Wellington, Colorado is a town of approximately 8,500 residents located in the north-central region of the state, between Fort Collins in the south and the border with Wyoming in the north.
Founded in 1905, the town offers visitors a variety of activities, including many outdoor recreation options as well as historical, natural and cultural attractions.
World-renowned ski resorts and national parks abound in the west, while in the east are vast expanses of well-preserved prairie that stretch to the borders of Kansas and Nebraska.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Wellington that rank high on many travelers’ itineraries.
1. Owl Canyon Coffee
Located on Cleveland Avenue, Owl Canyon Coffee was established in 2014 and is the only independent coffee shop in the quaint town.
Owl Canyon is housed in a building that is over 100 years old. While it’s historic, it’s also bright, modern, and inviting, and features artwork by local artists.
They are known for their craft-style coffee, but they also serve a variety of teas, smoothies and juices.
For those in need of solid food and beverages, they offer fresh baked goods, delicious bagels and hearty breakfast burritos that tend to keep stomachs full until lunchtime.
2. Soul Squared Brewing Company
Perhaps the old adage, “There’s something in the water,” is of any use, because on a per capita basis, Colorado probably has more local brewing companies than any other state in the country.
Located just outside Wellington, Soul Squared Brewing Company specialises in brewing truly memorable beers using fresh local ingredients.
Part farm, part brewery, the facility has a variety of seasonal options for their products, including some rather rare flavor enhancers like lavender and butternut squash.
Food trucks usually fill their lots during peak hours, so consider dining on site as well.
3. Cake Shop
Cupcakes and freshly baked goods are always a hit, and The Cakery is a must-see for anyone in Wellington in need of dessert.
Housed in a historic building on Cleveland Avenue, The Cakery is full of character and nearly everything on hand is freshly made on-site every day.
They often organize fun events with other local businesses, such as tastings that match their products with beers from local breweries.
Previous customers say their cakes and cupcakes are the best they’ve ever eaten.
For special orders like birthday cakes, please call them a few days in advance.
4. Mountain View Golf Course
During spring and summer, golf is a favorite outdoor pastime for locals and vacationers alike.
Although it only has nine holes, the nearby Fort Collins Mountain View Golf Course is considered by savvy players to be one of the best overall values in the area. Unlike its 18-hole counterpart, it doesn’t take four or five hours to squeeze in a round.
Facilities for this course include a driving range and putting, chipping and sand hazard practice areas. There are a variety of tee options to choose from to suit most ages and skill levels.
There is also a restaurant and bar on site, which is a popular post-race hangout.
5. Daddy’s Desk
While steak, barbecue, and Mexican cuisine are at the top of many visitors’ dining wish lists, Colorado is also home to many restaurants with international influences.
Located on Cleveland Avenue in central Wellington, Papa’s Table is the region’s premier Italian restaurant.
With plenty of traditional classics like chicken and eggplant parmesan, calamari and spaghetti, their menu probably has something to appeal to most taste buds.
They also have fresh soups and salads, great appetizers, and lots of fresh seafood dishes.
In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant offers a slightly upscale but cozy and charming ambience at reasonable prices.
6. Fort Collins Discovery Museum
The Fort Collins Discovery Museum, located in Mason Court, was established nearly three years ago.
The museum’s collection includes tens of thousands of personal artifacts and memorabilia related to the history and culture of the people who have inhabited the Cache La Poudre Valley over the centuries.
There’s also a collection of Native American objects that many visitors find most interesting, and the museum’s grounds include several historic buildings, such as a cottage and a one-room schoolhouse.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts temporary exhibits, so check online to see what will be on display while you’re in the area.
7. Mato Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is unique with its expansive space, convenient location, and extensive options for outdoor activities.
Covering nearly 2,800 acres, the park has approximately 30 miles of multipurpose trails open to cyclists, hikers and horse riders.
Many of the trails include dramatic changes in elevation and offer incredible views of majestic rock formations, distant forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
Depending on the age and exercise level of the people you’re traveling with, off-road trips can range from less than an hour to full-day activities covering dozens of miles.
