Father’s Day is coming up quickly, so it’s time to start making reservations and planning out a fun day of activities for the man of the hour. Whether dad enjoys a leisurely day on the course or likes to get his heart rate up with a morning mountain bike adventure — here is some Fort Collins inspiration for making dad feel special on his big day.

Practice Your Swing at One of These Local Golf Courses

Golf is a popular sport amongst many dads. Spend the afternoon bonding with pops by reserving a Father’s Day tee time at his favorite course or at a new one that he’s been dying to try out.

Collindale Golf Course

Where? 1441 East Horsetooth Road

Collindale may soon be Dad’s new favorite course, with 18 holes situated on a pristine 160 acres in southeast Fort Collins. The course has been recognized over the years as having some of the best greens in the state and Collindale Golf Course is proudly home of the local U.S. Open Qualifying and many amateur events in Colorado. Tee times are accepted 9 days in advance, so make sure to get yours booked for Father’s Day. After your game, head over to C.B. & Potts with Dad — located in the clubhouse. The restaurant and bar has one of the best outdoor patios in the city!

Mountain Vista Greens Golf

📷 Photo courtesy of Sonny Lubick’s Steakhouse via sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Where? 2808 NE Frontage Road

Dads everywhere enjoy an escape from city life every once in a while. Mountain Vista Greens Golf Course offers just that. This stunning full-length 9-hole course has some of the best practice facilities in the city and the driving range boasts grass year-round. Dad can practice his swing at the putting and chipping area, complete with a sand bunker and experienced staff on site that strive to ensure everyone feels welcome. Whether dad is a beginner golfer or he’s been practicing for decades now — Mountain Vista Greens has something for everybody, including instructors for those who want to pick up a lesson or two.

Highland Meadows Golf Course

Where? 6300 Highland Meadows Parkway

Take a short drive to Windsor to experience all that Highland Meadows has to offer. The course is a premier facility in the Northern Colorado region, with manicured fairways and approaches that are maintained per country club standards. Get your name on the tee time waitlist today so you can grab a slot that’s in line with your preferences and with Dad’s schedule. After you wrap up, treat Dad to lunch at Highland Meadows Grill. This full-service restaurant is renowned for its smothered breakfast burritos and Bloody Marys.

Grab Reservations for Dad’s Favorite Steak Dinner 

If you’re not a skilled home grill master — no worries! These local steakhouses and longstanding Fort Collins restaurants are happy to accept reservations for Father’s Day. Treat Dad to a delicious meal and a stiff drink after a day on the golf course or an afternoon spent hiking in the wilderness.

The Still Whiskey Steaks

Where? 151 North College Avenue

This steakhouse has a Colorado twist, with the unique log cabin decor and robust selection of over 50 Centennial State whiskeys. Dad will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, experienced service, and mouthwatering menu selection of all of his favorite dishes and sides. This steakhouse doesn’t offer to-go, so snag a reservation and introduce Dad to the “meat pile,” which is a garlic butter filet, topped with chimichurri and served with warm dinner rolls. Enjoy king crab cakes, popcorn shrimp, elk tenderloin, blackened Colorado trout and so much more! If you can, save room for a taste of the banana foster cheesecake or close out the night with an old fashioned on tap.

The Moot House

Where? 2626 South College Avenue

The Moot House has been serving up Fort Collins favorites for over three decades. The menu features comfort foods, decadent desserts, and refreshing drinks that are sure to impress any dad. The green chili burger is served open-faced, with onion straws, pico de gallo, and a housemade green chili sauce and the infamous prime rib is slow roasted and is only available on Fridays and Saturdays after 4:00 PM while supplies last. Dad can order beer-battered shrimp, fish and chips or keep it lighter with grilled salmon. The dessert menu offers all the classics, such as a hot fudge sundae, creme brûlée, and a sticky toffee pudding. If Dad is a big martini guy, he’ll want to peruse the cocktail list featuring gin, vodka, and whiskey martinis.

Sonny Lubick’s Steakhouse

Sonny Lubick's Steakhouse 📷 Photo courtesy of Sonny Lubick’s Steakhouse via sonnylubicksteakhouse.com

Where? 115 South College Avenue

Sonny Lubick’s is known for its casual elegance, serving up a perfectly seared rack of lamb, a medium rare grilled ribeye, or a decadent New York strip with garlic butter. Seafood additions include grilled lobster tail, seared scallops, and grilled shrimp. If Dad enjoys exploring the appetizer menu, sample the roasted pork belly, the crispy calamari, or the seafood tower with chilled lobster tails, shrimp, salmon tartare, and oysters. Save room for an order of the chocolate torte or enjoy a rich evening affogato. If dad is more of a cocktail connoisseur, Sonny’s has a signature drink selection such as The Local’s Negroni, the Citrus Blossom, and a seasonal Señor Verde.

Charco Broiler

Where? 1716 East Mulberry Street

All steaks at Charco Broiler are hand-cut in-house, so you know you’re getting fresh, quality cuts of beef when you order. For over 60 years, this restaurant has been providing exceptional service to the Fort Collins community and has remained family-owned and operated across three generations. You won’t have to twist Dad’s arm to sample the bacon-wrapped filet or the pepper steak. He can add an Atlantic rock lobster tail or golden jumbo shrimp to add some surf to his turf. Dessert options range from the famous peanut butter cream pie to an old fashioned root beer float and a caramel apple sundae.

