Loveland surprised me. I came expecting sculpture gardens and mountain views—but what I found was something deeper: stillness, soul, and small moments that hit bigger than I expected. Whether it was the hush of Chapungu at dusk or the clink of a pint glass at Grimm Brothers, each experience felt handmade. This isn’t a place that rushes to impress—it just quietly shows up with beauty and heart. And that’s what makes it stick with you.
Best Things to Do in Loveland
Stroll through the Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Wandering through Benson Park Sculpture Garden felt like stepping into a storybook—only the stories were told in bronze and stone. Dozens of sculptures lined winding paths, each one catching the light in a different way, each one asking for a moment of stillness. I remember pausing beside a piece called “Generations,” feeling the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and thinking, “Art doesn’t have to speak out loud to say everything.”
What I Loved Most: The way the sculptures surprised me—playful one minute, deeply emotional the next.
My highlight? A post-walk lunch at Door 222 downtown, where I had the roasted beet salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, and balsamic glaze. Paired with iced tea and an open notebook, it felt like the perfect way to let the art sink in.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Central Loveland
- Vibe: Artistic, peaceful, outdoorsy
- Highlights: 160+ sculptures, gardens, paved walking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for sunshine and blooms
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily dawn to dusk
- Address: 2908 Aspen Dr, Loveland, CO 80538
Get outside and explore the Devil's Backbone Open Space
The first time I saw the jagged ridgeline of Devil’s Backbone, it stopped me mid-sentence. The rock formations looked like a prehistoric spine rising from the earth—raw and magnificent. As I hiked the trail, the silence was broken only by my footsteps and the occasional birdcall. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to feel small in the best possible way.”
What I Loved Most: Reaching the overlook and watching the valley stretch into forever—no noise, no clutter, just Colorado at its purest.
My highlight? Refueling after the hike at Backyard Tap, where I ordered a pulled pork sandwich from the rotating food truck lineup and washed it down with a local pale ale. Dusty boots, tired legs, and a cold drink—perfection.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: West of Loveland
- Vibe: Wild, rugged, restorative
- Highlights: Hiking trails, wildlife, dramatic sandstone formations
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler temps
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset
- Address: 1725 Hidden Valley Dr, Loveland, CO 80538
See exhibits at Loveland Museum/Gallery
The Loveland Museum surprised me. Tucked into the heart of downtown, it was a quiet gem full of stories—from local history exhibits to bold contemporary art. I wandered between rooms and time periods, pausing to read, absorb, and reflect. I remember staring at a vintage map of the region and thinking, “Every town has a deeper story if you’re willing to listen.”
What I Loved Most: The balance of old and new—exhibits that honored Loveland’s roots while celebrating its creative spirit.
My highlight? A cozy brunch across the street at Pourhouse Bar & Grill, where I ordered huevos rancheros with green chile and a cinnamon-spiced latte. It felt like a hometown hug in meal form.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Downtown Loveland
- Vibe: Cultural, accessible, thoughtful
- Highlights: Art exhibits, local history, workshops
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; check for special exhibits
- Cost: Free general admission; special exhibits $7
- Hours: Tue–Sun, 12pm–4pm
- Address: 503 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
If you are traveling with kids:
Go canoeing in Boyd Lake State Park
Boyd Lake was where the horizon opened up and everything else faded away. The sun shimmered off the water, kids splashed near the shore, and the breeze made the tall grasses wave like they were welcoming me in. I walked the shoreline trail, letting time slow down. I remember thinking, “This is what summer should always feel like—wide open and full of light.”
What I Loved Most: The view from the swim beach just before sunset—sky glowing, water glassy, and all of it so quiet and golden it felt like a dream.
My highlight? A relaxed picnic from Loveland Sandwich Company: their turkey cranberry sandwich with kettle chips and a local kombucha. Simple, delicious, and somehow made better by the open sky and soft hum of lake life around me.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: East Loveland
- Vibe: Sunny, active, lakeside escape
- Highlights: Swimming, boating, fishing, paved trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: $10 vehicle entrance fee
- Hours: Daily 6am–10pm
- Address: 3720 N County Road 11C, Loveland, CO 80538
See stone sculptures on display at the Chapungu Sculpture Park
Chapungu Sculpture Park felt like walking through a quiet conversation—one carved in stone and steeped in soul. The Zimbabwean sculptures, set along a meandering path, spoke of family, spirit, and tradition in ways that transcended words. I remember stopping by one piece and thinking, “Art this honest doesn’t need translation.” The backdrop of gardens and mountain views only added to the peace of it all.
What I Loved Most: The fusion of natural beauty and powerful art—each sculpture nestled in greenery like it belonged there all along.
