25 Best Things to Do in Loveland, Colorado

By VI Staff on January 10, 2020

Loveland, CO is nestled in between Fort Collins and Denver, offering a slightly slower pace of life than the two cities that surround it. With a scenic downtown filled with older style buildings and weekly art events during the warm seasons, a mountain backdrop, and easy access to nature, Loveland has something in store for every visitor.

1.Benson Park Sculpture Garden

What began in 1984 with a group of five Loveland sculptors has since turned into a cherished local destination. The Benson Park Sculpture Garden, founded by George Lundeen, George Walbye, Fritz White, Hollis Williford, and Dan Ostermiller alongside representatives of the City of Loveland and Chamber of Commerce. After the first Sculpture in the Park show was held in 1984 with over fifty local artists participating, the city knew this local feature would be a hit considering that $50,000 worth of art was purchased. Guests are invited to walk through the park, enjoying works in bronze, stone, ceramic, glass, wood, and other materials.

P.O. Box 7006 125 East 7th Street Loveland, CO 80537

2.Devil's Backbone Open Space

Being home to one of the most iconic trails in Loveland, the Devil’s Backbone Open Space is a great place to get out for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and generally just spending time outdoors. This 2,198 acre Open Space offers unparalleled views of Loveland, and hosts over 12 miles of connected trails between Rimrock and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. There is conveniently located drinking water available at the main trailhead, and outdoor enthusiasts who are visiting the park are heavily encouraged to bring plenty of water on their adventures. The park is open from dusk until dawn and has no entrance fee.

County Road 38E, Phone: 970-679-4570

3.Loveland Museum/Gallery

The Loveland Museum and Gallery is the only American Alliance of Museums accredited museum in the entirety of Northern Colorado, a prestigious recognition that less than 5% of museum nationwide receive. The Loveland Museum and Gallery was originally founded in 1937 by Harold Dunning, a local author, curator, mountain guide, and author. What began with Dunning collecting pioneer artifacts quickly grew into the collection that is showcased at the museum today. Aside from exhibits the museum offers poetry readings, programs for both adults and children, and historical exhibits focusing on the local area.

503 N. Lincoln Avenue Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-962-2410

4.Boyd Lake State Park

Located at the most western edge of the regionally famous Longs Peak, Boyd Lake State Park is in the plains near Loveland and offers plenty of recreational opportunities to visitors. For lovers of water, there is boating, fishing, and swimming, while those who prefer to keep their feet dry can enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, and picnicking. On the lake itself guests can use all types of watercrafts, from ski boats to canoes, sailboats, and more. There is a sandy beach that can be used for relaxing and recreation, and there is also a modern campground featuring 148 paved pull through sites.

3720 N County Road 11-C Loveland, CO, 80538-2307, Phone: 970-669-1739

5.Chapungu Sculpture Park

The Chapungu Sculpture Park spans 26 acres and have over 80 different stone sculptures on display. It is a permanent outdoor exhibit that showcases a traditional African family perspective, and throughout the park guests will experience eight universal themes. All of the sculptures were made by hand using stone from Zimbabwe and are all designed to help the viewer appreciate the importance of family in African culture. The park is free of admission prices and is open from 6am until 10pm, daily. The pathways are wheelchair and stroller friendly, and there are various events held throughout the year to highlight the importance of the Chapungu Sculpture Park.

Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, CO 80538, Phone: 970-962-0011

6.Rialto Theater Center

Steeped in rich local history, the Rialto Theater Center is the perfect place to visit for theater and movie buffs. The theater was originally built in 1919 and opened in 1920 with a showing of the silent film Zane Grey’s Desert of Wheat. Around the time of opening, ticket prices for the theater were a meager 10-35 cents per show, something that has certainly changed with time. In modern day, the theater boasts 446 seats in addition to disabled seating, as well as a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. The theater likes to showcase its history, and every month guests are invited to watch an independent film. In addition to movies, the theater is available for rent, and often hosts nationally touring performers.

228 E. 4th Street, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-962-2120

7.Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

As the name would suggest, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is well known for its sightings of bobcats, as well as many other wild animals such as elk, mountain lions, wild turkeys, and more. Visitors to the park are encouraged to use the natural land features to overlook the valley, and it is always a good idea to bring binoculars to the natural area to enhance viewing experiences. In addition to wildlife spotting, there are several historic homesteads that are scattered throughout the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. There is a large parking lot that is easy to access from the highway and a network of trails that wind their way through the area.

10184 Co Rd 32C, Loveland, CO 80538

8.Budweiser Events Center

The Budweiser Events Center, which originally opened in 2003, seats 7,200 people and is home to the Colorado Eagles, an American Hockey League team. When the Colorado Eagles aren’t playing the event center is used for many other purposes, such as basketball, football, live concerts, rodeos, trade shows, and more. While visiting Loveland it is almost always worth looking at what sort of programs may be happening at the Budweiser Events Center, as they happen frequently and are diverse in the type of entertainment they provide. Guests can find out more details about the schedule by visiting the event center’s website or contacting them by telephone.