Knock Back a Cold One with Dad at a Fort Collins Brewery 

Does Dad love a good craft beer? Does Dad love learning new things and touring behind the scenes? You’re in luck because these local Fort Collins breweries have delicious cold brews on tap and Dad can also get a closer look at the brewing process with a brewery tour.

Odell Brewing Company

Where? 800 East Lincoln Avenue

Odell Brewing Company is well known in Fort Collins and beyond, with two brewhouse locations in Denver as well. The Fort Collins Brewery is the founding home of the company, well known for having a beautiful patio space and great views of the mountains. Tours are organized on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so align your visit with one of these times so Dad can get the full experience. There are food trucks on site, as well as non-alcoholic options so everybody can find something to enjoy during their visit. Order Dad a flight so he can sample a range of brews and potentially find his new favorite local craft beer.

New Belgium Brewing Company

📷 Photo courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Company via newbelgium.com

Where? 500 Linden Street

New Belgium Brewing Company has a location in Asheville, NC along with their Fort Collins spot. This brewery provides free tours daily, with two-time slots on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Kids are welcome to explore the brewery as well but pets must be left at home. The entire family will enjoy the ride down the famous brewery slide after the end of the tour! If Dad wants to take a deeper dive into the process, book a private production tour that covers 1.5 miles and will give him new insight into how it’s all made. Current tap selections include Fat Tire Ale, Voodoo Ranger 1985 Mango IPA, and Honey Orange Tripel.

SweetWater Brewing Company

Where? 1020 East Lincoln Avenue

Enjoy a laid-back afternoon outing to SweetWater with Dad this Father’s Day. With a tasty menu of snacks and casual fare such as buffalo chicken sandwiches, fried pickles, smoked chicken nachos, and sweet potato fries — Dad will enjoy his favorite comfort foods while sipping on a cold one. The current draft lineup features a Goin’ Coastal IPA with pineapple, a Beach Front Mexican lager, and a Hazy West Coast IPA with fruity notes. The menu also includes nonalcoholic options, such as CBD cocktails, kombucha, and N/A beers.

Treat Dad to Something Sweet This Father’s Day

Even Pops deserves an ice cream cone every once in a while! Check out these local sweet shops and bakeries for Father’s Day so the man of the hour can enjoy his celebration.

Walrus Ice Cream

Where? 125 West Mountain Avenue

Walrus Ice Cream has been around since the late 80s, serving up the best premium ice cream in town. Each day, patrons will find nearly 30 permanent and rotating flavors to try — all made with the finest, all-natural ingredients. Splurge on Dad and order a triple scoop with his trio of favorite flavors or opt for a banana split, milkshake, or a “Saturdae” as opposed to the traditional sundae. You can even order an ice cream cake from the shop for special events!

Old Town Churn Ice Cream

📷 Photo courtesy of Old Town Churn Ice Cream via oldtownchurn.com

Where? 234 North College Avenue Unit D

This Fort Collins ice cream shop is a family member of the Little Man Ice Cream Company, known for its nostalgic parlor and antique churn bucket. Whether dad is in the mood for a sundae, a malt shake, or an ice cream sandwich — Old Town Churn has a little something for every sweet tooth. If you’re bringing a furry family member along, order the “pup cup” so nobody feels left out. Get the Father’s Day festivities kicked off early on June 15th, with a swing dancing and live music event that Old Town Churn hosts every Saturday night of the summer!

Dirty Dough Cookies

Where? 3581 East Harmony Road Suite 165

If dad is more of a cookie guy, take him to Dirty Dough Cookies with decadent options on the menu like the Cookie Butter cookie topped with Speculoos frosting and crushed cookie pieces or the classic Brookie filled with caramel sauce. Dirty Dough offers pickup and delivery services for those who want to surprise dad with a sweet treat come Father’s Day or you can bring dad in-store so he can make a game-time decision. If your pop loves the chocolate and peanut butter combo, you can’t go wrong with The Reverse, which features a fudge filling wrapped in a chocolate cookie, which is then triple-wrapped with a peanut butter cookie!

Explore the Great Outdoors with Dad This Father’s Day 

If you and dad enjoy staying active and enjoying the beautiful summer weather in Fort Collins, then plan an outdoor activity with him such as a sunrise hike or a mountain bike ride!

Hike the Foothills Trail

Where? Maxwell Natural Area

Get up early on Father’s Day and get a few miles under your belt before you take Dad out to brunch! The Foothills Trail is a popular hike in Fort Collins, spanning just under 7 miles of beautiful scenery. This route is good for a variety of outdoor adventurers, including hikers, birders, and bikers. Pets are welcome but dog leash laws are strictly enforced. Trails are well maintained and markers will help keep you on the path throughout the hike.

Mountain Bike at Horsetooth Mountain

Where? Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space encompasses over 2,500 acres of space, covering elevations ranging from the mid-5,000 feet to 7,200+ feet. With 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails — Fort Collins locals can enjoy a variety of activities in this beautiful space. Drinking water is available at the trailhead, so make sure you fill up before your ride.

Happy Father’s Day to All the Fort Collins Dads!

We hope that all the dads in the area feel extra special this Father’s Day, whether they enjoy a round of golf or a dinner out with their family. Make the day one to remember with an outdoor adventure or a low-key day at the house with the people who mean the most.