Explore Colorado!

Check Out Colorado State Parks

(National Parks and National Monuments not included.)

Enter any of Colorado’s 42 state parks for free with our Check Out Colorado State Parks pass!

The Colorado State Library has partnered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to provide this unique outdoor learning experience. When reserving this, you will receive the Colorado State Park Pass as well as a backpack containing binoculars, Colorado Trees and Wildflowers Guide, Colorado Wildlife Guide, Guide to Your 42 State Parks and a list of suggested activities. The pass is good for 7 days and allows entry for one vehicle.

Click here to check the catalogue for current availability.

Gateway Natural Area Pass

Gateway Natural Area is the kind of place you will want to bring your family for a day in the mountains and definitely a place you will be proud to say is part of Fort Collins. Gateway Natural Area (formerly Gateway Mountain Park) is the site of the city’s old water filtration plant, where the North Fork of the Poudre River joins the main Poudre River. Visitors enjoy it because its tucked away from the noise of Highway 14 and Gateway is only 15 miles from Fort Collins! You’ll find hiking trails, a designated launch area for kayaks and canoes, fishing, picnic tables with grills, informational kiosks and a natural playground.

Pass must be checked out and returned to the checkout desk.

Check out period is 7 days.  Holds are not available on the Gateway Natural Area Pass.

This pass is provided in partnership with the City of Fort Collins. Passes are required for vehicles, walk-ins, tubers, and boaters. Gateway Natural Area is open daily, dawn to dusk. Please note: this pass is for use at Gateway Natural Area only; not at state parks or other Larimer County Natural Areas.

Open Daily, Dawn – Dusk!

Located at 5216 West Highway 14, Bellvue, CO 80512

Click here to check the catalogue for current availability.

Discover Pack

Check out a Discover Pack and explore Larimer County’s outdoor parks and natural areas for free. Included: Horsetooth Mountain Park, Horsetooth Reservoir, Devil’s Backbone, Carter Lake, Red Mountain Open Space, Pinewood Reservoir and many more!

Check out period is 7 days.  Holds are not available on Discover Packs.

The Department of Natural Resources alongside libraries across Larimer County are excited to present the Discover Pack. This pack is designed to make the parks and open spaces of Larimer County accessible to everyone. Visitors of Larimer County can check out these packs from Larimer County Natural Resources offices and libraries across the county for free. Individuals who check out the packs can keep them for up to seven days and go discover Larimer County’s parks and open spaces.  The program officially began August 6, 2021.

What’s inside the Discover Pack?

• Parking Pass valid at all Larimer County Natural Resources properties
• Recreation Map and Regulations Guide
• Wildflower Guide
• Junior Ranger Guide
• Location info in English and Spanish
• Larimer County sticker

Click here to check the catalogue for current availability.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science pass includes free general admission for up to 7 visitors ages 3 and up. Visitors younger than three are free. Note: Pass does not include admission to special events. Denver Museum of Nature & Science is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205.

MUSEUM PASS- 4 Day Checkout (requires form and Drivers License)

Museum Hours: Open every day 9 a.m-5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

• You no longer need timed-ticket entry. They strongly recommend calling ahead
• Temporary exhibits require paid, timed tickets in addition to Museum entry
• Please call 303-370-6000 to make a reservation for IMAX, Planetarium and Stonehenge as these tend to sell out due to capacity
• RECOMMENDED: call in afternoon for less hold time
• Online reservations are not available with the Wellington Public Library pass

Form Download: Museum Pass Form

Click here to check the catalogue for current availability.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a hands-on history, science, and culture museum, filled with interactive exhibits and fascinating collections that tell the stories of Northern Colorado and beyond. Free admission for up to 8 visitors. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is located at 408 Mason Court, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

MUSEUM PASS- 4 Day Checkout (requires form and Drivers License)

Museum Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Closed Mondays to the Public 
• Closed January 1 
• Closed July 4 
• Closed Thanksgiving Day 
• Closed December 24 
• Closed December 25 

• Online reservations are not available with the Wellington Public Library pass

Form Download: Museum Pass Form

Click here to check the catalogue for current availability.

The Gardens on Spring Creek

Free daytime admission for up 8 visitors.  Does not include special events or ‘Garden of Lights’.

NOTE:    After checking out the The Gardens on Spring Creek pass, you must call to reserve your admission time before you arrive. 970-416-2486  

Masks are required for entrance to The Gardens and inside the Butterfly House.

Discover Fort Collins’ 12-acre community botanic garden filled with a diverse collection of perennial and annual plantings, specialty bulbs, trees and shrubs, pollinators and wildlife. Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, our High Plains location offers a powerful showcase of regionally appropriate plants presented through beautifully curated gardens. During your visit you can walk the trails, rest in in the shade of the pergolas, play in the children’s garden, find new treasures in the gift shop and visit northern Colorado’s only North American Butterfly House!

Form Download: Spring Creek Pass Form

Click here to check the catalogue for current availability.