All drifts

Curated journey

Family Fun Outdoors Itinerary

Stops 11
Curator Kristel Mae Pasague
Format Field guide
The route
  1. Silver Grill Cafe
    Stop01

    01

    Old Town · Fort Collins · United States

    Silver Grill Cafe

    As Northern Colorado’s oldest restaurant dating back to 1933, the Silver Grill Cafe in Old Town Fort Collins has a history as sweet as its signature cinnamon roll. Named "Best Breakfast in America" by Esquire Magazine, the iconic restaurant’s breakfast and lunch menus offer traditional home-style food and weekly specials. Original hardwood floors, time-worn brick walls, and views of historic Old Town surround diners. On its large award-winning patio guests enjoy food and conversation year-round. The Grill’s drink menu includes OJ that’s fresh-squeezed on the spot, espresso drinks, custom cocktails, and regional craft beers. Open daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    40.589°N 105.076°W

  2. Lee Martinez Community Park
    Stop02

    02

    Sherwood · Fort Collins, CO · United States

    Lee Martinez Community Park

    Cows, horses and sheep, oh my! The Farm at Lee Martinez Park has provided hands-on family fun since 1985, serving as an educational and interactive experience for Fort Collins residents and visitors. The Farm hosts anywhere from 40-60 animals at a time, caring for everything from horses and cows to chickens and baby goats.

    40.596°N 105.082°W

  3. Horsetooth Reservoir
    Stop03

    03

    South Bay / Horsetooth Rock area · Fort Collins · United States

    Horsetooth Reservoir

    Enjoy outdoor activities, beautiful lodging and more at Horsetooth Reservoir, one of Colorado’s most scenic outdoor paradises, located only minutes outside Fort Collins. In 1933, the Poudre Valley was enduring years of drought and dust storms and the farmers began realizing the need for more water to satisfy the thirst of the crop-bearing farms around Fort Collins. Knowing the water from the Poudre River was inconsistent, sometimes providing too much and at other times not enough, Horsetooth Reservoir was developed to solve the problem. The reservoir acquired its name from the unique rock formation that sits above the large body of water. There is an old Native American legend regarding this famous stone. The Valley of Contentment (today’s Horsetooth Reservoir) was once guarded by a giant so that no buffalo, deer, or antelope were hunted in the valley. Chief Maunamoku led the natives to slay the giant. When killing the giant, the Chief slashed at his heart, first in the center, then on the right and then on the left with a tomahawk from the heavens. The next day the giant turned to stone and is now known as Horsetooth Rock. Today, the 6.5-mile-long reservoir is a favorite recreation spot for activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing, sailing and picnicking. There are many miles of trails surrounding the reservoir for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Additionally, on the east side of the reservoir is one of the best spots in Colorado for bouldering in Rotary Park. Horsetooth Reservoir is open year-round and includes RV spots, campsites and cabins, all managed by Larimer County Natural Areas. If camping isn’t your style, relax in one of the condos or bed & breakfasts in the area and rent a boat, kayak, SUP board and more at the local marina or What's SUP. Parking lots can fill up fast, particularly in the summer months. Be the first to know when they are at capacity by texting the keyword(s) lcboating or lcopenspaces to: 833-581-0014. For more information, please contact the Visit Fort Collins Information Center. 3D spherical pano by Brendan Bombaci with Falconer Aerial Imagery and GIS Services

    40.578°N 105.164°W

  4. Downtown Fort Collins
    Stop04

    04

    Downtown · Fort Collins · United States

    Downtown Fort Collins

    Downtown Fort Collins is filled with unique locally-owned stores, boutiques, and specialty shops with elaborate window displays beckoning you inside. There are also a variety of restaurants, bars, bistros, lounges, and pubs (over 130 of them, actually!) that provide a taste for any craving. In the summer, enjoy outdoor and patio dining at nearly 100 of them! Additionally, on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays between May - September, you can ride the Fort Collins Trolley from downtown to City Park and back along the historic, tree-lined Mountain Avenue.

    40.588°N 105.076°W

  5. Austin's American Grill
    Stop05

    05

    Downtown · Fort Collins · United States

    Austin's American Grill

    Prime rib, applewood smoked rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs, Northwest grilled salmon, garlic mashed potatoes. Terrific outdoor dining. Great happy hour Mon-Fri 2-6 pm

    40.587°N 105.077°W

  6. Vern's Place
    Stop06

    06

    Laporte · Fort Collins · United States

    Vern's Place

    Discover Vern's Place in Laporte—serving Northern Colorado homestyle comfort food since 1946. Famous for fried chicken, cinnamon rolls & warm hospitality.

    40.633°N 105.154°W

  7. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
    Stop07

    07

    Museum District · Fort Collins · United States

    Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

    Expand your mind. Engage your world. Come experience Northern Colorado's most immersive, interactive & innovative museum: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Hands-on & collections-based explorations in science & history await lifelong learners of all ages!

    40.593°N 105.078°W

  8. Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area | Poudre Heritage Alliance
    Stop08

    08

    Downtown Windsor · Denver · United States

    Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area | Poudre Heritage Alliance

    The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (Cache NHA) is a 45-mile corridor along the river's 100-year floodplain, stretching from the foothills of the Rockies near Fort Collins to its confluence with the South Platte River in Greeley. Designated by Congress in 2009, the area adds to the greater U.S. history by honoring the region's role in the development of Western water law, innovative irrigation techniques, and water measurement devices. The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (Cache NHA), managed by the Poudre Heritage Alliance nonprofit, strives to promote various historical and cultural opportunities, engage visitors and residents in the river corridor, and inspire learning, preservation and stewardship.

    40.482°N 104.904°W

  9. Snack Attack Specialty Sandwiches & Brews
    Stop09

    09

    Old Town · Fort Collins · United States

    Snack Attack Specialty Sandwiches & Brews

    Fort Collin's ONE & ONLY family and veteran owned sandwich bar! Here at Snack Attack, we focus on high quality, freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and wraps alongside a great selection of local craft brews! We are proud to feature Boar's Head Meats & Cheeses, freshly grilled chicken and bacon! When we say we are Foco's Freshest... we mean it! No freezer, no fryer and no microwave! Stop by for fresh eats, cold brews and Good Vibes Only!

    40.564°N 105.077°W

  10. Beaver Meadows Stables
    Stop10

    10

    Beaver Meadows · Fort Collins · United States

    Beaver Meadows Stables

    Scenic trail rides into the beautiful Roosevelt National Forest. 25 miles of trail starting at 8500ft and up. Overnight rides and dinner rides! Full service Resort Ranch with restaurant, lodge, fishing, tubing hill with lift, cross country skiing and more!

    40.842°N 105.651°W

  11. Stuft Burger Bar
    Stop11

    11

    South College Avenue · Fort Collins · United States

    Stuft Burger Bar

    40.585°N 105.077°W

End of the route