The rumors are true! Although we enjoy an average of 237 days of sunshine per year in Fort Collins (which is much more than the national average of 205), it does occasionally rain here. And thankfully, there is no shortage of things to do in Fort Collins on a rainy day — from cozy coffee shop hangs to cracking the code in an escape room.
Grab your umbrella and duck inside these Fort Collins destinations on the next rainy day!
Visit a Cozy Coffee Shop
Every good rainy day starts in a coffee shop. And Fort Collins has plenty to choose from! A few of our favorite coffee shops in Fort Collins include Bindle Coffee at Jessup Farm Artisan Village, Everyday Joe’s, Alleycat Coffee House and Wild Boar, all of which provide cozy settings, hot coffee and delicious food — which is just about all you need to start your rainy day on the right foot.
Visit the Museum of Art Fort Collins
Photo Courtesy of Phoco via Museum of Art Fort Collins
Learn something new with a visit to one of the city’s best museums. Museum of Art Fort Collins is located directly adjacent to Oak Street Plaza in one of the prettiest historic buildings in downtown Fort Collins. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions exploring everything from masks and funny family portraits to fine art photography and cartoons. Admission is just $6 for adults with discounts for students, seniors and young kids, and children ages 6 and under are admitted for free!
See a Concert at The Aggie
Retreat to The Aggie, a century-old music hall that has attracted major names like Atmosphere, Matisyahu, Josh Hoyer & The Soul Colossal, Zion I and New Found Glory in addition to locally famous groups like Head for the Hills, Project 432 and Trout Steak Revival. The Aggie is a favorite amongst locals and it has been for more than 100 years. They merge local and national artists in a setting that makes every show feel larger than life. Check out the wide variety of upcoming shows at The Aggie!
Sample Cheese + Sip Wine at The Welsh Rabbit
Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Rebecca via The Welsh Rabbit
We’ve introduced you to the team behind The Welsh Rabbit, which operates as both a bistro and a retail shop. Retreat to the bistro portion for the ultimate cheese and wine experience. Simply order a cheese plate and ask your server for wine recommendations. Or take it to the next level by trying multiple pairings with a flight of wine.
Looking for more wine (and a little cheese!) in the area? Try Taste & Savor, Cafe Vino or Domenic’s Bistro & Wine Bar for more exceptional wine and cozy vibes. Check out some of the best wine bars and wineries in the area!
Go on a Brewery Tour
Fort Collins has established itself as a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, with household names like Odell Brewing and New Belgium in our midst, plus up-and-coming breweries trying new and innovative brewing techniques and flavors. Use our complete guide to breweries in Fort Collins to meet the best of the best — and book a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at brewery operations. Many, if not most, offer tours!
Crack the Code at Enigma Escape Rooms
Photo Courtesy of Enigma Escape Rooms
If you haven’t experienced the mystery and excitement at Enigma — now’s the perfect opportunity. Enigma Escape Rooms are live-action, interactive puzzles that take place inside themed rooms, including The Missing Scientist and The Facility. In a matter of 60 minutes, you must find the hidden clues, uncover the secret mystery of the room and unlock the door.
Admire Art at Downtown Artery
Get inspired at Downtown Artery, a 14,000-square-foot creative hub situated on half a block in downtown Fort Collins. The first floor features a coffee shop, a retail space and cozy nooks designed by local artists, while the second floor showcases gallery spaces with an attached bar and two gorgeous lounges. The exhibits and artists rotate frequently, so you’ll likely experience something new each time you visit.
Eat at RARE Italian
Retreat to the cozy, inviting and romantic interior of RARE Italian situated in the heart of Old Town. With influences from Italy and American Italian immigrants, they produce some of the best steaks and authentic cuisine in Fort Collins. Though their fare is high-end, the menu is approachable, and the staff and atmosphere are welcoming. You’ll feel right at home while being treated to an indulgent meal at RARE!
