Directions and Parking

Street, sidewalk, and person riding bike on underpass

Colorado State University is located in the heart of Fort Collins in Northern Colorado along the picturesque Front Range. With quick access to several major highways, Denver International Airport, and plenty of places to stay once you’re here, visiting campus is easy regardless of where you are coming from.

Use these directions to get to campus, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding your visit or how to get here. If you are signed up for an event, be sure to check your email for specific instructions on where to go and park.

Construction projects are always ongoing at CSU. See a map of current projects and how they might impact your travels.

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Driving directions

To Welcome Center at Ammons Hall

Visitors taking part in daily information sessions and tours should check-in at the University Welcome Center, also known as Ammons Hall, at 711 Oval Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80521.

From I-25, traveling north or south

These directions apply to visitors using I-25 to reach Fort Collins, such as those traveling from the Denver area or Cheyenne, WY.

  • Use Exit 269B, CO-14 W. toward Fort Collins.
  • Head west onto E. Mulberry St. for 4.2 miles.
  • Turn left on S. Howes St. for 0.3 miles.
  • At light, continue straight on Howes St. for 0.1 miles.
  • Turn right on Music Drive.
  • Continue to the parking lot ahead. The University Welcome Center will be directly to your right.

From College Ave., traveling north

These directions apply to visitors traveling on College Avenue/U.S. 287, from the Loveland area.

  • Travel north on College Avenue until you reach E. Laurel St.
  • Turn left on Laurel St. and continue for 0.2 miles.
  • Turn left at Howes St.
  • Turn right on Music Drive.
  • Continue to the parking lot ahead. The Welcome Center will be directly to your right.

To Lory Student Center

All visitors taking part in events located in the Lory Student Center can follow the the turn-by-turn directions below. For those using a GPS, the best address is Morgan Library Parking Lot, Fort Collins, CO 80521.

From I-25, traveling north or south

These directions apply to visitors using I-25 to reach Fort Collins, such as those traveling from the Denver area or Cheyenne, WY.

  • Use exit 268, Prospect Road.
  • Head west and continue on Prospect Road for about 5 miles.
  • Turn right on Shields St. and continue for about .3 miles.
  • Turn right on W. Pitkin St. and continue for about .3 miles.
  • Turn left on Meridian Ave. until you reach a three-way intersection.
  • Turn right on Hughes Way where you will find designated parking areas.

From College Avenue, traveling north

These directions apply to visitors traveling on College Avenue/U.S. 287 from the Loveland area.

  • Travel north on College Ave. until you reach Prospect Road.
  • Turn left on Prospect Road and continue for 1 mile.
  • Turn right on Shields St. and continue for about .3 miles.
  • Turn right on W. Pitkin St. and continue for about .3 miles.
  • Turn left on Meridian Ave. until you reach a three-way intersection.
  • Turn right on Hughes Way where you will find designated parking areas.

Once you are on Hughes Way, visitors are invited to park in lots 425, 412, or along Hughes Way. In the case that these lots are full, turn around and return to Meridian Avenue the same way you entered campus. Turn left at Lake Street and right on Center Avenue. Parking will be available at the Lake & Center Parking Garage directly on your left.

The Lory Student Center is located north of the parking areas listed.

To Old Town Fort Collins

These directions are for visitors interested in spending time in Fort Collins’ idyllic Old Town, known for its comfortable atmosphere and great opportunities for shopping and dining. For those using a GPS, the best address is 112 College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521.

From I-25, traveling north or south

These directions apply to visitors using I-25 to reach Fort Collins, such as those traveling from the Denver area or Cheyenne, WY.

  • Use exit 268, Prospect Road.
  • Head west and continue on Prospect Road for about 4 miles.
  • Turn right on S. College Avenue and continue north for about 1 mile.
  • Old Town stretches north for about 1 mile and to the east and west of College Avenue
  • Parking can be found along College Avenue and side streets.

From the Main CSU Campus

These directions apply to visitors traveling from the main Colorado State campus to Old Town.

  • Head east (away from the mountains) to College Ave., U.S. 287.
  • Turn left onto College Ave. and travel north for about 0.5 miles.
  • Old Town stretches north for about 1 mile and to the east and west of College Ave.
  • Parking can be found along College Avenue and side streets.

In Old Town, the City of Fort Collins has two parking garages and five parking lots available for both hourly and permit parking. Hourly rates for parking garages is $1 per hour, with the first hour – as well as Sundays and holidays – free. Free on-street parking also is available.

Parking on campus

All visitors must obtain a parking permit prior to parking on campus, except on weekends or after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Visitors may obtain a free, online permit by registering their vehicle’s license plate during the visit registration process. Once a vehicle is registered, there is no need for a physical permit.

These digital permits are valid in any “Reserved Parking for Admission Guest” spaces near the University Welcome Center at Ammons Hall or in any parking lot on campus designated with the letters A, Z, ZR, or R. These permits are not valid in “pay to park” spaces.

Parking lots 315 and 310 are the closest parking to the University Welcome Center. This map highlights most of the valid parking lots on campus for your digital permit.

Flying

For those traveling to Colorado by air, Denver International Airport is the closest major airport to Fort Collins. Colorado State University is about 65 miles north of the airport, and there are several options for transportation following your flight.

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