Whether you’ve just moved here, you’re just passing through, or you’ve lived here for decades, there is so much to learn about the city of Fort Collins! In fact, you’re never too “local” to go on a tour, where you can uncover interesting tidbits about our city’s fascinating history, our beer and cuisine, our mountains and rivers, and so much more.
Embark on one of these interesting tours to experience Fort Collins in an immersive way — traveling by bus, by bike or by foot alongside an expert local tour guide. Plus, some are self-guided, which means you can explore at your own pace!
Caper
Have you heard of Caper? This relatively new tour experience is different from your typical tour. All you need to do is buy a $20 ticket, grab a friend, and make your way along a 2-3 hour route using the Caper web app. You’ll experience a handful of quintessential Fort Collins spots, stops and shops — guided by detailed instructions on your phone. Whether you’re new to town or you’ve lived in Fort Collins for years, Caper will give you a fresh look at the city. One local said, “As a ten-year local, I’ve never seen downtown that way before.” Purchase a ticket to get started!
Magic Bus Tours: Fort Collins Old Town Walking Tour
There are so many interesting stories to uncover in this city steeped in history. Magic Bus Tours offers a variety of different tours, including a Fort Collins Old Town Walking Tour, a 1-hour walking tour open to private groups year-round. This entertaining tour covers fun folklore, current traditions, local ghosts, and the rich history that shapes this town. You’ll learn stories about colorful characters and events that transformed Fort Collins from a small army fort to the rich and vibrant city it is today. The tour starts at $195 for up to 10 people and goes up in price depending on the size of your group and the desired tour duration.
Beer & Bike Tours: Front Range Sampler
Fort Collins is known for its bikes and beers — and there’s no better way to experience both than Beer & Bike Tours’ Front Range Sampler, a five-day biking adventure focused on local beers. You will bike along the Front Range, making a stop at 3-5 breweries per day to learn about the craft from barley growers, maltsters, hop masters and brewmasters making our state’s best beers. And don’t worry — the riding on this trip is casual and easy, making it feasible for beginner riders. The tour includes all lodging, breakfast each morning, four dinners, water bottles, beer samples, a local guide, and more. Click here to learn more about this immersive experience and to book your tickets!
Fort Collins Tours
Get an extra dose of spookiness with a ghost tour led by Fort Collins Tours. You’ll get the unique opportunity to visit Old Town’s most notorious haunted sites, both in and under the city — and hear spooky ghost stories mixed with plenty of historic tidbits. While October is of course a popular time to book a ghost tour, they conduct tours all year long! Fort Collins Tours take off on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, in addition to small private tours any day of the week.
Traces of the Past History Tours
For those wanting an in-depth look at our region’s history, book a tour with Traces of the Past. They offer two different tours, including the Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour and The Military Years Tour. The former is a good place to start to get a lay of the land — and introduces you to some of the earliest settlers in the Cache La Poudre River valley. You’ll hear stories dating back to the original settlement that began in 1859, leading to the incorporation of Fort Collins in 1873. You can choose either the 2- or 3-hour tour, offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Old Town Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour
If you want to explore the city at your own pace (and for free!), take on the Old Town Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour, an extensive walking tour that takes you through the most significant historic buildings in Old Town, some dating back to 1873, when Fort Collins was established. Simply download this detailed guide, which includes a map with different tours (and their approximate lengths), corresponding with information about each stop, from hotels and houses to churches and libraries. This self-guided tour from the Poudre Landmarks Foundation provides a brief yet thorough overview of the city’s most iconic historic landmarks.
Majestic Mountain Scenic Rides: Cache La Poudre Tours
Majestic Mountain Scenic Rides is exactly what it sounds like: a handful of scenic tours exploring the majestic mountains just outside the city. The Cache La Poudre Tours are especially popular, taking guests on the route that settlers of Fort Collins took to travel to the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon. You’ll learn interesting facts about the settlement and construction of the roads to North Park, passing breathtaking overlooks of Horsetooth Reservoir. There are several different tour lengths available, including a half-day ride with no lunch and a full-day ride with lunch — or choose the 3 Rivers, Creeks and Lakes Tour, which is a full-day ride with lunch included! Learn more about each of these tours here.
CSU Self-Guided Tours
In town visiting a student at CSU? Explore the campus at your own pace with one of the university’s many self-guided tours! There are several tours to choose from, including the RamTrax Self-Guided Tour, the RamTrax Scavenger Hunt, the CSU History Tour, the Green Campus Tour, and the University Center for the Arts Tour. Simply download the PDF associated with each and peruse the campus by foot or bike to learn interesting tidbits about CSU — both past and present!
New Belgium Brewing Brewery Tour
New Belgium tours are back! And there’s a whole new post-pandemic system. Pay just $10 for a 90-minute tour of the brewery, which includes information about their history, brewhouses, Foeder Forest, and Thunderdome. Plus, enjoy a curated flight of their world-class beer! Reservations are encouraged, as these tour spots fill up fast — but walk-up spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Click here for more information about this tour — and other New Belgium tour options, including the free “Tour Teaser,” guided tastings, and more.
Front Range Ride Guides: Half Day Colorado Mountain Guide Tours
One of the best ways to explore the region is on two wheels — as you’re able to cover more ground, feel the wind on your face, and get a good workout all the while. Front Range Ride Guides offers a half-day bike tour, exploring different biking trails in and near Denver, Fort Collins and Boulder. This immersive tour offers a mix of adventure and natural beauty. And you’ll be joined by local guides who know the mountains better than anyone!
Old Town Food Tour
Local or visitor, one of the best ways to experience a city is by tasting its food. And we sure have some delicious food here in Fort Collins! The Old Town Food Tour takes you on a culinary adventure in Old Town, stopping by the most exciting restaurants, bakeries and culinary stores in town. You’ll make a stop at five or six top foodie destinations, such as Ace Gillett’s, The Still Whiskey Steaks, Ginger & Baker, Pour Brothers, The Emporium, and much more! Click here for more information about this tasty tour.
Have Fun!
Enjoy your tour through Fort Collins!
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