8. Spring Creek Gardens
Despite its harsh climate and short growing season, Colorado has a variety of flowers, trees, and plants that are well suited to its environment.
The Gardens on Spring Creek is a community botanical garden located on nearly 20 acres in the Front Range area leading to the Rocky Mountains to the west.
Located on Center Avenue in Fort Collins, the facility features several different farms, most of which highlight native species.
The scenic grounds are ideal for morning or afternoon walks, and are especially beautiful in spring when most items are in bloom.
9. Global Village Art and Culture Museum
It’s been said that good things usually come in small packages, and that’s certainly the case at the Global Village Museum of Art and Culture on West Hill Drive in Fort Collins.
The facility includes galleries that deal with unique art from remote corners of the globe, such as South America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Objects on display include contemporary photographs, paintings, tribal art, and objects used in everyday life around the world, such as baskets, blankets and pottery.
Special events such as children’s story times and multi-gallery guided art walks are regularly offered, as are large group tours if booked in advance.
10. Fort Collins Municipal Railroad
Getting around Fort Collins is easy, whether you’re walking, biking or driving. But for those looking to see the historic city in a unique way, the Fort Collins Municipal Railroad is the ticket.
The original city trams ran for over 30 years in the early 20th century; although they were officially retired long ago, since 1984 they have operated tourism on a limited basis rather than strictly transportation.
The 30-minute tour departs from the old terminal on West Hill Avenue and runs only on weekends from May to September.
11. Lowry State Park
Lory State Park is operated by the Larimer County Parks Department; while it offers an impressive array of activities, it is most popular with mountain bikers.
The park’s dirt roads and trails range from difficult and exhilarating areas to relatively flat and easy areas, suitable for young people and those with little experience. The adjacent trail network is also open to walkers and horse riders.
The drive to Lory State Park offers stunning views of the mountains and the nearby Horsetooth Reservoir, as well as many famous hiking trails, one of the most popular being Arthur’s Rock.
12. Fort Collins Farmers Market
In recent years, all parts of the country have been vigorously promoting the combination of local farmers and consumers, trying to break the current product circulation model characterized by long-distance travel, large trucks, tons of pollution, and deep logging by dealers. into the profit margin of the producer.
The Fort Collins Farmers Market was established as a cooperative in 1984 and is held annually on Sundays and Wednesdays from early May through mid-November.
Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables are the star of the show, but vendors at the market also offer baked goods, prepared foods, health and body products, and crafts.
13. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Although Colorado isn’t farther from the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean if you try it, it happens to be home to one of the best-known seafood restaurants in the West.
Founded in 2011, Jax is part of a national restaurant group, but its food and atmosphere are way ahead of most of its competitors.
Jax specializes in combining locally sourced produce with the freshest seafood, and previous guests have described the oyster bar scene as more akin to what you’d find in New Orleans or Key West than Colorado.
They also offer steaks, salads, plenty of local beers and craft cocktails.
14. Tour de France
Colorado’s weather in September may be more suitable for nature lovers and outdoorsmen than any other month.
Tour de Fat is a highly anticipated annual festival that combines beer, bikes, clothing, food and live entertainment into one unique event that is often one of the most memorable experiences of many tourists’ holidays.
When it comes to alcohol and clothing, anything can happen, so this is usually an activity best reserved for those traveling without small children. It’s often likened to a strange mix of Mardi Gras and a runaway Star Trek convention.
15. Oktoberfest
Fort Collins hosts many festivals, fairs and events every year, with everything from food and wine to beer and art.
Held in mid-September, Fortoberfest is one of the region’s premier fall events, and it’s free to attend.
The event is an all-day event in the city’s Old Town Square. It includes delicious food, some of the best beers in Colorado, traditional German dancing and contemporary live music.
Admission is high for the entire 10 hours, and there are plenty of options for family-friendly activities, even for those on the road with kids.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Wellington (CO), Colorado
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