Loveland, America’s Sweetheart City, is located just 45 minutes north of Denver.
It is famous for its Valentine’s remailing program where letters are stamped with a sweetheart logo before being forwarded to the recipient.
A town filled with love, the city is teeming with art hearts, 5-feet tall fiberglass hearts, and a giant sculpture of the word “LOVE” to spread joy and good vibes to its citizens and visitors.
If you’re planning a trip to Loveland, we’ve got just the thing for you.
Go through our list of some of the best things to do in Loveland, CO, and enjoy your visit with family and friends.
Excited to see what Loveland has to offer?
Read on to discover all the fun stuff that awaits you in Colorado’s Land of Love.
1. Benson Park Sculpture Garden
1125 W 29th St
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 962-2327
Located across Loveland High School at the corner of Beech and 29th Street lies the 10-acre Benson Park Sculpture Garden.
Established in 1985, the garden features 148 pieces of beautiful bronze sculpture, each telling its own unique story.
Why You Should Go
Perfect for both young and old, the Benson Park Sculpture Garden is a good destination for when you want to go for a stroll and simply enjoy some fresh air.
You’ll have fun viewing the enchanting sculptures, their variety ranging from humans to animals.
What to Do
Take tons of photos with the statues, and enjoy a picnic at one of the garden’s picnic tables.
If you’ve got kids, allow them to run around the open space and do funny poses with the statues.
2. Devil’s Backbone Open Space
1725 Hidden Valley Dr
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 619-4570
Along Hidden Valley Drive in Loveland, CO lies 2,198-acres of land called the Devil’s Backbone Open Space.
Featuring rock formations, nature trails, and horseback riding trips, Devil’s Backbone is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Why You Should Go
See grasslands carpeted with wildflowers and red-tailed hawks gliding and soaring above you.
Devil’s Backbone is open from sunrise to sunset and is free for all.
What to Do
One of the top things to do in Loveland with kids is allowing the little ones to run free on the plains and hills of Devil’s Backbone.
Other fun activities here include horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
3. Loveland Museum
503 N Lincoln Ave
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 962-2410
The Loveland Museum is located on N Lincoln Avenue and houses the Foote Gallery, a 1,800 sq ft showroom for classes and events.
Why You Should Go
Have you been browsing the internet for indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold in Loveland, CO?
We’ve got the perfect solution for you, and that’s heading over to Loveland Museum.
Enjoy the cozy indoors with art lectures, poetry readings, and other fun programs for Loveland’s society and guests from all around the world.
What to Do
If you live nearby, consider taking art classes at Loveland Museum’s Foote Gallery.
Visitors can also enjoy entertaining musical performances and community group events at the center.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Loveland Fort Collins
4. Boyd Lake State Park
3720 N Co Rd 11C
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 669-1739
The ultimate harbor for water sports, Boyd Lake State Park features the lovely lake lying at the western-most part of the plains of Long Peak and Continental Divide.
Why You Should Go
Are you looking for places to go today?
If so, then we suggest visiting Boyd Lake State Park.
The park offers something for everyone.
Whether it’s swimming, camping, fishing, or simply relaxing that you’re after, you’ll accomplish those and more at this local favorite spot.
What to Do
Rent ski boats, canoes, and sailboats and make good use of Lake Boyd’s 1,700-acre water surface.
You can also opt to go camping on the grounds with the park’s 148 paved pull-through RV camping sites.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Loveland Hotel, Spa & Conference Center
5. Chapungu Sculpture Park
5971 Sky Pond Dr
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 962-9990
Opened to the public in 2007, Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland, CO is a unique outdoor exhibit, featuring 26 acres of beautiful gardens displaying 82 impressive stone sculptures from Zimbabwean artisans.
Why You Should Go
For visitors searching for unique things to see in Loveland, we recommend visiting the Chapungu Sculpture Park.
Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and experience a hint of Zimbabwe and learn about African history with your family and friends.
What to Do
If you’re visiting Loveland during the holidays, make sure to drop by the Chapungu Sculpture Park and see the garden beautifully displayed with festive Christmas lights.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Loveland
6. Rialto Theater Center
228 E 4th St
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 962-2120
The Rialto Theater Center located at E 4th St in Loveland is a former 1920s movie house and occasionally hosts artists on tour.
Why You Should Go
Want to watch a movie in Loveland?
Head over to the Rialto Theater Center and enjoy your movie of choice with its 446-seat capacity theater complete with modern lighting technology and sound system.
What to Do
Catch an independent film shown at the Rialto Theater Center once a month.