My highlight? A peaceful post-park snack at Crushed Leaf in The Promenade nearby. I had a fresh veggie wrap and lavender lemonade—light, earthy, and just right after an emotional walk through the park.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: East Loveland near The Promenade Shops
- Vibe: Reflective, global, contemplative
- Highlights: Over 80 Zimbabwean stone sculptures, walking trails, gardens
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for full foliage and floral displays
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily dawn to dusk
- Address: 6105 Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, CO 80538
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
Watch a movie at the Rialto Theater Center
The Rialto Theater wasn’t flashy, but it was full of heart. With its restored 1920s facade and intimate stage, it felt like stepping into a memory. The night I went, a local folk duo played songs that made the whole room lean in closer. I remember sitting in the dark, warm light from the stage glowing on the ceiling, thinking, “This is what it means to feel connected—to a place, to people, to music.”
What I Loved Most: That small-town magic: warm acoustics, friendly faces, and a sense that everyone in the room had chosen to be there for the same reason—to feel something.
My highlight? Dinner beforehand at Henry’s Pub, just down the block. I had their shepherd’s pie—tender ground beef, veggies, and mashed potatoes under a golden crust. Comfort food, made better by the anticipation of live music down the street.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Downtown Loveland
- Vibe: Intimate, vintage, artistic
- Highlights: Concerts, theater, film screenings, community events
- Best Time to Visit: Evening performances for full ambiance
- Cost: ~$15–$35 depending on the event
- Hours: Box office hours vary; showtimes evenings and weekends
- Address: 228 E 4th St, Loveland, CO 80537
See wild turkeys in Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Bobcat Ridge felt like a hidden Colorado dream—rolling foothills, sandstone outcroppings, and trails that seemed to lead both outward and inward. It was quiet in a way that felt intentional. I hiked early in the morning, and the only sounds were birdsong and the crunch of gravel underfoot. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that clears out the mental clutter.” It was nature without the crowds, wild but welcoming.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunrise spill over the ridge while deer grazed in the meadow below. No phones, no noise—just light and stillness.
My highlight? A well-earned breakfast afterward at Justine’s Pizza back in Loveland—yes, pizza for breakfast. Their breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs, sausage, green chile, and mozzarella hit the spot after hours on the trail. No regrets.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: West of Loveland
- Vibe: Wild, scenic, grounding
- Highlights: Hiking, wildlife viewing, red rock formations
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for mild temperatures
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset
- Address: 10184 Co Rd 32C, Loveland, CO 80538
Taste local brews at the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Grimm Brothers felt like a storybook come to life—only the tales were told in craft beer. The space was cozy and welcoming, with hints of medieval whimsy and hops in the air. I remember sipping a flight of German-inspired brews and thinking, “This is where stories begin and evenings stretch longer than you planned.” It was the kind of spot where locals lingered and everyone had a favorite pint.
What I Loved Most: The beer names—“Little Red Cap,” “Snow Drop”—each with a story and a flavor that matched the mood perfectly.
My highlight? Their Märzen-style lager, paired with a Bavarian pretzel the size of my face, served with beer cheese. I stayed for one more than I’d meant to, and I didn’t mind one bit.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: Industrial area of east Loveland
- Vibe: Cozy, clever, small-batch charm
- Highlights: German-style craft beers, food trucks, trivia nights
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings or weekend afternoons
- Cost: ~$6–$8 per pint
- Hours: Daily, generally afternoons into late evening
- Address: 623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
Go camping at the Pinewood Reservoir
Pinewood Reservoir was the kind of escape that felt like your own private lake—even when you shared it. Nestled in the mountains west of town, it offered peaceful paddling, mountain views, and quiet shores perfect for just sitting and breathing. I remember floating in a rented kayak, water gently rocking me, and thinking, “I could live in this stillness forever.” No distractions, no crowds—just water and sky.
What I Loved Most: The way the pine-scented air wrapped around me while I skipped rocks and watched the sun glint off the reservoir.
My highlight? A homemade picnic I packed: sharp cheddar, crusty bread, apple slices, and a can of sparkling water. Eaten lakeside on a smooth boulder, it might’ve been my favorite meal of the whole trip.
Plan your day trip:
- Location: West of Loveland in the foothills
- Vibe: Serene, scenic, remote
- Highlights: Kayaking, fishing, picnicking, stargazing
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for water activities, fall for color
- Cost: $10 daily entrance fee
- Hours: Daily 6am–10pm
- Address: Flatiron Reservoir Rd, Loveland, CO 80537
Conclusion: Why Loveland Leaves a Mark
Loveland doesn’t shout for your attention—it waits for you to arrive. It’s in the curve of a sculpture, the shimmer of a lake, the view from a red rock trail. It invites you to slow down, look closer, and take a breath. These places weren’t just stops on a list—they were pauses in my week, and perspective I didn’t know I needed. That’s the magic of Loveland: it gives you space to feel more than you planned.