Take the Little Ones to Fort Fun
Although this entertainment mecca features plenty of outdoor activities, like mini golf and a giant slide, they have a number of indoor attractions, including indoor bumper cars, air hockey, laser tag and arcade games. Kids — and kids at heart! — will love a day spent at the very accurately named Fort Fun.
See a Film at The Lyric
Photo Courtesy of The Lyric
The Lyric is a local, independent movie theater that also boasts a full bar and restaurant, Geeks Who Drink trivia nights, weekend cartoons, special events, and a seasonal, bike-in, outdoor screen on the big back lawn (that you can bookmark for a sunny day!). Ticket prices for regular showings are under $10 and while you’re enjoying an indie flick, a throwback or a Hollywood blockbuster, you can also enjoy coffee and tea, kombucha on tap, sandwiches, gourmet bites, salads and more. To see what’s showing now, click here.
Indulge in a Sweet Treat
Add a little sunshine to your day with a sweet treat from one of the many sugar providers in the city. We recommend Nuance Chocolate for their small-batch “bean-to-bar” chocolates, Mary’s Mountain Cookies for — of course — cookies, and Little Bird Bakeshop for baked goods of all kinds.
Play Arcade Games at Pinball Jones
Photo Courtesy of Pinball Jones
Step back in time with a visit to Pinball Jones — a fun, nostalgic destination for all ages. This Fort Collins institution in operation since 2011 offers rows and rows of classic pinball and arcade games at two locations, plus air hockey, bowlers, craft beer, snacks and more. Be sure to bring plenty of quarters!
Bowl a Strike at Chipper’s Lanes
Chipper’s Lanes is much more than a bowling alley! Their College Center location offers bowling, arcade games, live music, a bar and grill, and their Horsetooth location takes it to another level with bowling, laser tag, sand volleyball, arcade games and more. The entire family will have a blast at this fun indoor entertainment destination!
Find a New Book at Old Firehouse Books
We can’t think of a more iconic rainy day activity than curling up with a good book. Pick up a new addition for your home library at Old Firehouse Books, the largest independent bookstore in Northern Colorado. Named after the historic Old Town building they call home, Old Firehouse Books sells new and used books, writing journals, cards, bookish t-shirts and more. Plus, they also host four different book clubs so you can mingle with other book lovers. Check out our book lover’s guide to Fort Collins for more bookish goodness.
Get Creative at Pinot’s Palette
Photo Courtesy of Pinot’s Palette
Get artsy at Pinot’s Palette, where you can take a painting class while sipping on beer and wine. With an instructor walking you through each step, you’ll go home with two masterpieces and an evening of memories. Pick a night with a featured painting that speaks to you and get ready to get crafty!
Go to Ginger & Baker
Photo Courtesy of Ginger & Baker
The Ginger and Baker experience is centered around food, but this River District destination is much more than just a restaurant. Inside the renovated Northern Colorado Feeders Supply building, they offer a charming shop of home goods, a market for coffee, pies and pastries, a teaching kitchen for culinary classes, and three different places to eat: The Cafe, The Cache and The Rooftop. From the food menu to the cocktail list to the slices of fresh baked pie, everything here is worth a taste.
For more things to do while you’re in the area, check out Your Ultimate Guide to Fort Collins’ River District.
Order a Cocktail at Social
A vintage street clock and a well-lit stairwell welcome you to this locally owned, underground cocktail bar in Old Town where you’ll find some of the city’s best beverages. Their drink menu covers everything from the classic Old Fashioned to creative bottled cocktails that can serve a group of four. You’ll even find an impressive selection of non-alcoholic cocktails as well as dessert cocktails, wines, beers and ciders. And if you’re not already impressed, wait until you see the food! Check out the full menu, and be sure to check out the owner’s other spot, Union Bar & Soda Fountain, too!
Rain, Rain — Go Away!
But if it doesn’t, we’ll be alright. What rainy day activities would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments