The last city you will come to when driving north on Interstate 25 through Colorado, before you hit the Wyoming border, is Fort Collins. Ft. Collins Colorado is nestled in between the plains and the mountains of the Colorado Front Range. It is also considered to be a gateway city to The Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest in Northern Colorado. However, Fort Collins Colorado has plenty to offer on its own.
Despite the fact that Fort Collins was once home to a fort in the 1860's, it actually functioned more like a trading post for Native Americans and traders met along the Cache la Poudre River, which is French for hide the powder, for what was generally friendly trading. Even though the name would suggest otherwise, Fort Collins Colorado has never had much of a military presence.
Visitors to Fort Collins Colorado will want to visit the Old Town Historic District. It is a section of town with fine bookstores, shops, and galleries. Visitors who enjoy history should also see the Fort Collins Museum and Avery House, which was a stately Victorian home. Also, a self-guided historic walking tour of downtown is available, and worthwhile. There are even old trolley rides for those interested.
Fort Collins Colorado might be best known as the home of Colorado State University. As such, it has all the hustle and bustle of a college town. With brewpubs, good restaurants, and rich culture, there is always something going on in Fort Collins Colorado. There is even an opportunity to tour the brewery of a major national brewer, with sample available and a look at some famous Clydesdales.
Fort Collins Colorado is definitely an outdoor activity oriented city. This is due in no small part to its location near Rocky Mountain National Park, Lory Park, and Horsetooth State Park and Reservoir so that everything from boating to swimming to horseback riding, to camping is available. Visitors and residents can also enjoy fishing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. In Fort Collins there is always something to do or something nearby to do.
For those who love golf, there are a number of challenging local courses that are great for the novice as well. Fishermen will enjoy the multitude of stream and warm water fishing opportunities in the area as well as in the nearby Rocky Mountains. If visitors find themselves in the area during winter months, they can check out the Edora Ice Center and Pool where both skating and swimming are available.
One of Fort Collins Colorado's most unique, and perhaps quirky, attractions is the Swetsville Zoo. This is not your typical zoo, since you won't find any live or real animals in it. However, you can walk through a world of mechanical creatures that were created by an insomniac retired farmer. The zoo is free, and is a good time for the entire family.
Fort Collins is located just 64 miles north of Denver, Colorado off of Interstate 25. The elevation is 4,984 feet above sea level, and the town boasts a population of 118,652 as of the census of 2000.