The River District
It’s a place unlike any other. Here, the Poudre River, industry, art and history come together to create a new community in Fort Collins. Art galleries, music venues and theaters compliment recreation on the river and preserved natural areas. Long-time industrial businesses work in partnership with new entrepreneurs. Modern housing, restaurants, shops and office buildings reflect the District’s historic past and celebrate its future. The River District is not your run-of-the-mill downtown neighborhood.
It’s the downtown gateway to recreation.
HISTORY
Here, the river, industry, art and history come together to create a new community in Fort Collins. The River District has ties to the early history of Fort Collins. On August 20, 1864, Col. Collins designated the area around Willow St. as the new military reservation after a flood wiped out the previous camp. Check out more of the history of Fort Collins or the history of the Poudre River from the Archive at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery or on the panels at the River District.
ARTS
The River District is full of eye-catching art that graces every corner and has ties to the unique history of the area.
As you walk through the District, take notice of the Linden Street pedestrian pavers and Willow Street pedestrian pavers inlaid into the sidewalk. Artist Susan Dailey, commissioned by the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places Program, designed 11 etched granite pavers that acknowledge and honor the role this area played in Fort Collins history.
At the corner of Willow and Linden streets, sits a series of sculptures called “In Praise of the Poudre“. The four undulating granite columns feature relief carvings of the plants, animals, insects and landforms found around, within, and below the Cache la Poudre River – celebrating the elements of a healthy river ecosystem. Stroll by at dusk to see it illuminated!
Colorful murals and painted transformer boxes are also abundant throughout the District.
THE RIVER
The heart and soul of the River District, the Poudre River is a community treasure. As Colorado’s only designated ‘Wild and Scenic River”, it provides many opportunities for recreation in and around the water. Grab your kayak and try out the new Whitewater Park. Take your bike and go for a spin on the Poudre Trail. Grab your fishing pole and cast a line. The possibilities are endless!
Businesses in the River District
Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Our goal is to enrich the cultural life of the region and, in so doing, add to the common experience that bonds ...
401 Pine Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Block One
Block One is a modern, energy-efficient, and mixed-use building located in Old Town Fort Collins. Nestled on ...
420 Linden Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Ginger and Baker
Our building once housed the Northern Colorado Feeders Supply, a brick and mortar symbol of Fort Collins’ Ag ...
359 Linden Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Handoff
Alcohol Discovery. Delivered. Handoff is a chat- and voice-based alcohol recommendation and delivery ...
420 Linden Street #200
Mobb Mountain Distillers
A few hundred feet from the wild and scenic Cache la Poudre river, our newly renovated distillery awaits you! The ...
400 Linden Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Northside Aztlan Community Center
Northside Aztlan Community Center is a fitness and events facility that is also home to a wide variety of activities, ...
112 Willow Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Old Town Athletic Club
Since 2003 the Old Town Athletic Club has provided the Fort Collins Community with a first class workout experience. ...
351 Linden Street Unit 100, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Rodizio Grill
Rodizio Grill is an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse, the original in the United States. It was founded by Ivan ...
200 Jefferson Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Union Bar and Soda Fountain
Inspired by an all American diner, our recipes feature what we all love about comfort food, it's simplicity. ...
250 Jefferson Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House
Wolverine Farm Publishing is a 501(c)3 non-profit literary and arts organization based in Fort Collins, ...
316 Willow Street, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Accepts Downtown Gift Cards
Block One
Ginger and Baker
Accepts Downtown Gift Cards
Great Plates Restaurant
Handoff
Mobb Mountain Distillers
Accepts Downtown Gift Cards
Northside Aztlan Community Center
Old Town Athletic Club
Rodizio Grill
Accepts Downtown Gift Cards
Great Plates Restaurant
Union Bar and Soda Fountain
Accepts Downtown Gift Cards
Great Plates Restaurant
Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House
Accepts Downtown Gift Cards