Fort Lupton is a city of approximately 9,000 residents located in Weld County in north central Colorado.
The city is located a few miles east of Interstate 25, nearly equidistant from downtown Denver to the south and Fort Collins to the north.
To the west of Fort Lupton are some of the state’s largest national parks and most popular ski resorts, while to the east lies a vast expanse of prairie that stretches into neighboring Kansas.
Many holidaymakers opt for convenient day trips to neighbouring towns such as Longmont, Sandton and Brighton which are relatively short drives.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Fort Lupton, Colorado.
1. Coyote Creek Golf Course
With 18 stunning holes spanning nearly 6,500 yards, the par 71 Coyote Creek Golf Course is a favorite among experienced golfers and novice golfers alike.
Former players have noticed that the course is delightfully challenging, and its beautiful views, neat greens and fairways make it a must for serious golfers.
For women, seniors, and children who don’t want to hit the ball from the men’s tee, there are several shorter options that can significantly reduce overall yardage.
Although it is a municipal facility, Coyote Creek is as good as many private clubs in the area. Therefore, during peak times, tee times tend to fill up quickly.
2. Pearson Park
Pearson Park is the go-to destination for outdoor activity and sports enthusiasts on a budget due to its convenience and abundance of on-site event options.
Amenities at the park include baseball and softball fields, biking and walking trails, and elevated areas with stunning panoramic views of Fort Lupton.
Located along the scenic South Platte River, Pearson Park is a hotspot for bird watchers, including dozens of species including common jays, woodpeckers, owls and migratory birds.
The park’s recreation center hosts many annual events, especially during Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
3. Chavez Mexican
Chavez Mexican Food is located on 5th Street in downtown Luptonburg, and while it’s easy to miss, those lucky enough to stop by for a meal consistently rate it highly for freshness, portion size, and overall value.
This restaurant is often affectionately known as a hole in the wall. While it’s not as cheap as other Mexican restaurants in the area, their menu, tacos, and tacos are world-class, according to those with seasoned taste buds.
Chavez Mexican Restaurant usually closes the day after the lunch crowds have cleared, so consider visiting between 11am and 1pm to avoid missing out.
4. Smokehouse
Rumor has it that the Smokehouse on Denver Avenue at Fort Rupton smokes more turkeys than any other smokehouse in the state. That’s a pretty good statement considering Colorado’s large number of wild and farm-raised turkeys.
They have many other bacon on their menu, including beef, buffalo and delicious homemade sausages.
Some of their perennial favorites include large BBQ sandwiches and buffalo tortillas, and many tourists who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own homes stop by for takeout.
Call them half an hour or so in advance to get in and out quickly.
5. Railway Park
Railroad Park is located in downtown Fort Lupton, east of Denver Avenue and north of First Street.
The park covers nearly 9 acres and includes open space and many sports facilities such as baseball and softball fields, basketball and volleyball courts. There are even several horseshoe pits for those who prefer low-intensity activities.
Many tourists choose to take a walk or picnic in the shade. There are some adult and kids sports leagues that can be watched for free on weekends and in the afternoons and evenings of the week.
6. Barr Lake State Park
Lake Barr State Park is located in Brighton, just a short drive south of Fort Lupton on US Route 85.
The park, which totals nearly 3,000 acres, has been a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts since its inception in the mid-’70s.
There are more than a dozen miles of trails that meander through the lakeshore as well as the park’s inland areas. According to die-hard amateur ornithologists, there are more than 300 species of birds in the area.
For anglers, the lake is filled with vibrant game fish such as rainbow trout, bass and tiger musk, which grow to the size of human legs.
7. Brighton Oasis Family Waterpark
Brighton Oasis Family Water Park is a municipal facility and one of the newest recreational attractions in the area.
Features of the park include water slides, a wave pool, a water basketball court, and a low-depth swimming pool suitable for travel with young children.
While it’s certainly designed with water-loving kids in mind, it has separate areas for adults to swim in without being bombarded with splashing and screaming kids.
Off-water amenities include a covered picnic area, rock climbing wall and rentable rooms perfect for birthday parties. The park is closed from fall to spring, so check its opening dates before special tours.