Grab a friend, some drinks, and popcorn, and have a great time in one of Loveland’s oldest theaters.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Loveland
7. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
10184 Co Rd 32C
Loveland, CO 80538
The Bobcat Ridge Natural Area in Loveland, CO highlights a trail scheme with more than 17 miles of trails for trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Why You Should Go
Are you wondering what sights to see this weekend?
How about driving over to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and reinvigorating yourselves in nature as you go through meadows and pine forests?
Sounds good, right?
This location is perfect for when you want to bask in the silence of the forest or meditate somewhere far from the noises of the city.
What to Do
For an easy hike, go on the Eden Valley Spur Trail located just west of Fort Collins.
But if you’re up for the challenge, go for the Ginny Trail which goes on for 5.4 miles with an elevation of up to 1,500 feet.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Loveland
8. Budweiser Events Center
5290 Arena Cir
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 619-4111
Officially opened in September 2003, The Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland is a 7,200-seat multi-purpose setting and is home to the American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles.
Why You Should Go
A part of a much bigger 374,000 square-foot fairground complex, the Budweiser Events Center offers a lot to see as it shares its location with Mac Equipment, Inc., two livestock pavilions, the First National Bank Exhibition Building, and more.
A point of convergence for sports, entertainment, and agriculture in Northern Colorado, this arena, owned by Larimer County, is where locals and tourists frequently go to enjoy their favorite shows and matches.
What to Do
Call the boys and invite them for a game night at the Budweiser Events Center.
Hosting games from hockey, basketball, and football, follow your favorite team’s schedule and watch them play live here in Loveland’s finest stadium.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: AmericInn by Wyndham Windsor Ft. Collins
9. Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
623 N Denver Ave
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 624-6045
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse is located on N Denver Avenue and is the oldest brewery in Loveland, CO.
Famous for its beers inspired by famous German writers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, the shop is filled with stories and good tastes that keep guests coming again and again.
Why You Should Go
If you’re looking for downtown spots to visit in Loveland, consider driving to its outskirts and visit the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse for a casual drink with some friends.
Enjoy a wide-open area with plenty of table seating, good ambiance, and a bar with plenty of drinks to offer located straight to the back.
What to Do
Try their German lagers and enjoy the brewery’s great background music, darts, pinball, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Loveland
Also See:
Things to Do in Grand Junction
Fun Things to Do in Manitou Springs, Colorado
Things to Do in Vail
10. Pinewood Reservoir
Pole Hill Rd
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 619-4570
Located northwest of Berthoud and west of Flatiron, Pinewood Reservoir rests 6,580 feet in elevation and diverts water for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower generation.
Why You Should Go
Are you looking for nice places to visit in Loveland?
Go for a stroll along Pinewood Reservoir.
As you walk through the pathway surrounding the cistern, you’ll be treated to wonderful sights of wildflowers, flowering cactus, and many lovely villas.
What to Do
Pack up your fishing pole, camping gear, and maybe some bug spray.
Some of the favorite things to do at the Pinewood Reservoir are camping, kayaking and fishing.
Entrance and camping permits are required, so don’t forget to obtain your passes from the north or south entrance gatehouses for Carter Lake, the administrative office east of Flatiron Reservoir, or at the north shore marina store at Carter Lake.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Loveland
11. Sweet Heart Winery
5500 W US-34
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 646-4314
Situated along the Big Thompson River lies the 8-acre Sweet Heart Winery.
Run by good friends David Burks and Jack Cantley, their family background in wine-making brought them together and led to the making of this superb winery in Loveland, CO.
Why You Should Go
Did you know that this place is also a famous wedding venue?
The contemporary, barn-style location offers awesome views of the Devil’s Backbone, and its sunny back patio is a cozy spot to delight in a glass of wine and enjoy views of the foothills.
What to Do
One of the most romantic things to do in Loveland for couples is going on a fancy date while sipping some wine at the Sweet Heart Winery.
With interiors and exteriors that set a romantic mood, you and your date are both sure to enjoy your time together.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Loveland Inn
Related: Best Restaurants in Loveland
12. Mehaffey Park
3285 W 22nd St
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 962-2727
Located in W 22nd St Loveland, CO, Mehaffey Park offers a good variety of sports activities and is one of the most complete sports parks in northern Colorado.
Why You Should Go
Looking for cool attractions in Loveland?
Spend a day with your family at the 64-acre Mehaffey Park and play on their tennis courts, skateboard park, and other fun facilities.
If you’re searching for free things to do in Loveland, then this place is exactly what you’re looking for.
The park is perfect for kids, sports enthusiasts, and even pet dogs.
What to Do
Bring your toddlers to the playground or walk your four-legged furry friends along the dog park.
