Go beyond the Fort Collins you see from its main streets and get to know downtown by exploring our inviting alleyways. These aren’t side streets; they’ve been reimagined into vibrant, walkable paths that provide direct access to public art, casual patios, overlooked architecture and hidden shops. Discover a different side of Old Town by taking a walk off the beaten path.
For more inspiration, explore our mural map, follow a curated itinerary and learn more about the story behind the Fort Collins Gateway Mural.
Where to Start Your Alley Walk
Begin at the Fort Collins Gateway Mural, one of the city’s most recognizable works of public art. Completed in 2024 by the Fort Collins Mural Project, this postcard-style mural celebrates the landmarks, history and character that make the city unique. From there, make your way to the west side of Old Firehouse Alley (there are a number of parking lots in the area, as well as easy bike access). The nicely paved route features three mural panels that were updated in 2024, a wonderful introduction to the surprising art of Fort Collins’ alleys, and one of Harper Goff, the town resident who inspired Walt Disney to design Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A., after our charming streets.
Along the way, you’ll pass the back patio of Happy Lucky’s Teahouse and The Forge Publick House, a craft beer bar with rotating taps.
From here, explore the handful of enhanced alleys at your own pace using the suggested route below, which takes you past local boutiques, patios for necessary snack (or beer) breaks and sweet stops to keep your energy up (you can’t walk by Nuance Chocolate without picking up a few artisan bars).
Exploring the Alleys of Old Town Fort Collins
Walk a couple of minutes south to Trimble Court, one of the first enhanced alleys to be completed. The cobblestone path leads straight to Old Town Square by way of Trimble Court Artisans, a co-op gallery featuring unique creations from more than 50 Colorado artists and makers.
Cross North College Avenue to reach the mural-lined Tenney Court. Highlights include Fort Collins local Chris Bates’ “Hard to Leave,” a colorful expression of what makes FoCo special, and Armando Silva’s 40-foot-tall “Colores de la Comunidad,” which reflects the experiences of indigenous communities that migrated to the area.
The short strip also provides entry to Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys, a sister-owned shop focused on all things baby, kids and maternity, and Gilded Goat Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery known for adventurous craft beers brewed with Colorado mountain water and fresh ingredients. Further along, Tenney Court North continues the mural theme and is best enjoyed in the evening when blue lights turn on to illuminate your steps.
A trio of alleys awaits just across West Mountain Avenue. More murals line up the brick buildings along the Beardmore, Godinez and Reidhead alleys. The three are helpful connectors but also serve as an entrance to Walrus Ice Cream, a local sweet spot that’s been around since 1987. After dark, a cable art installation lights up the spot where the alleys converge.
Continue on to reach the West Oak Street Alley. The block has an art deco theme to match the nearby Armstrong Hotel and is book-ended by metal fan sculptures that cast unique shadows on the ground during the day and are illuminated at night. As you walk, you’ll discover an entrance to Dandelion & Rust mercantile at the north end and restaurants like Choice City deli a couple of blocks down at the south end.
Begin your return journey by popping across College Avenue. Though it’s nearby, Montezuma Fuller Alley feels a world away. The cut-through has a European feel with trailing flowers in the summer, lampposts and smaller murals. Access some of downtown’s top watering holes, including the open-all-day Starry Night Coffee, Equinox Brewing and The Crown Pub, as well as the Aggie Theatre, from the path.
Where to End Your Walk
Meander back north to Old Firehouse Alley. The Exchange is a multi-use space filled with dining, drinks and nightlife that serves as a perfect gathering spot. Hang out there or head out to explore more of the oh-so-walkable Old Town. You can also hoof it to the east end of the alley to glimpse one of the most unique murals in town: a 3-D creation that comes to life at night with light projections and interactive, movement-triggered technology.
Keep Exploring Old Town
There is plenty to enjoy in Old Town beyond our alleyways. The center of downtown Fort Collins is always abuzz with people and events: Thursday night concerts in the summer, the Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony in the winter, and year-round favorites such as First Friday Art Walks, a monthly self-guided celebration of local creativity, and the Foodie Walk, where downtown culinary shops stay open late with tastings and seasonal specialties.
Some of the city’s top museums are also within walking or biking distance, as are many longstanding shops (Old Firehouse Books has been around, in one form or another, since 1980) and the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir for those seeking outdoor fun.
Ready to see a different side of Fort Collins? Start planning your visit and discover the murals, hidden patios and local favorites waiting beyond Old Town’s main streets.
