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The Cache La Poudre river flows from the canyon proper, several miles north, through town and offers excellent fly fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout. In town, quick fishing access is available starting from the crossing at North Shields and continuing through town. You can tube and swim at various locations in the river in town, though take great care. The river is MUCH more powerful than you might think. The current can easily trap you if you aren't careful. Every year there are stories of naïve people on the local news who drown in tubing accidents. There are even signs posted at many parts of the river that are particularly dangerous. Tubing and swimming can be done safely, but make sure you check with somebody experienced first. There is a paved trail called the Poudre trail that runs parallel to the river through much of town. The canyon itself can be reached by taking College Ave./Hwy 287 north out of town and turning onto Poudre Canyon/Hwy 14. Pressed between narrow canyon walls and fed by snow-melt, the water here is wilder and colder and swimming should be done with caution. Several companies offer whitewater rafting in the canyon and kayaks are a common sight. There are several hiking trails in the canyon, including Greyrock Trail, which takes you across the river via bridge into open pine forest and meadow. Wildlife are common, including deer, fox, rabbit and black bear, as well as the occasional mountain lion and many kinds of birds. Camping and summer cabins are available throughout the canyon. The Columbine Lodge, in the small community of Poudre Park, offers both as well as beach access (for campers and residents), a good supply of snacks, drinks and good company. Seasonally, a shuttle is available between the Lodge and nearby Mishawaka Amphitheatre, a lively local bar on the river that opened as a dance hall in 1916 and continues to attract various famous acts and music-lovers every year.
At The Ranch features national acts and sports events. Several semi-professional sports teams call this center home including the Colorado Eagles (hockey), Colorado Chill (basketball), and the Colorado Ice (arena football).
Internationally recognized faculty and a top-ranked University with a freshman to sophomore retention rate of 82%. Offers over 150 degree programs of study in 8 colleges: College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Applied Human Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts, Warner College of Natural Resources, College of Natural Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Ranked in the Top Tier of public and private doctoral universities in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of America's Best Colleges and Universities.
Colorado State sports, competing in 16 NCAA Division I sports (6 men's, 10 women's) in the Mountain West Conference. As with most major schools, the hot-button sports are football and men's basketball, with women's basketball and women's volleyball also notably competitive. The main sports venues are on campus, most notably the fairly new football venue of Canvas Stadium and Moby Arena, home to basketball and volleyball.
FCMOD
Museum mostly about Fort Collins and Larimer county history and ecology. Features many interactive exhibits and some live animals. Also has a planetarium. Is a roughly 7-minute walk from the Downtown Transit Center. Ample car and bike parking.
A small zoo of sorts located in Lee Martinez park. Serves as kind of a children's museum about agriculture featuring many farm animals. Lots of parking for bikes and cars. About a 15-minute walk from the Downtown Transit Center or a 7-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
The last vestige of Fort Collins' historic tram system. Runs down Mountain Avenue, and stops at City Park, Shields, Loomis, and Howes. There is car and bike parking at City Park, and on-street parking near the other stops but no dedicated bike parking. Easternmost stop is easily accessed from the MAX Mountain station, which also has bike parking.