Loveland is nestled in between Fort Collins and Denver, offering a slightly slower pace of life than the two cities that surround it. With a scenic downtown filled with older style buildings and weekly art events during the warm seasons, a mountain backdrop, and easy access to nature, Loveland has something in store for every visitor.
Stroll through the Benson Park Sculpture Garden
What began in 1984 with a group of five Loveland sculptors has since turned into a cherished local destination. The Benson Park Sculpture Garden, founded by George Lundeen, George Walbye, Fritz White, Hollis Williford, and Dan Ostermiller alongside representatives of the City of Loveland and Chamber of Commerce. After the first Sculpture in the Park show was held in 1984 with over fifty local artists participating, the city knew this local feature would be a hit considering that $50,000 worth of art was purchased. Guests are invited to walk through the park, enjoying works in bronze, stone, ceramic, glass, wood, and other materials.
Address: 1125 W 29th St, Loveland, CO 80538
Get outside and explore the Devil's Backbone Open Space
Being home to one of the most iconic trails in Loveland, the Devil's Backbone Open Space is a great place to get out for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and generally just spending time outdoors. This 2,198 acre Open Space offers unparalleled views of Loveland, and hosts over 12 miles of connected trails between Rimrock and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. There is conveniently located drinking water available at the main trailhead, and outdoor enthusiasts who are visiting the park are heavily encouraged to bring plenty of water on their adventures. The park is open from dusk until dawn and has no entrance fee.
Address: County Road 38E, Phone: 970-679-4570
See exhibits at Loveland Museum/Gallery
The Loveland Museum/Gallery is the only American Alliance of Museums accredited museum in the entirety of Northern Colorado, a prestigious recognition that less than 5% of museum nationwide receive. The Loveland Museum and Gallery was originally founded in 1937 by Harold Dunning, a local author, curator, mountain guide, and author. What began with Dunning collecting pioneer artifacts quickly grew into the collection that is showcased at the museum today. Aside from exhibits the museum offers poetry readings, programs for both adults and children, and historical exhibits focusing on the local area.
Address: 503 N. Lincoln Avenue Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-962-2410
Go canoeing in Boyd Lake State Park
Located at the most western edge of the regionally famous Longs Peak, Boyd Lake State Park is in the plains near Loveland and offers plenty of recreational opportunities to visitors. For lovers of water, there is boating, fishing, and swimming, while those who prefer to keep their feet dry can enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, and picnicking.
Address: 3720 N County Road 11-C Loveland, CO, 80538-2307, Phone: 970-669-1739
See stone sculptures on display at the Chapungu Sculpture Park
The Chapungu Sculpture Park spans 26 acres and have over 80 different stone sculptures on display. The pathways are wheelchair and stroller friendly, and there are various events held throughout the year to highlight the importance of the Chapungu Sculpture Park.
Address: Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, CO 80538, Phone: 970-962-0011
Watch a movie at the Rialto Theater Center
Steeped in rich local history, the Rialto Theater Center is the perfect place to visit for theater and movie buffs.
Address: 228 E. 4th Street, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-962-2120
See wild turkeys in Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
As the name would suggest, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is well known for its sightings of bobcats, as well as many other wild animals such as elk, mountain lions, wild turkeys, and more. There is a large parking lot that is easy to access from the highway and a network of trails that wind their way through the area.
Address: 10184 Co Rd 32C, Loveland, CO 80538
Taste local brews at the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
A local favorite, the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse often finds its taproom full of beer lovers from both Loveland as well as the greater Colorado area.
Address: 815 14th St. SW B100 Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-624-6045
Go camping at the Pinewood Reservoir
For quick access into the Rocky Mountains nearby to Loveland, the Pinewood Reservoir is a great choice for both day trips as well as overnight excursions. Guests should be aware that camping spots often fill up fast, so reserving ahead of time is highly recommended, this can be done by phone or through the provided website.
