Get Creative in Northern Colorado!
The NoCo Creative Road Trip is an arts excursion along the Front Porch of the Rockies! Whether you’re touring from out of state, or discovering new hidden gems in your home state of Colorado, you’ll find that Northern Colorado has plenty to offer to visitors looking to be inspired and entertained. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite spots in five Front Range communities that celebrate arts, music, culinary creations, cultural heritage, and more. Pack your bags and start planning your own road trip!
Step by Step Instructions
Our road trip route includes five distinct communities and creative districts along the I-25 corridor in Northern Colorado: Longmont, Loveland, Greeley, Sterling, and Fort Collins. In each city, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite sights, sounds, tastes, and adventures. Staying in the area for a while? Dive deep and explore everything each community has to offer. Short on time? Make a creative pit stop in each city as you’re passing through.
Explore Longmont Creative District to see…
Bears, Benches & Italian Garden
Explore Art Everywhere – from painted guard rails to Los Arcos micro-plazas. Also, visit historic Callahan House and its Italian garden.
Photo credit: Kanoe Wentworth
Creativity Block
Independent, local galleries, studios and art co-ops are clustered in the 300 block of Main St. Find unique creative kits, high end art, Colorado artisan creations and working studios!
Photo credit: Kanoe Wentworth
History, Art & Interaction
Visit the Longmont Museum to explore history and experience art. Exhibits range from international artists, explorations of culture, permanent exhibits and performances in the Stewart Auditorium.
Photo credit: Longmont Museum
Mystical & Metaphysical
Seeking healing and healthful energy? Home to a cluster of mystical & metaphysical shops, explore the district to discover the benefits of crystals, herbs, and essential oils.
Photo credit: Lisa Patchem
St. Stephen’s Listening Plaza
Nestled next to historic St. Stephen’s Church, hear the sounds of Longmont via music produced and performed by the region’s best.
Photo credit: Kanoe Wentworth
Cheese From Around the World
Indulge with artisan cheese and specialty foods! Cheese Importers is a unique European market with hundreds of cheeses and goods produced both locally and around the world!
Photo credit: Sherri O’Hara
Explore Greeley District to see…
Union Colony Civic Center
This performing arts center is home to the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, a 1,700 seat Monfort Concert Hall and the Hensel Phelps Theater. See national artists, touring Broadway shows, dance recitals, and more.
Uptown Art Trees
Whimsical art tree sculptures line the sidewalks of 8th Avenue, welcoming you to the neighborhood. Visit the dozens of unique pieces, each commissioned from a unique artist.
16th Street Art Co-Ops
Shop unique art and handmade gifts at Greeley's longest-running art co-op, Madison and Main Art Gallery. Or hop next door to Margie's Market, a curated display of artisan-crafted items inside Margie's Java Joint.
Colorado Model Railroad Museum
This one of a kind railroad museum is a scenic wonder which will leave you inspired! Walk through a real caboose, stroll along the mountain vistas and peek into a miniature world of wonder! Visitors come here from all over the world!
Greeley Farmers’ Market
Connect with Greeley's agriculture heritage! The Farmer's Market is held every Saturday June-October at the Union Pacific Depot, and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at Zoe's Cafe November through May.
Kress Cinema and Lounge
The Kress, an art deco cinema, serves up curated films, craft cocktails & small plates. Enjoy an indie film in one of their two intimate theatres, hang out at the bar or rent the whole theater to host your own movie night!
Explore Loveland District to see…
Black and Blues Music and Brews
An exclusive guitar boutique and listening room features high quality guitars, amps and effects handcrafted in America, and a variety of brews and cocktails with weekly live music.
Art Lover’s Paradise
Loveland is home to 540+ pieces of public art displayed throughout the city. In downtown The Lincoln Gallery, Loveland Museum, Independence Gallery and Artworks are all within walking distance of each other.
Historic Building Tour
This self-guided historic walking (or bicycling) tour explores the beautiful community of Loveland.
Foundry Tours
Home to 3 of the largest bronze foundries nationally, Loveland is the creation site for most bronze sculptures produced in the U.S. Scheduling a foundry tour is a “must”!
Benson Sculpture Garden
A stunning 10-acre park features 172 art pieces on permanent display, and hosts the largest annual U.S. juried outdoor sculpture show.
This delightful coffee and tea shop is located in artist Jane DeDecker’s gallery and workshop. DeDecker has placed over 175 public sculptures in 30+ states. Enjoy a sip and baked treat in this famous sculptor’s gallery.
Explore Fort Collins District to see…
Transforming Public Art
Explore the nationally acclaimed Art in Public Places' visual art, from painted transformer cabinets, youth art sidewalk pavers, colorful murals, painted pianos and sculptures that line the streets, alleys and buildings.
Rock On!
Fort Collins is known for its live music scene, so head to a concert at one of the intimate listening rooms, jazz lounges or rock concert venues, or enjoy a free outdoor concert and iconic Colorado music festivals!
Museum of Art Fort Collins
See nationally acclaimed traveling art shows, world renowned artists, in person talks/concerts, a themed gift shop, and showcases of local contemporary and other artwork at this prominent art museum.
Discover Our Stories
Visit the Museum of Discovery to learn about Fort Collins’ rich history, see traveling national museum exhibits, and play in the extensive immersive music exhibit at the same time!
Spice It Up!
Take your tastebuds on a journey around the world as you visit specialty spice, olive oil, gourmet cheese and artisan tea shops or participate in the monthly Fort Collins Foodie Walk.
A Little Disneyland
The beautiful Old Firehouse building, located in the heart of the historic district, was the inspiration for Disneyland's Main Street designed in part by Walt Disney’s creative and Fort Collins native Harper Goff.
Explore Sterling District to see…
Local Jamz & July Jamz
Summer concerts on the courthouse lawn allow local musicians to showcase their talents and celebrate genres ranging from country to jazz. Both Jamz are great family entertainment and celebrations of live music!
Sculpture in Public Places
Sculpture comes in all forms! Explore Brad Rhea’s iconic carved tree sculptures, Dream Redeemer and Skygrazers, and bronze sculptures along West Main Street telling the rich history of this western town.
Northeastern's Galleries
Explore the diverse artworks at the galleries located at Northeastern Jr. College including the William Sanderson Collection, Peter L. Youngers Fine Arts Gallery and Tennant Art Gallery.
Overland Trail Museum
Built in 1936, this museum offers a look at the past with a 14-building historical village, exhibits about the history of the oil/gas industry and The Overland Trail, and heritage events to experience early settlers’ life.
Serving Up Great Food
Open since 1935, the Jones and Lane Diner serves up grand champion beef and delicious meals! In town during Veterans’ Day, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day? Stop at the iconic J & L Café for a free honoree meal!
Sterling Creatives
An artist cooperative located on Third Street, this gallery hosts First Friday Gallery events showcasing local artists’ hand crafted stained glass, paintings, jewelry, photography, and ceramics.
