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Excitedly Exploring Loveland, Colorado: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

Loveland does not have to cost much, and a lot of it is free. The Benson Park Sculpture Garden holds 148 bronze sculptures and charges nothing. The Loveland Public Library lends books, movies and music for free as well. The Loveland Visitor’s Center hands out information on the city at no cost. And Sculpture in the Park puts over 2,000 pieces in front of you every August.

Are you planning a trip to Loveland, Colorado and wondering what to do and see while you are there? You are in the right place. Loveland is a city in Northern Colorado, known for its scenery, its outdoor country and its deep cultural heritage. Nature lover, art enthusiast or history buff, there is a version of each in Loveland.

Art and culture people will not go away disappointed here. The city holds a working arts scene, with over 625 art galleries and studios. Take a walk through the Benson Sculpture Garden and work through the sculptures on display. Take the Loveland Museum/Gallery to pick up the history of the city and see the work of local artists. And do not forget to stop by the Loveland Visitor’s Center for information on upcoming events and exhibits.

After some outdoor time? Loveland runs plenty of options to choose from. Hike the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail for wide views over the surrounding mountains. Go boating, fishing or swimming at Boyd Lake State Park. And if you are feeling brave, try your hand at whitewater rafting on the Cache La Poudre River.

Key Takeaways

• Loveland, Colorado is a beautiful city with plenty of options for outdoor adventure, art and culture, and historical landmarks.
• The city boasts over 625 art galleries and studios, making it a haven for art enthusiasts.
• Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and whitewater rafting, among other outdoor activities.

Art and Culture

Loveland is a hub for art and culture enthusiasts. The city holds a world-renowned public art collection, a nationally accredited art and history Museum, and a historic theater. Here are the places to take art and culture in Loveland.

Loveland Museum

The Loveland Museum is one to see for anyone interested in the history of Loveland. The museum runs permanent and rotating exhibits that show the history of Loveland and the surrounding area. One of the busier exhibits in the museum is the Mariano Medina exhibit, which works through the life of the founder of Loveland and the mark that sugar beets left on the city.

Sculpture in the Park

Sculpture in the Park is an annual event that shows the work of the sculptors who have made their name in Loveland. The event runs in August and features over 2,000 pieces of sculpture from artists around the world. It is a real chance to see serious sculpture up close and to meet the artists behind the work.

Rialto Theater Center

The Rialto Theater Center is a historic theater that has been restored to its former standing. The theater runs a spread of performances, plays, concerts and movies among them. The Rialto is also home to the Loveland Sculptors, a group of local artists who make and display their work in the lobby of the theater.

History buff, art lover or just after a good night out, Loveland has a version of each. And take the work of the sculptors Loveland is known for, George Lundeen, George Walbye and Fritz White among them, and take the art and culture scene of the city for yourself.

Outdoor Adventures

Anyone who takes to getting outside will find plenty in Loveland, Colorado. From hiking and biking to camping and water sports, there is a version of each. Here are a few of the outdoor options you can take in Loveland.

Boyd Lake State Park

Boyd Lake State Park suits a full day on the water. You can swim, boat and fish in the lake, or just sit on the beach in the sun. The park also runs a network of trails for hiking and biking, alongside campsites for an overnight stay.

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

For a rougher outdoor day, head to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. This 3,300-acre park runs over 15 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, alongside rock formations and wide views over the mountains. And keep an eye out for wildlife like elk, deer and mountain lions.

Devil’s Backbone Open Space

Another strong spot for hiking and rock formations is Devil’s Backbone Open Space. This 2,198-acre park runs over 12 miles of trails, the well-known Devil’s Backbone Trail among them, which opens out over the surrounding landscape. You can also go rock climbing or work through the historic homestead in the park.

Whatever kind of outdoor day you are after, Loveland, Colorado has a version of it. From hiking and biking to water sports and rock climbing, something here will get the heart going. So pack the bags and get ready to take the outdoors.

Local Breweries

Beer people will get on with Loveland, which runs some of the finer breweries in Colorado. From traditional styles to experimental brews, something here will suit your taste. Here is a look at one of the busier breweries in Loveland.

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is one to see for beer enthusiasts. This local brewery works in German-style beers and has won a run of awards for their brews. You can take their tasting room and try their broad spread of beers, their flagship IPA, Little Red Cap, among them.

Their taproom is open every day of the week and keeps a warm and welcoming room. You can also take a tour of the brewery to see how their beers are made. And for something out of the ordinary, take their beer and cheese pairing events.