Enjoy wine tasting at the Sweet Heart Winery
No matter what day of the week visitors may find themselves in Loveland, Sweet Heart Winery will almost certainly be open and ready to help them expand upon their enjoyment of wine.
Address: 5500 West Highway 34, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-646-4314
Go beer tasting at Big Beaver Brewing Co
Big Beaver Brewing Co ’s founder and chief brewing scientist doesn’t rely on luck to create tasty beers, instead they rely on a Ph.D. in Industrial Microbiology from CSU and over 25 years of brewing experience to produce a quality product. The tasting room has varying hours and specials throughout the week.
Address: 2707 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Unit 9, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-818-6064
Book a tour at the Lucky Three Ranch
Founded by legendary trainer and all around lover of equestrian animals, Meredith Hodges, the Lucky Three Ranch is part animal sanctuary, part training facility, and all about long eared donkeys and mules. When booking a tour it is best to do so ten or more days in advance to guarantee availability, and the tour season runs from January through October.
Address: PO Box 272490, Fort Collins, CO 80527, Phone: 800-816-7566
Stroll along the wetlands boardwalk in the River's Edge Natural Area
The River's Edge Natural Area has regular hours that run from 6am through 10:30pm daily throughout the year, although restrooms are only open seasonally. In addition to natural attractions, this natural area boasts an amphitheater, interpretive signage, and even a wetlands boardwalk to give guests a closer look at the pond ecosystem.
Address: 960 West 1st Street Loveland, CO 80537
Purchase local art at the Lincoln Gallery
Located in picturesque downtown Loveland, the Lincoln Gallery is owned and operated by the Thompson Valley Art League, the oldest Art League in the state of Colorado. The primary focus of the gallery is to allow local artists to display their work while at the same time providing the local Loveland community with access to local, original art for purchase.
Address: 429 Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-663-2407
Spend an afternoon fishing at the Flatiron Reservoir
Situated just northwest of Carter Lake, at approximately 5,500 feet in elevation, the Flatiron Reservoir consists of 47 acres of water resting in 200 acres of public land. You are invited to use the lands for their entertainment, including but not limited to boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, camping, and more. The Flatiron Reservoir offers ADA compliant fishing locations and facilities. To reserve a campsite, check on reservoir fishing conditions, or for any other questions contact the Flatiron Reservoir directly through phone or online form.
Address: 1800 South County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-619-4570
Take a walk along the Mariana Butte Trail
What started as a favorite neighborhood hiking spot on the Mariana Butte has since grown into a network of trails and vistas for all to enjoy. In order to preserve the site, as well as to create a more sustainable system of trails, the Open Lands Division, alongside local volunteers, created naturally surfaced pedestrian trails at the Butte. All of the trails are managed entirely by volunteers, open daily from sunrise to sunset, and provide superb wildlife viewing opportunities. Given the nature of the trails being volunteer managed, unfortunately biking and horseback riding is prohibited on the Mariana Butte Trail.
Address: 701 Clubhouse Drive, Loveland, CO 80537
Take the kids to Loveland Laser Tag
Families, kids, and fun seekers alike will love a trip to Loveland Laser Tag for the ultimate laser tag experience.
Address: 401 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-663-9999
Stop for lunch at Henry's Pub
Henry's Pub is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to spent time after work, eat with family, or catch up with friends over a beer or two. Guests can enjoy weekly lunch specials, gourmet dinner options, and a hand selected assortment of craft beer on tap to round out their visit.
Address: 234 East 4th Street, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-613-1896
More places to dine:
Have a delicious meal at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
Seekers of traditional, yet uniquely Americanized, Italian food in Loveland may find their appetites satisfied after a visit to Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano. In Loveland, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is located in the Promenade Shops, meaning that guests can shop until they are hungry then stop in for pasta, salads, soups, and fine wine.
Address: 5929 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO 80538, Phone: 970-663-0100
