Fort Collins CO

Fort Collins, CO – A charming blend of outdoor adventure, craft beer culture, and small-town charm, Fort Collins is the perfect escape for nature lovers and city explorers alike. With a vibrant Old Town, scenic trails, and a thriving arts scene, this Colorado gem offers something for everyone, whether you're hiking the foothills or enjoying a locally brewed pint.

• Population: ~170,000
• Weather: Four-season climate (15-90°F); snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers, and crisp autumns.
• Places To Visit: Horsetooth Reservoir, Old Town Fort Collins, Gardens on Spring Creek, Museum of Discovery, CSU Oval.
• Top Activities: Hiking and biking the Poudre Canyon, brewery hopping, kayaking at Horsetooth, exploring farmers' markets, and catching live music downtown.
• Famous Food: Colorado-style green chili, farm-to-table dishes, homemade cinnamon rolls at the Silver Grill Café, and locally brewed craft beers.

Fort Collins, CO, is known for its strong economy, driven by industries like technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Many job opportunities exist in this growing city.

Fort Collins, Colorado, offers students some great spots to unwind, relax, and have a good time after hitting the books. With plenty of outdoor attractions, vibrant hangouts, and a fun music scene, there's something perfect to match everyone's style.

Old Town Square – Right in downtown Fort Collins, Old Town Square blends historic charm and laid-back vibes. Grab a coffee, explore unique shops, or just chill by the fountains. It's perfect for relaxing with friends.

Horsetooth Reservoir – Just minutes from campus, Horsetooth Reservoir is a top spot for students who love hiking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply soaking up gorgeous mountain views.

Campus West – Close to Colorado State University, Campus West offers casual dining, cozy coffee spots, and fun hangouts where students typically meet between classes or unwind afterward.

City Park – With spacious grassy areas, picnic spots, basketball courts, and a lake, City Park is ideal for chilling, jogging, or organizing a casual game day with friends.

The Alleycat Coffee House – Open 24/7, Alleycat is a cozy and quirky hangout spot known for its amazing drinks, comfy couches, and welcoming atmosphere, making it the best spot for late-night hangouts or study breaks.

The Lyric Cinema – Not just your everyday movie theater, The Lyric provides a cool and indie atmosphere for catching films, hosting local music, or just hanging with friends on their patio. It's artsy, charming, and just right for relaxing after classes.

FoCoMX and Outdoor Concerts – Fort Collins hosts regular live music events and festivals like FoCoMX, offering plenty of opportunities for students to catch local bands, discover new artists, and have fun outdoors with friends.

Fort Collins is home to top public and private colleges and universities, offering excellent programs in engineering, business, healthcare, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Fort Collins

Colorado State University (CSU) – A nationally recognized research university offering strong programs in veterinary medicine, engineering, business, and environmental science.

Front Range Community College – Larimer Campus – A top community college providing associate degrees and certifications in healthcare, business, and information technology.

Aims Community College – Fort Collins Campus – A respected two-year college offering career-focused programs in aviation, nursing, and criminal justice.

Colorado State University Global – An online public university based in Colorado, specializing in business, cybersecurity, and information technology programs.

University of Northern Colorado – Extended Campus – Offers flexible, online, and hybrid degree programs in education, healthcare, and business for working professionals.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Fort Collins

Institute of Business & Medical Careers (IBMC) College – A career-focused private college offering programs in business, healthcare, and cosmetology.

Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Fort Collins – Specializes in acupuncture and integrative medicine, preparing students for careers in holistic healthcare.

Elevation Beauty Institute – A private beauty school offering cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technician programs.

Healing Arts Institute – A massage therapy school providing hands-on education in holistic health and bodywork techniques.

Boulder Massage Therapy Institute – Fort Collins Branch – A specialized private school focusing on massage therapy education and certification.

Fort Collins, CO, offers some of the best high schools in the state, providing students with strong academics, extracurricular activities, and college prep opportunities.

