There is nothing quite like the warmth and energy that emerges in Fort Collins each spring. Longer days, warmer nights and budding trees are sure to delight travelers and locals alike – many of which you will find cruising along the bike trails and enjoying a crisp beer on a sunny patio this time of year.
Spring in Fort Collins is a great time to get outside, hit the trails and discover the unique topography of Northern Colorado. However, you will likely experience a mix of 70° sunny days and potential snow storms when visiting during this season, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you arrive. Luckily, if you know to expect it, you can be prepared and enjoy all of the wonderfully diverse days of spring!
Fort Collins also features a ton of great Spring events, from the annual Great Plates of Downtown, a 2-week long ode to the great food of Fort Collins, to FoCoMX, an annual music festival featuring hundreds of Colorado bands. Browse Spring events in Fort Collins here.
Here are some of our favorite ways to welcome the sunshine and warmth in Fort Collins, and a few ways to enjoy the season from the great indoors:
Walk or Bike the Spring Creek Trail
Embark on an exploration of the Fort Collins local trail systems! The Spring Creek Trail is a delightfully scenic trail that cuts East to West through Fort Collins and is a great way to see the area from a different perspective. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Spring Creek, stop to smell the spring blossoms and treat yourself to a well-deserved adult beverage at one of the local breweries.
Visit our Parks & Open Spaces
Fort Collins is known for its’ robust network of natural areas and open spaces. Biking, fishing, hiking and exploration are all highly encouraged here and we hope you take advantage of the natural areas when visiting our town. Horsetooth Falls is a great hike for all levels and is perfect in the springtime. You can see our other recommended hikes here.
Shop and Dine at Jessup Farm
This recently restored farmstead has been turned into a delightful collection of unique businesses with local flare. This is a great destination brunch spot with multiple farm-to-table restaurants, shops to peruse, and even a Barrel House that is known for their unique barrel-aged beers. You can also grab a delicious cup of coffee at Bindle, pick up a pastry at the Bakery, or enjoy a cone from John and John’s Ice Cream. The local VW flower truck also makes a guest appearance here most weekends!
Visit The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
This quaint petting zoo near Downtown Fort Collins is the perfect spring time activity! Visit the farm animals on a beautiful sunny day for a special treat your children will love. They have sheep, pigs, horses, ponies, cows, turkeys, chickens, and more. It is a great way to get some fresh air, learn about the historic farming culture in Fort Collins and spend quality time together. The Farm is also near the Lee Martinez Park and the Poudre River Trail so make a day out of it and enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine!
Discover the Avenir museum of design and merchandising @ csu
This unique campus museum showcases a remarkable collection of historic fashion and textiles. Through rotating exhibitions, courses, and public programs, it highlights stories of dress and design that connect cultures, places, and time. With three gallery spaces featuring curated pieces from an extensive on-site collection, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in art, fashion, and history. Free admission!
dine at The Exchange near the Old Town square
This open-air plaza in the heart of Old Town is the perfect destination for a beautiful spring day. Bike downtown and explore a collection of local food and drink vendors housed in renovated shipping containers. With a lively atmosphere, communal seating, and plenty of space to relax, it’s a great spot to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, and soak in the local energy. Whether you’re meeting friends or just passing through, it’s a fun and uniquely Fort Collins experience.
Take the Kids to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
If you need a good activity for a blustery day - the Museum of Discovery is the perfect choice. This family-friendly cultural and science museum is fun for all ages and features a variety of exhibits that are immersive and hands-on. The Music and Sound Lab is one of our family’s favorite exhibits and is perfect for exposing young people to the world of music and instruments!
Catch a Movie at The Lyric
The Lyric is a locally-owned independent movie theater with a funky-fun interior and a plethora of special events year-round. Catch a film or simply enjoy a snack and beverage in this eclectic space. It’s a bit of an “Alice in Wonderland - down the rabbit hole” vibe that is fun for children and adults alike! This indoor/outdoor venue is perfect for springtime fun and activities.
Are you planning a Spring getaway to Fort Collins or a nearby Northern Colorado towns?
Mountain Time Vacation Rentals offers over 180 professionally managed vacation homes in some of the area’s most sought-after locations — from properties near Colorado State University and Horsetooth Reservoir to Downtown stays and cabins within easy reach of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Whether you want to be in the heart of Old Town, tucked near the Rocky Mountain foothills, or closer to the east side of town, you’ll find a wide range of thoughtfully designed homes, townhomes, and condos loaded with special amenities and decor - all designed to fit your trip perfectly.
Visit our Parks & Open Spaces
Shop and Dine at Jessup Farm 
