One of the great things about Colorado is living within driving distance to quick getaways outside of the Denver metro area.
From hiking to exploring Colorado’s dining scene, there is no shortage of fun activities to do in the state —particularly in northern Colorado. Places like Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, Greeley, and other parts of the northern Colorado area offer Coloradans plenty of exciting opportunities for family fun outside of the Denver metro area.
Whether you’re looking for something different to do or are showing someone parts of Colorado, they’ve never been to, here are some places the LaVozColorado staff recommends visiting in Northern Colorado.
Downtown Fort Collins
Downtown Fort Collins is the perfect place to spend a weekend day with family or friends. The area features locally-owned shops, retailers, plenty of restaurants and breweries/bars, comedy, and much more.
Downtown Fort Collins is home to over 100 local restaurants for any time of day and offers a variety of different types of food. Locally-owned shops in the area include locally owned boutiques, thrift stores, and other unique stores.
For more information on planning a day in downtown Fort Collins, visit downtownfortcollins.com.
Lake Loveland Swim Beach
Lake Loveland Swim Beach offers a relaxing sandy beach and swimming. The lake includes benches, bicycle racks, picnic areas, and more to make for a fun day in the sun.
The beach is open daily during the summer, starting in mid-mornings, and is free. Lake Loveland Swim Beach is located at 2750 N. Taft Ave. in Loveland.
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of Colorado’s more popular national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a mountainous environment with meadows, lakes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. Animals visitors may run into include elk, bighorn sheep, moose, marmots, pika, and other wildlife.
Down the street from the park is Estes Park, a town that is home to more than 200 retailers, restaurants, and attractions in its downtown area.
Reservations are required at Rocky Mountain National Park and can be made at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910.
Greeley art
Both Greeley and Loveland were named Certified Colorado Creative Districts, meaning that they are com- munities that contribute to the state’s economy through creativity, culture, and the arts.
The City of Greeley is home to more than 350 works of rotating indoor art and more than 160 pieces of outdoor art. The outdoor pieces have been donated, gifted, or purchased since 1967.
Thankfully, Downtown Greeley compiled a map to help guide visitors through the city’s many outdoor art pieces. And while visitors check out the city’s art, they can explore dine and shop at Downtown Greeley’s many establishments.
Visitors can find the map and information about planning a trip to Downtown Greeley and greeleydowntown.com.