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse also hosts a run of events throughout the year, Oktoberfest celebrations and live music nights among them. You can check their website for upcoming events and specials.

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is a good place to sit down with a beer and spend time with friends. Local or just visiting, this brewery is worth the walk.

Historical Highlights

History people have plenty to work through in Loveland. The city holds a deep history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was founded by William A.H. Loveland. Here are the historical sites you will not want to miss:

Loveland Museum/Gallery

The Loveland Museum/Gallery is one to see for history buffs. The museum runs exhibits on the history of Loveland and Northern Colorado, displays on the Native American cultures of the area, early settlers and the mining industry among them. And the museum holds a serious collection of art, works by local artists and pieces from around the world among them.

Harold Dunning Memorial Park

Harold Dunning Memorial Park is a park in the heart of Loveland. The park is named after Harold Dunning, a local businessman and philanthropist who donated the land for it. The park runs a spread of amenities, picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths among them. It is a good place to sit down and pick up the history of Loveland.

Historic Downtown Loveland

Historic Downtown Loveland is a small district filled with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. The district dates back to the early 1900s and holds buildings with unusual architectural styles. You can take a self-guided walking tour of the district to pick up more of its history and architecture.

Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail

While not strictly a historical attraction, Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail is one to see for anyone interested in the natural history of Loveland. The trail sits just outside of Loveland and runs rock formations and scenic views. It is a good place to pick up the geology of the area and take the natural country of Northern Colorado.

History buff or just after something new about Loveland, these historical sites will hold you. Do not miss the chance to work through the deep history and culture of Loveland.

Family Fun

After some family-friendly time in Loveland, Colorado, you will not go away disappointed. There are plenty of options to keep both kids and adults occupied. Here are a couple of our picks:

Zippity Zoo Barnyard

If your kids take to animals, take them to the Zippity Zoo Barnyard. This family-owned petting zoo is home to a spread of animals, goats, sheep, pigs, llamas and more among them. You can pet and feed the animals, and even take a pony ride. The staff know their ground and will answer any questions you have about the animals.

Escape Room

For an activity with some challenge in it that the whole family can take, try an escape room. Loveland runs several options to choose from, Escape Room 5280 and Enigma Escape Rooms among them. You will be locked in a room with your family and given a set of clues and puzzles to solve in order to escape. It is a good way to work together with your family on a single problem. And it gives the brain something to do for an hour.

Whatever you choose to do in Loveland, Colorado, the day will hold up with your family.

Scenic Views

Loveland, Colorado is known for its wide views and its landscapes. Nature lover or just after somewhere to sit down, Loveland runs plenty of scenic ground.

One of the stronger places to take Loveland in is the Devil’s Backbone Open Space. This natural area runs over 12 miles of trails, the well-known Devil’s Backbone Trail among them, which opens out over the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you hike, keep an eye out for unusual rock formations and wildlife, deer, elk and coyotes among them.

Another strong spot for scenic views is the Benson Park Sculpture Garden. Not only does this park hold over 148 pieces of bronze sculpture, it also opens out over the surrounding mountains and downtown Loveland. Take a slow walk through the park and take the art and the scenery with it.

For a more urban view, head downtown to the Loveland Foote Lagoon Amphitheater. This outdoor venue sits right on the banks of the Foote Lagoon and opens out over the surrounding downtown area. Catch a concert or event at the amphitheater and take the view while you are there.

Wherever you go in Loveland, the views hold up. So grab the camera and get ready to catch some real moments in this Colorado town.

People think a sculpture garden means a lawn with a few statues standing on it. Loveland is not that at all, and the numbers make the point. The Benson Park Sculpture Garden holds 148 bronze sculptures across its 10 acres. Sculpture in the Park shows over 2,000 pieces from artists around the world. And this city carries over 625 art galleries and studios of its own.

Shopping in Loveland

Loveland runs a broad spread of shopping options for visitors. Unusual souvenirs or everyday essentials, Loveland has you covered. Here are the places to shop in Loveland:

The Promenade Shops at Centerra

The Promenade Shops at Centerra is a premier shopping destination in Loveland. This outdoor shopping center holds over 70 stores, national retailers like H&M, Sephora and Victoria’s Secret among them. You will also find a spread of dining options, casual eateries through to upscale restaurants. The Promenade Shops at Centerra suits an afternoon of shopping, dining and sitting down.

Downtown Loveland

Downtown Loveland is a small shopping district with a spread of boutiques, art galleries and specialty shops. You will find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing to artisanal chocolates. Downtown Loveland is also home to the Loveland Museum/Gallery, where you can work through the history and culture of the city.

