History, Charm, & Community: Old Town Square is America's Best Public Space
April 17, 2024 / Tags: Family Fun • Community
Public squares are the heart of communities, pulsing with history, culture, and a sense of belonging.
USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards recently honored ten vibrant downtown district spaces, and Downtown Fort Collins is excited to announce that Old Town Square has been voted as the #4 Best Public Square in the Nation! (According to USA Today 10Best Readers)
This recognition is a testament to the charm of Old Town Square, where historical buildings like the Art Deco Northern Hotel, Old Firehouse, and iconic Linden Hotel line the streets. Did you know our architecture served as inspiration for many of the features of Disneyland's Main Street, USA? Fort Collins' heart truly captures the essence of a classic turn-of-the-20th-century American town center.
Beyond its captivating beauty, Old Town Square bursts with the creative energy of our community.
Locally owned shops populate the square and streets, buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit. Vibrant public art installations, overflowing flower planter beds and baskets, and inviting charm can be uncovered around every corner. Local farmers' markets offer fresh produce, while artisans showcase their handmade crafts. On hot summer days, the splash pad offers a haven for giggling children and families.
During fall, Old Town Square is stunning. The summer crowds have thinned, and the crisp, cool air is perfect for strolling through the brick-lined streets. As the leaves begin to change color, the square transforms into a vibrant tapestry of yellows, oranges, and reds.
As winter season paints the town white, Old Town Square transforms into a winter wonderland! Sparkling Tivoli lights twinkle like snowflakes overhead, casting a magical glow on the skate rink where skaters glide by.
Santa's Workshop, all decked out for the season, adds a touch of holiday cheer making it the perfect place to soak in the holiday spirit.
This beloved public square transforms into a stage for local musicians, captivating concerts, performances, and lively festivals. Whispers resonate from its historic buildings as new memories are woven into the very fabric of the square, each and every day.
A huge congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 10Best Public Squares Readers' Choice Awards!
Let's raise a glass (or a locally brewed Fort Collins craft beer!) to these incredible community hubs, including our very own Old Town Square:
No. 1: Campus Martius Park - Detroit, Michigan
No. 2: The Square - Oxford, Mississippi
No. 3: Market Square (Knoxville) - Knoxville, Tennessee
No. 4: Old Town Square - Fort Collins, Colorado
No. 5: Centerway Square - Corning, New York
No. 6: St. George Town Square - St. George, Utah
No. 7: Santa Fe Plaza - Santa Fe, New Mexico
No. 8: Winterset Town Square - Winterset, Iowa
No. 9: Jackson Square - New Orleans, Louisiana
No. 10: Fountain Square - Cincinnati, Ohio