Fort Collins offers a surprisingly diverse scene for those eager to explore local drinking culture. Known for its thriving craft beer scene, historic pubs, and lively pub crawls, the city combines rich local stories with excellent brews.
We especially like the Haunted Pub Tour in Fort Collins for its mix of ghost stories and historic pubs, and the Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour for a fast-paced, immersive brewery experience.
Whether you’re into spooky tales or sampling a variety of beers, Fort Collins offers memorable ways to drink your way through the city.
Quick Overview
This guide covers two top drinking experiences in Fort Collins. First, a haunted pub crawl that combines local ghost legends with historic taverns; perfect for those who enjoy a spooky story with their beer.
Second, a brewery bus tour that visits five of the city’s best breweries in just three hours, ideal for craft beer enthusiasts wanting a variety of styles. Both tours are tailored for different interests and budgets, delivering authentic local flavor.
1. Haunted Pub Tour in Fort Collins
This tour is a fantastic way to explore Fort Collins’ historic pubs while soaking in ghost stories and local legends. Starting in Old Town Square, your costumed guide will lead you through a series of venues renowned for their haunted reputation and storied pasts.
While the ticket price covers the tour itself, note that beverages are an extra fee—but you’re welcome to bring your drinks along as you explore secret underground or hidden spots, making the experience more personal.
What makes this tour stand out is the rich storytelling combined with visits to some of the oldest pubs in town. The guide shares tales of local hauntings, legends, and historical snippets, creating a balance of history and mystery.
The tour is about 1.5 hours long, walking between pubs just a block or two apart. It’s geared toward adults 21 and over, and offers some beer specials at certain stops to enhance the experience.
Guests often appreciate the intimate, storytelling-focused approach, especially if they enjoy ghost stories with their drinks. While the reviews are mixed—some giving a 3-star rating—they praise the tour’s uniqueness and the lively atmosphere of Old Town. Its value lies in the blend of history, ghost tales, and the chance to visit Fort Collins’ most historic pubs in an engaging way.
Bottom line: If you love stories of haunted history and want to sample local pubs with a spooky twist, this tour provides a fun, laid-back way to spend an evening.
2. Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour
For around $120, the Five Breweries in Three Hours Bus Tour offers a lively, efficient way to taste a broad spectrum of Fort Collins’ craft beers. The tour takes you in a 14-passenger shuttle to five top breweries, with each stop lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. The breweries include Odell Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewery, Funkwerks, Horse & Dragon, and Hello Brew Company.
Each brewery visit begins with a house or seasonal beer, with a second pour that’s up to you—each between 5 and 7 ounces. The smaller groups and structured schedule make this a great option for visitors with limited time but keen interest in the local brewing scene.
You’ll get a good variety of styles, from big-name breweries like Odell to smaller, innovative spots like Funkwerks, which features barrel-aged beers and a cozy back room.
While the tour doesn’t include food, some breweries offer snacks, and the focus remains on sampling diverse beers. The reviews are currently few, but the consistent lineup of breweries and the structured format offer solid value, especially for those who want to try many beers in a short time.
Note that this tour is best suited for those who enjoy hopping between breweries in a social setting and don’t mind a fair amount of beer consumption.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, fun introduction to Fort Collins’ brewery scene, this bus tour is a practical choice, especially for groups and beer lovers eager to sample several styles without the hassle of planning.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two options, think about your interests, your budget, and how much time you have. The Haunted Pub Tour appeals to history buffs and those who enjoy a spooky story combined with a relaxed pub crawl. It’s an affordable, shorter experience perfect for an evening out.
Conversely, the Five Breweries Bus Tour caters to craft beer enthusiasts wanting to maximize tasting variety in a fixed timeframe, and it’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a more energetic, group-oriented outing.
Consider your preferences: if you’re interested in stories, legends, and historic pubs, the haunted tour is a good pick. If you want to taste as many local beers as possible and enjoy a lively, social environment, the brewery bus tour fits the bill. Also, think about your budget—while the haunted tour is more affordable, the brewery tour offers a more extensive tasting experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak tourist season or weekends, to secure spots on these popular experiences. Check the individual links for availability and any age restrictions or additional costs.
Final Thoughts
Fort Collins offers a range of enjoyable drinking experiences, whether you prefer a spooky pub crawl or a swift brewery tour. For a laid-back, story-rich evening, the Haunted Pub Tour makes a memorable choice—perfect for history lovers and those seeking a little ghostly fun.
If sampling a variety of craft beers in a short time feels more your style, then the Brewery Bus Tour offers excellent value and an energetic vibe.
In the end, both tours showcase the city’s proud brewing tradition and its historic charm. Consider your interests and schedule, book early, and get ready to enjoy some of Colorado’s best beer and storytelling. Cheers to making the most of Fort Collins’ lively drinking scene!