Loveland is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, artists and history buffs of all ages. Here in the Sweetheart City, we’re just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and we have several nature preserves within the city limits. But that’s not all! The city is also home to museums, stunning street art, community festivals, neighborhood breweries and even more. Don’t wait for out-of-town visitors to arrive before you explore Loveland’s local attractions. There are so many places — both indoor and outdoor — that are fun for locals to experience on any given day. You just need to know where to look!
The City with HeART
Photos courtesy of Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Appropriately named, Loveland is America’s Sweetheart City — and the town celebrates its title with gorgeous artist-designed hearts displayed proudly around town. The fiberglass hearts stand five feet tall and four and a half feet wide, and each displays the unique perspective of the local or national artist that created it. Download your heart map here, grab your camera and start your trek through the city! Can you find them all?
Buckhorn Northern Railroad
The Buckhorn Northern Railroad has been operating at North Lake Park since 1977 and is modeled after the actual steam train that once hauled clay from the Devil’s Backbone to Wild’s Brickyard. The train is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, includes two passenger cars, and makes 32 trips per day!
The Loveland Museum
Photo courtesy of the Loveland Museum Gallery, taken by staff member Michelle Standiford
The Loveland Museum is a treasure beloved by locals and visitors alike, housing three art galleries with rotating exhibits. The art showcased here is intended to surprise, delight and inspire, and since the galleries change every eight to 12 weeks, there is always something new to discover!
Budweiser Event Center
The Budweiser Event Center is a 7,200-seat venue that hosts concerts, sporting events and more throughout the year. It opened its doors in 2003 and has since evolved to become one of Loveland’s crowning gems — no wonder the Colorado Eagles call this place home! Make sure to catch a concert here and see what all the fuss is about.
Devil’s Backbone Open Space
Photo courtesy of Richard Ernst via Larimer County
Wildflowers, red-tailed hawks, vast grasslands and towering rock formations steal the show at Devil’s Backbone Open Space. This natural getaway provides a haven for local outdoorsmen and tourists alike — all looking to get in touch with Colorado’s wild side. Come enjoy mountain biking, hiking or running through the 2,198-acre open space, and snap a few photos of the picturesque landscape!
Downtown Loveland
Loveland locals are very familiar with the draws of Downtown. With its colorful shop fronts, historical charm and renowned restaurants, it’s the place to be year-round. Slow down on a weekend afternoon and explore a few shops you might not have seen before, or simply take advantage of a restaurant patio and enjoy the people watching!
Local Breweries
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Castner via Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Craft beer is a staple in Northern Colorado. While Fort Collins, Loveland’s neighbor to the north, often gets all the credit for the NoCo beer scene, you don’t need to travel far for an excellent brew. Treat yourself to a self-guided brewery crawl from Loveland to Greeley with help from this handy guide. And of course, no Loveland adventure would be complete without a stop at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse! To catch up on the happenings at this local hotspot, check out our interview Meet the Team Behind Grimm Brothers Brewhouse in Loveland, Colorado.
Benson Sculpture Garden
Photo courtesy of the Benson Sculpture Garden
Benson Sculpture Garden is a scenic 10-acre park featuring 158 sculptures from world-renowned artists. The park has been created from proceeds from Sculpture in the Park, the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in the United States, held the second weekend in August and sponsored by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council. The park is a wonderful destination for a leisurely walk or picnic and is known as a public treasure. Alongside its local fame, the sculpture park has also been recognized as one of the most important modern and contemporary art sites around the world! It’s open year-round, and there is no admission fee — so stop by on the next sunny day!
Boyd Lake State Park
Providing opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and beach lounging, Boyd Lake State Park is the ultimate summertime destination, as well as a haven for water-sports enthusiasts. All types of watercraft, from canoes to jet skis, are welcome to use the lake’s 1,700 surface acres of water. Of course, if you’d rather stay on land, there are hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, camping spots and more. There is truly something for everyone at this local Loveland treasure.
Enjoy your day in Loveland!
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