8. Denver Premium Outlets
The weather in most of Colorado is absolutely perfect in spring, summer, and early fall, but in winter, the state’s harsh conditions tend to be ideal for indoor activities.
The Denver Premium Outlets, located on Grant Street in Sandton, are home to a number of national and international branded retailers such as Coach, Kate Spade, Under Armour and GAP.
While designer and children’s clothing are the main draws at the outlet, there are also electronics, jewelry and shoes, as well as a variety of dining options, from fast food and ice cream to sushi, Philly-style cheesesteaks and Italian fare.
9. Colorado Clays Shooting Park
Guns have played a major role in taming Colorado’s rugged and once rowdy state since the days of the Wild West.
Colorado Clays Shooting Park is located between Lupton Park and Denver on Linewood Street in Brighton. It’s a family-owned business that provides a world-class shooting experience for people of all ages and experience levels.
Shotgun options at the park include saucer and trap shooting, with ranges ranging from 25 yards to 100 yards for rifle and pistol shooters.
The spacious facility is monitored by experienced range masters to ensure everyone has a fun and safe time. For those traveling without a gun, there are some options available to rent on-site.
10. 4 Nose Brewing
The Denver metro area is full of local microbreweries, and for craft beer lovers, the options seem endless.
Located on West 116th Circle in Broomfield, 4 Noses Brewing offers 20 beers to choose from, ranging from light, crisp pilsners and hoppy IPAS to creamy stouts and fruity blonds.
There are indoor and outdoor seating areas, the latter popular in spring, summer and early fall, when the weather is usually perfect for outdoor activities.
4 Noses doesn’t have a kitchen, but there are plenty of food trucks every day.
11. Springville Park Disc Golf Course
Disc golf is a fun and inexpensive alternative to traditional golf, especially popular with kids who find the rules and etiquette of golf a little boring.
For those who have never played a round, Frisbee golf is similar to golf, but instead of hitting the ball with a club, the player throws a Frisbee-like disc into the basket.
The Springvale Park Disc Golf Course is located on Holly Street in Sandton, next to the scenic Lake Marshall and offers stunning views, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The course has ample parking and space for exercise and picnics.
12. Broomfield Auditorium and Gallery
Broomfield Auditorium and Gallery is a popular arts and entertainment venue with a capacity of nearly 300 spectators.
The auditorium hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including theatre, dance, live music and comedy.
The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, and has over 50 balcony seating for those who want to watch the show from a unique perspective.
Partly run by local art associations, the gallery houses an impressive collection of contemporary works, many by local and regional artists. Consider buying tickets for popular shows in advance to avoid selling out.
13. Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Hill
Rabbit Mountain’s Ron Stewart Preserve is spread over nearly 3,000 acres of natural Colorado landscape outside Longmont.
The area around the mountain is filled with animal species commonly found on trails from the reserve, including marmots, lynx, black bears, and a wide variety of birds.
The trails in most reserves are less than two miles long, and many of them are loops, perfect for beginners who don’t want to get lost in the wild.
The reserve is a great place to capture incredible vistas, especially at night when the sun sets over the mountains.
14. Doherty Museum
The Doherty Museum in Longmont is the brainchild of a local farmer and vintage car enthusiast who established the facility in 1977.
The museum houses an impressive collection of historic and antique cars, most of which have been restored to working and near-original condition.
The Doherty Museum is open seasonally from June to August and includes many vehicles from now-defunct automakers such as Stanley and Packard.
The collection also includes an interesting assortment of historical memorabilia, such as household items and horse-drawn vehicles such as carriages. The museum is inexpensive to visit and most guests spend about an hour on site.
15. Saint Fran Cider
Like the number and popularity of craft breweries and distilleries over the past few decades, cider has also made significant strides in the adult beverage industry.
Also in Longmont, St. Vrain Cidery, established in 2015, makes American-style ciders, which are often dry and include a variety of fruit flavors such as guava and lime.
Their bar is open Wednesday through Sunday afternoon and early evening, offering a variety of seasonal ciders, not only from their own stock, but also from other Colorado cider makers.
They often host special events such as live entertainment, game nights and yoga classes.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Fort Lupton, Colorado
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