Best Craft Breweries to Visit in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you’re a beer lover planning a trip or moving to Northern Colorado, you’re in for a treat. Fort Collins is widely regarded as the craft beer capital of Colorado and one of the top beer cities in the U.S. With more than 20 award-winning breweries, this town offers something for every type of beer drinker. From hopheads and sour fans to those who love a crisp lager or small-batch experimental brew.
We’ll cover the best craft breweries to visit in Fort Collins, Colorado, highlighting what makes each one unique. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or considering relocating to Fort Collins, these are must-visit destinations for beer lovers.
1. New Belgium Brewing Company
Arguably the most iconic brewery in Fort Collins, New Belgium helped put the city on the craft beer map. Founded in 1991, it’s the home of the famed Fat Tire Amber Ale and a sustainability-driven culture that has influenced industry nationwide.
Why Visit:
- Expansive lawn with outdoor games
- Free brewery tours (book ahead)
- Specialty and seasonal brews not available in stores
Must-Try Beer: La Folie (Sour Brown Ale), Voodoo Ranger Series
2. Odell Brewing Company
Just down the road from New Belgium, Odell Brewing is a local favorite with a strong lineup of hop-forward beers and a family-friendly patio.
Why Visit:
- Amazing outdoor patio
- Live music and food trucks
- Experimental brews through their pilot system
Must-Try Beer: 90 Shilling (Amber Ale), Drumroll (Hazy Pale Ale)
3. Purpose Brewing and Cellars
Founded by Peter Bouckaert (formerly of New Belgium), Purpose Brewing offers a unique, artisanal approach to craft beer with small, rotating batches.
Why Visit:
- Focus on barrel-aged and wild-fermented beers
- New beer releases every week
- Intimate, relaxed atmosphere
Must-Try Beer: Ask what’s new—they rarely brew the same beer twice
4. Horse & Dragon Brewing Company
A family-run brewery with a mission to make the world a better place, one delicious beer at a time. Horse & Dragon offers a welcoming taproom and memorable beers.
Why Visit:
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Environmental and community focus
- Relaxed tasting room vibe
Must-Try Beer: Sad Panda (Coffee Stout), Almost Summer Blonde Ale
5. Rally King Brewing
A small but passionate operation, Rally King specializes in approachable, high-quality ales with a loyal local following.
Why Visit:
- Cozy, neighborhood feel
- Frequent new releases
- Dog-friendly patio
Must-Try Beer: Raspberry Berliner Weisse, English Mild
6. Stodgy Brewing Company
One of Fort Collins’ newer breweries, Stodgy is all about creating community around approachable, flavorful beers. Bonus: it’s located in a residential neighborhood and has a massive patio.
Why Visit:
- Shaded outdoor space
- Community-driven events
- Kid- and dog-friendly
Must-Try Beer: Vienna Lager, Table Saison
Fort Collins: A Beer Lover’s Paradise
Fort Collins offers more than just top-notch beer. If you’re planning to move to Fort Collins, you’ll find yourself in a community that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and local pride. The brewery scene is tightly woven into the fabric of life here, often serving as venues for fundraisers, family events, and community gatherings.
Most breweries are located within biking distance of each other, making a bike brewery tour a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. The Fort Collins Ale Trail app even allows you to earn rewards while supporting local causes just by visiting different breweries.
With a mix of historic names and innovative newcomers, the craft beer culture in Fort Collins is reason enough for many to fall in love with the city. Whether you’re sipping a saison in Old Town or enjoying a lager with mountain views, you’ll see why Fort Collins is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Colorado.
~ By The Levi Group Brokered by Real ~
Your Personal Guide to Fort Collins
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Jason Levi
The Levi Group Brokered by REAL, LLC
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The Fort Collins Experience is your comprehensive guide to everything Fort Collins Colorado. Whether you’re searching for the best things to do, researching schools and neighborhoods, exploring local breweries and outdoor adventures, hunting for great restaurants and hotels, or staying up to date on Fort Collins real estate trends — you’ll find it all here in one place. This site was built with a single goal: to give you a genuine, firsthand understanding of what it’s really like to live in Fort Collins. As a longtime resident and full-time Realtor, I’ve walked these streets, explored these communities, and experienced every corner of this city. I share that local insight so you don’t have to spend hours piecing together scattered information like I once did. Whether you’re relocating, investing, raising a family, or simply curious, The Fort Collins Experience will show you why so many people are drawn to northern Colorado. Fort Collins isn’t just a location — it’s a lifestyle shaped by nature, community, creativity, and opportunity. If you’re ready to discover what makes Fort Collins Colorado one of the most desirable places to live in the state, you’re exactly where you need to be.