If you're looking for the perfect place to get out of the city, look no further than Red Feather Lakes! This township is located just over 40 miles from Fort Collins and provides easy access to fishing, hiking, camping and lodging options. It's also home to the Kennedy Mountain Campus, the University of Denver's Mountain Campus. If you're interested in visiting, you don't need to be a student! The Kennedy Mountain Campus is a wonderful place to host a business getaway, conference, meeting or wedding. In addition, the Kennedy Mountain Campus has a Via Ferrata that's open to the public. Just make sure to reserve your spot!
We spoke with Monica McCallum, the Assistant Director of the Kennedy Mountain Campus, to learn more about this wonderful campus.
What do you love about the Fort Collins and Red Feather areas?
I love how accessible nature is to our community. The fact that you can go down almost any street and find a park or a creek and go explore and be outside is one of my favorite things.
What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
I love hiking, exploring different coffee shops and restaurants, and spending time with my dog and husband in parks and around Fort Collins.
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
I really enjoy our nature, so I would suggest that visitors go and explore the Poudre Canyon and Red Feather Lakes.
What makes the Kennedy Mountain Campus unique?
We are in a remote location right out your back door! Being located near Red Feather Lakes, you can feel like you are removed from the hustle and bustle and connect with nature while only being about 45 minutes from Downtown Fort Collins. Limited cell service allows people to disconnect while in nature, but our high-speed Wi-Fi still allows people to complete any necessary business or presentation needs easily.
Photo by Craig Vollmer Photography/Shoshana Ranch
What is the story behind how the Kennedy Mountain Campus got its start?
This property was purchased by the University of Denver in 2022 after being owned by the Girl Scouts. It has had a long history of serving campers and adults alike and was purchased with a generous endowment from DU alumnus James C. Kennedy. He felt that what made his experience at DU so special was a connection to the Colorado Environment, and he wanted to foster that for all DU students.
What do you want visitors to experience at the Kennedy Mountain Campus?
At KMC, visitors are immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience. With our Via Ferrata, top-notch facilities, and high-quality meals, we work to serve anyone who is interested in connecting with the natural world. We are constantly working to improve the outdoor experience with miles of trails, a mountain bike park (coming soon), along with updated and renovated lodging and meeting spaces that provide a high-end experience at an amazing location. Our activities are also so unique and really serve a wide audience, from youth to adults. We have something for the more adventurous such as rock climbing outdoors or the choice to relax with amazing views of Red Feather Lakes from our Dining Hall deck. There is no limit to what you can do at KMC and we hope to share it with you soon!
(Photos provided by Kennedy Mountain Center unless otherwise noted.)
Kennedy Mountain Campus
Address: 17900 W County Road 74e, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
Hours: Varies
Phone: (303) 871-5355
Email: kmc@du.edu
Website: https://www.du.edu/kennedy-mountain-campus
Facebook: James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/du_kmc/