Loveland Farmers Market

For fresh produce and locally-made goods, take the Loveland Farmers Market. This weekly market holds over 40 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to baked goods and handmade crafts. The Loveland Farmers Market is a good place to back local businesses and take the community feel with it.

Outlets at Loveland

The Outlets at Loveland is a busy shopping destination for bargain hunters. This indoor mall holds over 40 stores, Nike, Levi’s and Under Armour among them. You will find discounts of up to 70% off retail prices on clothing, accessories and home goods. The Outlets at Loveland is the place to find deals on the brands you already wear.

Loveland Visitor Center

The Loveland Visitor Center is a one-stop-shop for all things Loveland. Alongside information about local attractions and events, the visitor center also sells a spread of souvenirs and gifts. You will find everything from t-shirts to postcards to handmade pottery. The Loveland Visitor Center is a good place to pick up something to take home from the trip.

Loveland runs a varied shopping experience for visitors. High-end fashion or handmade crafts, something here will catch your eye in Loveland.

Food and Dining

You are in for a good run when it comes to food and dining in Loveland, Colorado. With a varied culinary scene and a spread of restaurants to choose from, you will not go away disappointed.

For Tex-Mex cuisine, head to Doug’s. This casual diner is known for its hearty and heaping servings. Try their breakfast burritos or their well-known green chili.

For BBQ, Nordy’s Bar-B-Que & Grill is one to see. Their meat is cooked properly and their sauces hold up. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it is worth the wait.

For a gastropub, take Henry’s Pub. They run an extensive beer selection and their burgers hold their own in this town.

For a more upscale dinner, head to Next Door American Eatery. Their menu runs locally-sourced ingredients and their cocktails are worth ordering.

For Italian food, head to Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano. Their pasta dishes are made from scratch and their wine list holds up.

For sushi, head to Sushi Leo. Their rolls are inventive and well presented. And they run a strong selection of sake.

For classic American diner food, take The Egg & I. Their breakfast dishes hold up and their lunch menu covers plenty of ground.

These are just a few of the many strong restaurants in Loveland. Whatever you are in the mood for, something here will land.

Festivals and Events

Loveland, Colorado is a working city with a long run of festivals and events happening all year round. Local or tourist, there is always something on in this small city.

Art Events

If you’re an art enthusiast, Loveland has plenty of art events to keep you entertained. You can visit the Loveland Museum and Gallery for a glimpse of the city’s rich history and art. The museum hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the works of local and international artists.

Another must-visit art event is the Sculpture in the Park festival, which takes place every August. This three-day event features over 2,000 sculptures from more than 160 artists from around the world. You can stroll through the beautiful Benson Sculpture Garden and admire the stunning works of art.

July

July is a great month to visit Loveland, as the city hosts several exciting events. The Loveland Loves BBQ, Bands, and Brews festival is a popular event that takes place every July. This two-day festival features live music, delicious barbecue, and a variety of craft beers.

Another event to look out for in July is the Corn Roast Festival. This festival has been a Loveland tradition for over 100 years and features live music, food vendors, and of course, plenty of roasted corn.

August

August is another exciting month in Loveland, with several festivals and events happening throughout the month. One of the most anticipated events is the Larimer County Fair, which takes place every August. This five-day event features a rodeo, carnival rides, live music, and plenty of food vendors.

If you’re a fan of strongman competitions, don’t miss the Shaw Classic at the Budweiser Events Center. This two-day event features some of the strongest athletes in the world competing in various strength challenges.

In conclusion, Loveland, Colorado is a city that likes to celebrate and runs plenty of festivals and events to keep you occupied. Art, music, food or sports, there is always something happening in this small city.

Parks and Nature

Anyone who takes to time outdoors will get on with Loveland. With its many parks and natural areas, you will find plenty of chances to take the fresh air and the scenery.

Chapungu Sculpture Park

One of the more unusual parks in Loveland is the Chapungu Sculpture Park. This park holds a collection of stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. As you walk through the park, you are surrounded by serious works of art, each one holding its own against the last. The park also holds a spread of native plants and wildlife, which makes it a good place to work through and pick up the natural world.

Benson Park Sculpture Garden

Another park to see in Loveland is the Benson Park Sculpture Garden. This 10-acre park holds 148 bronze sculptures, each one telling its own story. As you walk through the garden, you are surrounded by works of art, from whimsical animals to abstract shapes. The park also runs a pond and plenty of picnic areas, which makes it a good place to sit down for a sunny afternoon.