Top Public High Schools in Fort Collins

• Fossil Ridge High School – A top-rated school known for its rigorous academics and wide range of AP courses.
• Fort Collins High School – Offers strong college prep programs and excellent extracurricular activities.
• Poudre High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and diverse student community.
• Rocky Mountain High School – Provides strong STEM programs and a variety of athletic opportunities.
• Liberty Common High School – A charter school ranked among the best for its classical education model.

Top Private High Schools in Fort Collins

• Heritage Christian Academy – A faith-based school with small class sizes and a strong academic foundation.
• Ridgeview Classical Schools – Offers a rigorous classical education with a focus on liberal arts.
• Rivendell School – Known for its personalized learning approach and nurturing environment.
• Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins – Provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
• Beattie School – A private option emphasizing character development and academic excellence.

Fort Collins, Colorado, does not have any major professional sports teams, but the city is passionate about sports and supports teams from nearby Denver. Fort Collins is also home to Colorado State University (CSU), which has competitive college athletics.

🏈 College Football – Colorado State Rams

• Colorado State Rams – The CSU Rams football team competes in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. The team has a strong tradition and plays its home games at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. They have won multiple conference championships and have appeared in several bowl games.

🏀 College Basketball – Colorado State Rams

• Colorado State Rams – The CSU men’s and women’s basketball teams compete in the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference. The men’s team has made several NCAA Tournament appearances, while the women’s team has a history of success, including conference championships.

⚽ Soccer – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

• Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC – Based in nearby Windsor, Colorado, this USL League One team was founded in 2021 and started playing in 2022. The team competes in the third tier of U.S. professional soccer.

🏒 Ice Hockey – Colorado Eagles

• Colorado Eagles – Based in Loveland, just south of Fort Collins, the Eagles are an AHL (American Hockey League) team and serve as the primary affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche (NHL). They have won multiple championships at lower levels and now develop future NHL players.

⚾ Baseball & Other Pro Sports

• Fort Collins does not have a professional baseball team, but fans frequently support the nearby Colorado Rockies (MLB) in Denver.
• For football, Fort Collins residents often cheer for the Denver Broncos (NFL), a team with multiple Super Bowl championships.
• For basketball, many locals support the Denver Nuggets (NBA), who won their first championship in 2023.

While Fort Collins does not have a major professional sports team, its strong college sports programs and proximity to Denver provide plenty of opportunities for fans to enjoy high-level competition.

Fort Collins, CO, is a vibrant city with a rich history, outdoor adventures, and a lively cultural scene. From its connection to beer to its musical legacy, here are some fun facts about Fort Collins:

1. Beer Capital – Fort Collins is home to over 20 craft breweries, including the famous New Belgium Brewing, making it a top beer destination in the U.S.
2. Inspiration for Disneyland – Walt Disney's imagineers used Fort Collins’ Old Town as inspiration for the design of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland.
3. Bike-Friendly City – Fort Collins is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with more than 285 miles of trails and bike lanes.
4. Spooky Stories – The city has its own haunted history, with the Avery House and the Old Firehouse being some of the most famous spooky spots.
5. Colorado State University – The city is home to Colorado State University (CSU), a major research institution known for its strong environmental and veterinary programs.
6. Music Hotspot – Fort Collins has a thriving live music scene and was named a Music City by the international Music Cities Network.
7. Home to Horsetooth Reservoir – This stunning reservoir is a favorite spot for hiking, boating, and camping, sitting just west of the city.
8. Outdoor Adventure Hub – Fort Collins has over 50 parks and is close to Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s only nationally designated “Wild & Scenic” river.
9. A Green City – Fort Collins has strong sustainability efforts and is working toward 100% renewable energy by 2030, making it one of the greenest cities in the country.
10. A Name with History – The city was named after Fort Collins, a 19th-century military camp built to protect travelers heading west.