Loveland is a city in northern Colorado, set at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountain foothills. It offers a fine mix of nature, culture and community events. Visitors come for the art, the outdoor adventures and the warm small town welcome.
It offers something for every kind of visitor. Art fans, outdoor lovers and families will all find things to enjoy here.
The city also has a lively arts scene and good local food. Walk the sculpture parks, browse the galleries or head out on the trails. Loveland makes a great base for exploring northern Colorado.
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Outdoor Activities in Loveland CO
Loveland is a great place for outdoor lovers. The city sits below the Rocky Mountain foothills, so trails, parks and open spaces are easy to reach. You can walk, cycle, fish or simply enjoy the scenery.
Boyd Lake State Park
Boyd Lake State Park is home to some of Colorado’s best boating and water sports. It’s a popular year round destination. Try boating, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding in the warmer months. For a general store and boat rentals, stop at the park’s marina.
The swim beach, fishing spots, volleyball courts and bike trails fill the warm months. A section of the Loveland Trail System also runs through the park.
The park has 148 pull through campsites with power hookups, picnic tables and grills. It is open all year. Book your site online well in advance, as campgrounds fill fast in peak season.
Discover Art and History at Loveland Museum
The Loveland Museum shows art displays and local history. It is closed on Mondays. Check the museum site for current hours. The history section tells the story of how Loveland grew.
The museum hosts rotating art exhibitions through the year. They feature work by local and regional artists. It also runs art classes for adults and children.
Sculpture Parks in Loveland
Loveland is home to three free sculpture parks, all open daily. The best known is the Benson Park Sculpture Garden. This peaceful 10 acre park holds 178 permanent sculptures. It is a fine spot for a walk or a picnic, with benches and restrooms.
Chapungu Sculpture Park is another favorite with art lovers. It is open daily with no fee. The park shows hand carved stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, set along walking paths.
McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park sits near the Loveland Visitor Center at I-25 and US-34. It offers a pleasant walking loop with fine mountain views.
Golfing in Loveland
Loveland has three city golf courses. Mariana Butte and The Olde Course are 18 hole championship layouts. Both offer PGA lessons, a driving range, a pro shop and fine mountain views.
The Olde Course sits across West 29th Street from Cattail Creek Golf Course. It is an 18 hole championship layout with a driving range, pro shop and instruction. Reserve your tee time online in advance.
Loveland has good hiking close to town. A walk on the Loveland Recreation Trail is one of the most scenic options.
The Loveland Recreation Trail System has 31 miles of paved trail encircling the city. It passes several parks. You can join or leave the trail at many entry points.
The Summit Adventure Trail is a 4.7 mile one way route to the top of Sheep Mountain. It is a quiet, unpaved and challenging hike. Allow a full day for the round trip.
Devil’s Backbone Open Space
Devil’s Backbone Open Space sits just west of Loveland. This Larimer County open space covers 2,198 acres and has 17.25 miles of trails. The trails suit hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Wild Loop Trail leads to the Keyhole, a natural rock arch, on an easy 2.6 mile loop. Bring water and sun protection, as much of the trail is exposed.
Loveland Sweetheart Festival
If you visit around Valentine’s Day, do not miss the free Loveland Sweetheart Festival. It takes place in downtown Loveland. The festival has ice sculptures, live music and family activities.
The festival also hosts the Sweetheart Classic 4 Miler race. Register in advance for the race. Entry to the festival itself is free.
Send Valentine’s Cards with Loveland’s Charm
Loveland is known as the Sweetheart City. Anyone can mail a Valentine to a loved one through the city’s re-mailing program. Drop off your card at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce or mail it to the Loveland Post Office.
The post office will hand stamp each card with a special Loveland cachet and re-mail it. Volunteers handle the cards each February. Send your card by the annual February deadline to take part.
Conclusion
Loveland, Colorado, offers a wide range of activities for visitors and locals. People come for the natural beauty of the foothills, the lively arts scene and the friendly community feel.
Loveland sits in northern Colorado and has something special for everyone. Outdoor lovers, art fans and families will all enjoy a charming town visit. It also makes a fine base for day trips to nearby Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loveland, Colorado known for?
Loveland is known as the Sweetheart City for its Valentine re-mailing program. It is also known for its free sculpture parks, Benson Park Sculpture Garden, and its lively arts scene.
Is Loveland, Colorado worth visiting?
Yes. Loveland offers free sculpture parks, Boyd Lake State Park, hiking at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, and a charming downtown. It also works well as a base for exploring northern Colorado.
How many days do you need in Loveland?
Two days are enough for the main sights. Spend one day on the sculpture parks and the Loveland Museum, and a second day at Boyd Lake State Park or Devil’s Backbone Open Space.
What is the best time to visit Loveland, Colorado?
Summer is best for Boyd Lake water sports and hiking. February is special for the Loveland Sweetheart Festival and the Valentine re-mailing program.
Are the sculpture parks in Loveland free?
Yes. Benson Park Sculpture Garden, Chapungu Sculpture Park, and McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park are all free and open daily.
Can you visit Rocky Mountain National Park from Loveland?
Yes. Loveland makes a fine base for day trips to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan an early start to make the most of your day.