5290 Arena Circle, Loveland, Colorado 80538, Phone: 970-619-4100

9.Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

A local favorite, the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse often finds its taproom full of beer lovers from both Loveland as well as the greater Colorado area. Grimm Brothers Brewhouse sets themselves apart from other local breweries by getting back to the roots of beer making, taking their inspiration from the ancient beers that once filled taverns in historic Germany and Europe. They are a 10 barrel brewhouse that specializes in German beers, and guests to the establishment can take beer home in 22oz bombers, kegs, and even 12oz cans. The taproom is open daily with varying hours, monday-thursday 1-9pm, fri/sat 12-9pm, and sundays 1-7pm.

623 Denver Ave, Loveland, Colorado 80537, Phone: 970-624-6045

10.Pinewood Reservoir

For quick access into the Rocky Mountains nearby to Loveland, the Pinewood Reservoir is a great choice for both day trips as well as overnight excursions. The Pinewood Reservoir is located just west of Carter Lake and contains about 100 acres of water that is encompassed by nearly 330 acres of public land. The reservoir is at an elevation of 6,580 feet and offers access to fishing, boating, camping, biking, hiking, and more. Guests should be aware that camping spots often fill up fast, so reserving ahead of time is highly recommended, this can be done by phone or through the provided website.

11.Sweet Heart Winery

No matter what day of the week visitors may find themselves in Loveland, Sweet Heart Winery will almost certainly be open and ready to help them expand upon their enjoyment of wine. With a variety of tasting options, from single glasses to flights, bottles to take home, and even specialty pairings, Sweet Heart Winery has enough options to keep almost any visitor happy. The tasting room is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, near to a river, which in combination create a serene experience for wine exploration by appealing to many senses at once.

5500 West Highway 34, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-646-4314

12.Big Beaver Brewing Co

Big Beaver Brewing Company’s founder and chief brewing scientist doesn’t rely on luck to create tasty beers, instead they rely on a Ph.D. in Industrial Microbiology from CSU and over 25 years of brewing experience to produce a quality product. Since opening in 2010, Big Beaver has been a community favorite with their 16 beer rotating taps. Everything is made in-house using domestic and imported hops, high quality ingredients, and no shortcuts. The tasting room has varying hours and specials throughout the week, so be sure to visit Big Beaver Brewing Company’s website for specific information and schedules.

2707 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Unit 9, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-818-6064

13.Lucky Three Ranch

Founded by legendary trainer and all around lover of equestrian animals, Meredith Hodges, the Lucky Three Ranch is part animal sanctuary, part training facility, and all about long eared donkeys and mules. The ranch itself isn’t open to the public except through tours, given that it is a working ranch and can’t have people wandering around underfoot, but guests are more than welcome to book a tour. When booking a tour it is best to do so ten or more days in advance to guarantee availability, and the tour season runs from January through October.

PO Box 272490, Fort Collins, CO 80527, Phone: 800-816-7566

14.River's Edge Natural Area

The River’s Edge Natural Area has regular hours that run from 6am through 10:30pm daily throughout the year, although restrooms are only open seasonally. There are vault toilets that are open year round during regular hours, which makes accessing this 163-acre natural area the perfect getaway no matter what the season. Visitors will find 3.8 miles of natural-surface trails to explore on foot or bicycle, as well as five ponds with access to a collection of fishing spots. In addition to natural attractions, this natural area boasts an amphitheater, interpretive signage, and even a wetlands boardwalk to give guests a closer look at the pond ecosystem.

960 West 1st Street Loveland, CO 80537

15.Zippity Zoo Barnyard

Zippity Zoo Barnyard is an Alpaca breeding and caretaking farm that is open to the public during specific events. The main purpose of Zippity Zoo Barnyard is to help educate local children on farm life through school trips, but the public is invited to see the Alpacas and other farm animals during Kids Mornings on the Farm events as well as during the Zippity Boo Pumpkin Patch October event. The Zippity Zoo Barnyard has been in the Bradbury family for over 10 years, and they will be celebrating their 13th year in 2019. They thoroughly believe that hands on interactions are crucial for children to learn about animals.

Ridge Valley Alpaca Ranch, 6921 Ridge Valley Ct, Loveland, Phone: 970-231-6444

16.Lincoln Gallery

Located in picturesque downtown Loveland, the Lincoln Gallery is owned and operated by the Thompson Valley Art League, the oldest Art League in the state of Colorado. The primary focus of the gallery is to allow local artists to display their work while at the same time providing the local Loveland community with access to local, original art for purchase. The artists on display at the Lincoln Gallery are always rotating, but typically visitors can expect art along the lines of: Fiber art, Acrylic Painting, Watercolor Painting, Photography, Jewelry, Ceramics, and Oil Paintings. Specific questions on displays can be answered by phoning or emailing the gallery directly.

429 Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-663-2407

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17.Flatiron Reservoir

Situated just northwest of Carter Lake, at approximately 5,500 feet in elevation, the Flatiron Reservoir consists of 47 acres of water resting in 200 acres of public land. The functional purpose of the reservoir is to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for use as drinking, irrigation, and hydropower generation water. However, guests are invited to use the lands for their entertainment, including but not limited to boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, camping, and more. The Flatiron Reservoir offers ADA compliant fishing locations and facilities. To reserve a campsite, check on reservoir fishing conditions, or for any other questions contact the Flatiron Reservoir directly through phone or online form.