You can also set up a picnic or a private party in one of the park’s covered areas designated for special events and small gatherings.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wingate by Wyndham Loveland Johnstown
13. Loveland Aleworks
118 W 4th St
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 619-8726
Loveland Aleworks, located on W 4th Street is an independent, family-owned business serving a small selection of handcrafted beers.
Why You Should Go
One of the locals’ favorite things to do in Loveland at night is hanging out at Loveland Aleworks’ front patio with friends and some drinks.
A perfect place to unwind after a tiring day at work, you’ll enjoy the friendly and comfortable vibe at this local favorite bar.
What to Do
Try their flagship drink, the McCallister’s Scottish Ale. Sourced from locally malted barley, this Scottish Ale is easy to drink and gives hints of toast bread and caramel toffee.
Don’t miss the chance to try their beer slushies in the Summer that come in flavors of cotton candy, sour cherry, super berry, and a lot more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Loveland Fort Collins
14. North Lake Park
2750 N. Taft Ave.
Loveland, CO
(970) 962-2727
North Lake Park is located at 2750 N. Taft Avenue in Loveland, CO. Conveniently situated in the northwest region of Lake Loveland, the park offers a full complement of fun outdoor activities for local families and guests to the city.
Why You Should Go
Are you in search of cheap activities to do near you?
North Lake Park in Loveland features an amphitheater, a railroad track, a tree schoolhouse, baseball and basketball courts, playgrounds, and more.
Teeming with fun activities for the whole family, get ready to spend the whole day at this family-friendly park.
What to Do
Hop aboard the Buckhorn Northern Railroad miniature train as you cover 1,588 feet of track and pass by a small depot, a tunnel, and a water tower.
Kids will love this authentic replica of the actual steam train that used to haul clay from the Devil’s Backbone to Wild’s Brick Yard.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Loveland Fort Collins
Also See:
Pagosa Springs, Colorado Things to Do
Things to Do in Pueblo, Colorado
15. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
2939 N County Rd 31D
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 667-3915
Established in 1946, the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch is a family-owned ranch providing opportunities for a Dude Ranch family vacation, a venue for a wedding, or a simple outdoor fun outing with some friends and family.
Why You Should Go
Tired of the city scene?
Disconnect from your everyday life and experience the majestic Sylvan Dale.
Discover new adventures in the beauty of the valley as you spend some quality time with friends, family, and associates.
What to Do
Looking for fun things to do in Loveland?
Make your way to the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch and enjoy tons of great outdoor fun as you try horseback riding through Sulzer Gulch and trotting onto Green Ridge.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Loveland
16. Art Tools Mural by J.C. Milner
310 Railroad Ave
Loveland, CO 80537
Located on 310 Railroad Avenue in Loveland stands the Art Tools Mural by J.C. Milner.
The cool and eye-popping outcome is a result of a collaboration between Mountain View High School students and artist J.C. Milner.
Why You Should Go
If you’re looking for cheap activities to do near you, then visit J.C. Milner’s Art Tools Mural and be wowed by his magnificent and creative works.
Far from traditional murals and focusing on everyday tools, Milner’s approach is more fun and quirky and refreshing and entertaining to view.
What to Do
Tour the building filled with colorful and charming characters and see how J.C. Milner transformed a forgotten alleyway into a whimsical piece that livens the whole block.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Loveland
17. Big Beaver Brewing Co.
2707 W Eisenhower Blvd #9
Loveland, CO 805537
(970) 818-6064
Established in 2010, Big Beaver Brewing Co. specializes in creating delicious craft beers and offers guests 16 beers on tap to choose from.
Why You Should Go
One of the best things to do in Loveland, CO if you’re into beers is to visit the Big Beaver Brewing Co.
Because of its homey ambiance, this bar is one of the favorite Friday night hang-out places of Loveland locals.
What to Do
For starters, visit their Taproom and try their Bust-A-Nut Brown Ale, Juicy Peach Ale, or Pecker Pilsner and discover why Big Beaver Brewing Co. is a local favorite.
In addition, go ahead and order a juicy German bratwurst to go with your beer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Loveland, an IHG Hotel
Also See:
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Things to Do
What to Do in Steamboat Springs
What to Do in Telluride
Loveland Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2024
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Devil’s Backbone Open Space
- Loveland Museum
- Boyd Lake State Park
- Chapungu Sculpture Park
- Rialto Theater Center
- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
- Budweiser Events Center
- Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
- Pinewood Reservoir
- Sweet Heart Winery
- Mehaffey Park
- Loveland Aleworks
- North Lake Park
- Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
- Art Tools Mural by J.C. Milner
- Big Beaver Brewing Co.
