Autumn Days in NoCo
Itinerary
Celebrate autumn in Fort Collins with pumpkin patches, seasonal menus, colorful strolls through Old Town, CSU football games, ghost tours, and holiday cocktails that make chilly nights unforgettable.
9:00 am
Warm Up With Brunch
Start your autumn morning with a warm, comforting breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Café, an Old Town favorite. Their fall menu features pumpkin spice pancakes, sweet potato biscuits, and steaming café au lait. With cozy interiors and homestyle flavors, it’s the perfect place to welcome a crisp Colorado morning.
Explore Old Town by Foot
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through Old Town, where the crisp air carries the charm of the season. Shop windows showcase rotating local finds—handmade goods, cozy knits, and unique treasures—while the streets buzz softly with the rhythm of morning. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day and soak up the character of Fort Collins.
Try a Seasonal Special
Old Town’s coffee shops come alive in autumn, each offering its own seasonal spin on comfort in a cup. From spiced pumpkin lattes and maple mochas to chai blends infused with cinnamon and clove, every café adds a touch of fall to its menu. There are so many places to choose from, but we love Mugs, Lima, and Explorado!
Stroll along the Cache La Poudre
If time allows, step away from Old Town for a short walk or drive to the Poudre River. In the fall, the riverbanks come alive with golden cottonwoods and fiery red maples, their colors mirrored in the water. The crisp air and rustling leaves make it the perfect seasonal escape—close enough to the hotel for a quick outing, yet scenic enough to feel like a world away.
12:00 pm
Apple picking at The Farm
Autumn in Northern Colorado isn’t complete without a trip to a local orchard for apple picking. Rows of trees heavy with crisp Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonagold apples invite you to fill a basket while soaking up mountain views and the scent of fresh cider in the air. It’s a seasonal tradition that captures the simple joys of fall and makes for the perfect afternoon escape.
Ya Ya's Farm and Orchard
Ya Ya’s offers an authentic taste of the season with pick-your-own apples, pears, cherries, and flowers. Apple and pear picking (reservations required) begins as early as August and wraps up by late September, timed to beat Colorado’s early frosts.
3:00 pm
Pumpkin Patch Adventures
No fall trip is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. Fort Collins has several options where you can pick the perfect pumpkin, sip hot cider, and enjoy seasonal activities
Enjoy Bartels Farm
Bartels Farm is a local favorite offering a wide selection of pumpkins, hayrides, and a charming farm stand.
5:00 pm
Frizler Fun for The Whole Family
Fritzler Farm Park in LaSalle is a fall favorite, offering everything from pumpkin picking and family-friendly attractions to Colorado’s premier haunted corn maze, Scream Acres.
Bring the Family
A Northern Colorado tradition, Fritzler’s is best known for its sprawling pumpkin patch, where fields glow with every shape and size of pumpkin ready to be picked. Families flock here each fall to explore the signature corn maze, a winding labyrinth that changes themes each year and offers fun for all ages. Beyond the fields, the fall produce market is brimming with seasonal favorites—squash, gourds, cider, and local treats—making it easy to bring a little taste of autumn home. Whether you’re snapping photos among the pumpkins, getting lost in the maze, or shopping the market, Fritzler’s delivers the full fall experience.
Scream Acres at The Farm
By day, the farm is perfect for hayrides, photo ops, and seasonal fun, but once the sun sets, it transforms into one of the state’s scariest haunted experiences. Twisting corridors, eerie characters, and heart-pounding jump scares draw thrill-seekers from across Colorado—while those who’d rather keep it light can relax in the beer garden or enjoy games and seasonal treats.
8:00 pm
Old Town Ghost Tour
If you prefer to stick around Old Town and the pumpkin patch isn’t for you, check out the Old Town Ghost Tour. Led by local storytellers, this guided walk uncovers Fort Collins’ haunted past with tales of lingering spirits, historic buildings, and eerie encounters that bring a spooky twist to the city’s charm. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to spend a fall evening right in the heart of downtown.
Activities Throughout The Season
Beyond pumpkin patches and football, fall in Fort Collins offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Spend an afternoon at a local brewery sampling autumn-inspired beers, bike the scenic Poudre Trail framed by golden leaves, or browse Old Town boutiques for cozy sweaters and handmade goods. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts also pop up throughout the city, making fall the perfect time to experience Fort Collins’ lively mix of culture, community, and crisp mountain air.
CSU Football Season
Fall Saturdays in Fort Collins come alive with the energy of CSU Rams football. Canvas Stadium fills with green and gold as fans pack the stands, tailgates buzz with excitement, and the crisp autumn air adds to the game-day spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just soaking up the atmosphere, a CSU football game is a quintessential fall experience in Northern Colorado.