5 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About Fort Collins

It's no secret that Fort Collins, Colorado, is a great place. Whether you're snacking on Silver Grill cinnamon rolls, taking a dip in Horsetooth Reservoir, or enjoying a beer at a local craft brewery, there are tons of amazing things to do in the Choice City.

Perhaps you're a Fort Collins expert who has lived here for years. Maybe you just moved to the Front Range. Either way, we bet you didn't know these five fun facts about Fort Collins.

Fort Collins Became a Town in 1873

Fort Collins originally started as a military fort run by cavalry commander Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins in the mid-1860s. He eventually moved back to his native Ohio, but locals liked him enough to name the town after him — and Fort Collins was born in 1873.

READ: Here's Why the Choice City Is Called Fort Collins

Today, the City of Fort Collins describes the Choice City as a "rapidly urbanizing community [operating] under a sophisticated and comprehensive development plan."

Fort Collins Gets Around 300 Days of Sunshine a Year

Fort Collins sits at about 5,000 feet above sea level near the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Cache la Poudre River.

According to the city, the Choice City has a "moderate, four-season climate" with around 300 days of sunshine per year. Our warmest month of the year is July, while our coldest month is January.

Fort Collins Has a Low Unemployment Rate

The City reports that Fort Collins' unemployment rate is about 2%, and its sales tax is nearly 8%.

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You can learn more about the City's budget plans here.

The Average Fort Collins Resident Is 29 Years Old

The average Fort Collins resident is 29.1 years old, with an average household income of around $62,000.

According to the city, about half of Fort Collins residents have a college degree — and we all live on nearly 60 square miles.

Fort Collins Has Over 38,000 Acres of Recreation Space

The city reports that Fort Collins has over 38,000 acres of natural areas and parks and 45 miles of hiking and biking trails.

If you'd rather hang out indoors, you can visit places like The Lincoln Center or the Old Town Library — or fly yourself to Las Vegas at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport.

The Choice City isn't the only Colorado town with a nickname. Check out 39 unique nicknames of Centennial State towns (and find out how they got them) in the gallery below.