1800 South County Road 31, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-619-4570

18.Mariano Medina's Grave

A key figure in Loveland’s past, the gravesite of Mariano Medina is a must see for local history buffs looking to expand upon their knowledge. Mariano Medina was a fur, horse, and pony trader, a businessman, a guide, and most of all, an entrepreneur. He was integral in the creation of Loveland by operating his toll bridge that took travelers over the Big Thompson River. He operated his bridge on a supply and demand structure, basically meaning when there was a high demand for use of the bridge he drastically lowered the toll price, and vice versa. Because the toll for a single crosser could be as much as $100, people opted to spend time in what is now Loveland instead of leaving the area.

N Namaqua Ave, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-290-0169

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19.Timberlane Farm Museum

For visitors who have always been curious about the type of lifestyle people who lived between 1860 and 1940 had, then the Timberlane Farm Museum is the perfect place to visit. Showcasing everything from common everyday items to farming techniques, building styles, and more, the Timberlane Farm Museum is ideal for families and individuals alike. The 160 acre property was originally purchased by Judge W.B. Osborn, and the modern museum has live examples of farming, barnyard activities, blacksmithing, gardening, and more for public observation and participation.

2306 E 1st St, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-646-2875

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20.Mariana Butte Trail

What started as a favorite neighborhood hiking spot on the Mariana Butte has since grown into a network of trails and vistas for all to enjoy. In order to preserve the site, as well as to create a more sustainable system of trails, the Open Lands Division, alongside local volunteers, created naturally surfaced pedestrian trails at the Butte. All of the trails are managed entirely by volunteers, open daily from sunrise to sunset, and provide superb wildlife viewing opportunities. Given the nature of the trails being volunteer managed, unfortunately biking and horseback riding is prohibited on the Mariana Butte Trail.

701 Clubhouse Drive, Loveland, CO 80537

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21.Columbine Gallery

The Columbine Gallery is a Loveland exclusive, offering consulting services for architects and artists throughout the area, as well as being host to a gallery of over 100 pieces of fine art. Visitors who appreciate art, both fine and modern, will want to set aside at least a few hours when visiting the Columbine Gallery because it is quite easy to lose track of time while appreciating all the gallery has to offer. Hours vary by season, and the gallery often hosts special events, so it is best to double check their calendar for any highlights that may be happening.

2683 N Taft Ave, Loveland, CO 80538, Phone: 970-667-2015

22.Loveland Laser Tag

Families, kids, and fun seekers alike will love a trip to Loveland Laser Tag for the ultimate laser tag experience. Considered to be one of Northern Colorado’s largest laser tag arenas, Loveland Laser Tag has everything guests need to spend the day being entertained. Most important is the 3-level, 5,700 square foot laser tag arena, but all of the other fun features shouldn’t be ignored: virtual reality arcade, indoor rope excursion course, bumper cars, 4-D motion enhanced theater, challenging climbing wall, and even a basic arcade. If the weather is frightful, guests will find it easy to spend the whole day indoors at Loveland Laser Tag.

401 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-663-9999

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23.Henry's Pub

Henry’s Pub is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to spent time after work, eat with family, or catch up with friends over a beer or two. It is designed to be a gathering space for all types of engagements, whether guests want to eat, drink, socialize, or all three. The staff has this type of atmosphere in mind and caters their engagements to fit it, and that combined with fresh daily prepared food makes for a must-eat restaurant. Guests can enjoy weekly lunch specials, gourmet dinner options, and a hand selected assortment of craft beer on tap to round out their visit.

234 East 4th Street, Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-613-1896

24.Mo' Betta Gumbo

Mo’ Betta Gumbo is founded on traditional Southern principles of kindness, warmth, and hospitality. The founder grew up in the South, was raised in the South, and decided to retire to Colorado after 25 years in the food industry service. Retirement was obviously postponed, because Mo’ Betta Gumbo became a local staple for its unique cuisine, custom distilled moonshine, and welcoming atmosphere. Folks with dietary restrictions will find plenty of options for them to enjoy, from gluten free to vegetarian, low salt, no nuts, and more. Visitors to Loveland seeking a delightful culinary experience should definitely pay a visit to Mo’ Betta Gumbo.

141 E 4th St Loveland, CO 80537, Phone: 970-685-4842

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25.Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Seekers of traditional, yet uniquely Americanized, Italian food in Loveland may find their appetites satisfied after a visit to Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano. In Loveland, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is located in the Promenade Shops, meaning that guests can shop until they are hungry then stop in for pasta, salads, soups, and fine wine. Biaggi’s is family friendly, yet still maintains a certain level of flair and class that fine diners won’t be disappointed while visiting. For information on weekly specials, allergy concerns, hours of operation, and more please contact Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano by telephone.

5929 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO 80538, Phone: 970-663-0100