techniques featured in the gallery. Throughout the year, events such as Art After Hours and the Miniature Originals Show foster community through the arts in every way.
