What’s Quirky, Cool, and Totally Fort Collins? These Facts.

Hey FoCo!

Fort Collins might be known for its craft beer and bike lanes, but there’s a lot more going on under the surface—literally (hello, sunken city). This week, we’re highlighting 8 local facts that make our city a little weirder and a lot more lovable. Whether you’re a longtime local or fresh to town, there’s always more to learn about FoCo.

Want even more fun things to explore? Check out our guides to things to do in Fort Collins, family-friendly Colorado activities, or even Colorado’s best day trips!

🎡 What's Happenin' in Fort Collins: Fun Facts You Gotta Know

Fort Collins isn’t just Colorado’s hidden gem—it’s a town packed with quirks, cool stories, and lowkey brag-worthy titles. Whether you’re new here or just need some fresh conversation starters, here’s your crash course in what makes FoCo so fantastic.

🍻 FoCo Brews More Beer Than Anywhere Else in the State 

It’s no exaggeration—70% of Colorado’s craft beer is brewed right here in Fort Collins. Not bad for a town that was totally dry until 1969. With over 20 breweries in town, including local legends like Odell and New Belgium, you can easily spend an entire weekend hopping from patio to patio.

Whether you’re chasing crisp lagers, hazy IPAs, or wild sours, you’re in the right place. Don’t sleep on Equinox, Funkwerks, Jessup Farm, and Purpose Brewing either.

🎹 Painted Pianos? Yeah, We’ve Got Those 

Scattered all across town, you’ll find upright pianos painted by local artists—and yes, they’re for you to play. Pianos About Town is a Fort Collins tradition, placing about 20 playable pianos in public spaces each year.

It’s public art you can interact with, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch someone casually playing Beethoven while you sip your latte on a bench.

🚃 Ride the Trolley Like It’s 1919 

Fort Collins has not one, but two original restored trolley cars still cruising the tracks from City Park to Old Town. Birney Car 21 and Car 25 run every weekend May through September. It’s $2 for adults, $1 for seniors, and free for the little ones. It’s retro, it’s charming, and it’s one of the coolest hidden gems in town.

🌊 Yes, That’s a Wild & Scenic River You’re Standing Next To 

The Cache la Poudre River (locals just call it "the Poudre") flows straight through town—and it’s not just any river. It’s Colorado’s only nationally designated Wild & Scenic River.

Not only is it a hotspot for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing, it’s steeped in history. The name? French-Canadian trappers buried their gunpowder ("cache la poudre") there during a storm in the 1800s. Now it’s one of the state’s most scenic byways and an outdoor lover’s dream.

🚲 Pedal-Powered Pride 

Think we’re just another college town? Think again. Fort Collins is 1 of only 5 communities in the entire country that’s been awarded Platinum Level Bike-Friendly status by the League of American Bicyclists. That’s elite status.

With over 280 miles of trails—both paved and unpaved—you’re never more than a few minutes away from your next bike ride. And thanks to the Spin bike-share program, you can grab an e-bike 24/7 and drop it off at any public bike rack. Just download the app and roll.

🧠 FoCo Trivia Time

🗓 What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings

🌤 Fort Collins Weather Outlook

Wednesday, April 2 – Mostly Cloudy | High: 50°F / Low: 26°F | 💨 WNW winds at 16 mph | 🌧 2% chance of rain

Thursday, April 3 – Cloudy | High: 45°F / Low: 30°F | 🌬 ESE winds at 11 mph | 🌧 21% chance of precipitation

Friday, April 4 – Cloudy | High: 42°F / Low: 25°F | 🌬 NNE winds at 17 mph | 🌧 24% chance of precipitation

Saturday, April 5 – Mostly Sunny | High: 45°F / Low: 24°F | 🌬 ENE winds at 9 mph | 🌤 6% chance of rain

🧣 Weekend tip: Bundle up for that Saturday sunshine—it’s bright but brisk!

🌸 Bloom Where You’re Planted

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