A quiet place to take a walk or a spot for a picnic with friends and family, the parks and natural areas of Loveland have a version of each. So pack a picnic basket, grab the hiking boots, and get ready to take the outdoors.

Water Activities

Loveland is a good place for water activities, whether you want to sit on the beach or take some water sports. Here are the water activities to do in Loveland:

Boating

If you’re looking to enjoy some boating, Boyd Lake State Park is a great place to go. The lake is 1,700 surface-acres and has plenty of space for boating. You can bring your own boat or rent one from the marina. The park has 148-paved pull-through campsites that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length. The park has an $8 daily entry fee and is $24 per night for campers.

Fishing

Loveland runs plenty of fishing. Boyd Lake State Park is a good place to fish, as it holds a spread of fish species, walleye, bass and trout among them. You can fish from the shore or from a boat. And for a more secluded day, try fishing at the Flatiron Reservoir. The reservoir sits just northwest of Carter Lake and holds 47 acres of water settled in 200 acres of public land.

Water Sports

For a more active day on the water, try some water sports. Boyd Lake State Park runs plenty of water sports, water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing among them. You can bring your own equipment or rent it from the marina. The park also runs a large sandy beach for swimmers.

Loveland runs plenty of water activities. Sitting on the beach or taking some water sports, there is a version of each.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some kid-friendly attractions in Loveland, Colorado?

If you are visiting Loveland, Colorado with your kids, there are plenty of attractions that will keep them occupied. Take them to Benson Park Sculpture Garden, where they can work through the 10-acre garden and see 148 pieces of bronze sculptures. Another strong option is the Loveland Laser Tag Fun Center, where they can take laser tag, arcade games and mini-golf. And you can take them to the Loveland Museum/Gallery, where they can pick up the history of Loveland through interactive exhibits.

What are some fun winter activities to do in Loveland, Colorado?

Winter in Loveland, Colorado holds up, and there are plenty of activities through the season. Take a scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains, where you can take the scenery and spot wildlife. You can also go skiing or snowboarding at the Loveland Ski Area, which runs over 1,800 acres of terrain. Another option is ice-skating at the Promenade Shops at Centerra, where you can skate on a 60-foot by 120-foot outdoor rink.

What are the top outdoor attractions to visit in Loveland, Colorado?

Anyone who takes to the outdoors will get on with Loveland, Colorado. Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is one to see, where you can hike, fish and take a picnic. Another strong option is the Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail, which opens out over the Rocky Mountains. And you can take the Boyd Lake State Park, where you can go boating, fishing and camping.

What are some free things to do in Loveland, Colorado?

If you are on a budget, there are plenty of free things to do in Loveland, Colorado. Take a walk through the Benson Park Sculpture Garden, where you can see the bronze sculptures. You can also take the Loveland Visitor’s Center, where you can get information about the city and its attractions for free. Another strong option is the Loveland Public Library, where you can borrow books, movies and music for free.

What are the best restaurants to try in Loveland, Colorado?

Loveland, Colorado is known for its cooking, and there are plenty of restaurants to try. For Italian food, head to the Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, where you can take pasta, pizza and seafood dishes. Another strong option is the Door 222 Food & Drink, which runs American cuisine and a broad selection of craft beers. For Mexican food, head to the Mo’ Betta Gumbo, where you can take gumbo, jambalaya and other Cajun dishes.

Frequently asked questions about Loveland, Colorado

Which Loveland park holds the sculpture that is worth seeing?

Benson Park Sculpture Garden. It holds 148 bronze sculptures across 10 acres, with a pond and picnic areas of its own, and the pieces run from whimsical animals through to abstract shapes. Chapungu Sculpture Park handles stone rather than bronze on the other side of town instead. That one carries a collection of works brought over all the way from Zimbabwe. Take Benson first and Chapungu with what is left of the afternoon.

Which Loveland trail gives you the better rock formations?

Devil’s Backbone Open Space. The 2,198-acre park runs over 12 miles of trail, and the Devil’s Backbone Trail itself opens out over the surrounding landscape better than anything else here. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is the bigger and rougher option on the other side instead. That one covers 3,300 acres with over 15 miles of trail through it. Watch for elk, deer and mountain lions on the Bobcat Ridge side.

Which Loveland lake works for a full day on the water?

Boyd Lake State Park. The lake runs 1,700 surface-acres with room for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing, plus a large sandy beach for the swimmers who come. Flatiron Reservoir is the quieter and more secluded fishing option instead. That one holds 47 acres of water settled inside 200 acres of public land. Rent from the marina at Boyd Lake if you do not have a boat of your own.

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