May is graduation season across northern Colorado, and with it comes an exciting wave of celebrations. Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado welcome thousands of proud families each year as students cross the stage and begin their next chapter.
Along with the celebrations comes a challenge many visitors quickly discover. Hotels in Fort Collins and Greeley book up fast during CSU and UNC graduation weekends, leaving many families searching for nearby lodging.
Just a short drive away, Loveland offers a relaxed and convenient place to stay while keeping you close to the ceremonies. With ample accommodations, vibrant dining options and plenty to explore between graduation events, Loveland makes it easy to turn the milestone into a memorable weekend.
Looking for lodging for CSU or UNC graduation?
Families traveling to Colorado State University or the University of Northern Colorado for graduation often look for hotels close to campus. Staying in Loveland offers an easy solution. The city sits just 20 minutes from Fort Collins and 30 minutes from Greeley, with a wide range of hotels, restaurants and places to celebrate.
Stay close to the ceremony without the crowds
Loveland provides a more relaxed setting for graduation visitors. Instead of navigating packed hotel lobbies and crowded restaurants, families can enjoy a little more space while still being close enough to attend ceremonies, campus events and celebrations.
Loveland’s location makes it easy to travel to both universities while avoiding some of the congestion that comes with graduation day. The drive to either campus is straightforward, allowing families to arrive for ceremonies, receptions or celebrations without the pressure of staying directly in those cities.
For families coordinating visits from relatives arriving from multiple locations, Loveland also provides a central place to gather and celebrate.
Commemorate with great food and rooftop views
Graduation weekend calls for a great meal and a toast to the graduate. Loveland’s dining scene offers plenty of options for celebrating with family and friends.
Downtown Loveland is home to locally owned restaurants, breweries and gathering spaces that create a welcoming atmosphere for celebrations. One favorite stop is the rooftop at The Pourhouse Bar & Grill. With views of downtown Loveland, it’s a great place to relax, share a meal and raise a glass.
May is certainly the beginning of patio season, which naturally leads to more live music, so visitors should also look for free live music around town to add another festive element to the weekend.
Turn graduation weekend into an outdoor adventure
Spring is a beautiful time to experience northern Colorado’s landscapes, and Loveland offers easy access to some of the region’s most scenic outdoor spaces.
Devil’s Backbone Open Space is one of Loveland’s most recognizable natural landmarks. The dramatic rock formations and miles of trails make it a great place to stretch your legs after a ceremony or take family photos surrounded by Colorado scenery.
Visitors can also head west through the Big Thompson Canyon for a scenic drive into the mountains. Even a short trip into the canyon offers opportunities to hike, fish or simply enjoy the stunning canyon views.
Discover Loveland’s creative side
Loveland has earned a reputation as one of Colorado’s most vibrant arts communities, with galleries and sculpture gardens found throughout the city.
The Benson Sculpture Garden is one of Loveland’s most beloved destinations. With 189 sculptures displayed among landscaped gardens and walking paths, it offers a peaceful place to stroll and reflect on the weekend’s milestone.
Downtown Loveland also features murals, galleries and public art installations that make exploring the area both relaxing and inspiring.
Gather with family in the park
Graduation often brings together family members who may not see each other often. Loveland’s parks provide a perfect setting for gathering after the ceremony.
Many parks offer reservable picnic shelters where families can host casual celebrations, share a meal or simply spend time together outdoors. Reserving a shelter allows visitors to create a relaxed gathering space without worrying about crowded restaurants during graduation weekend.
Whether it is a picnic lunch, a small family party or an afternoon spent relaxing under the trees, these moments often become some of the most memorable parts of the celebration. Park pavilions and picnic shelters are ideal for high school graduation celebrations, too.
Explore Loveland through the lens of your graduate
Graduation weekend can also be a chance to celebrate the journey that brought students to this moment. Exploring Loveland based on your graduate’s personal interests can add another meaningful layer to the visit.
Here are a few ideas to help inspire your plans:
- Engineering or Technology: Visit Boyd Lake State Park to see how outdoor recreation infrastructure supports boating, trails and public access in northern Colorado.
- Education: Stop by the Loveland Public Library and explore nearby parks and public spaces that promote learning and community connection.
- Photojournalism or Media: Walk through downtown Loveland to photograph murals, historic architecture and public art installations.
- Geology or Environmental Studies: Explore the dramatic rock formations and trails at Devil’s Backbone Open Space.
- Music or Performing Arts: Catch a show or free summer concert at Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, one of Loveland’s favorite outdoor music venues.
- Liberal Arts or Design: Wander through the Benson Sculpture Garden and discover one of the country’s largest sculpture collections in a public setting.
- Health or Kinesiology: Enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Loveland Recreation Trail, which winds through beautiful parks on the west side of town.
- Agriculture or Animal Science: Visit The Ranch Events Complex, where livestock shows, rodeos and agricultural programs reflect the region’s farming heritage.
- Outdoor Recreation or Natural Resources: Head west through the Big Thompson Canyon for scenic views, hiking and mountain landscapes.
Make Loveland part of the celebration
Graduation marks both an ending and a beginning. Staying in Loveland allows families to celebrate the accomplishment while also taking time to explore northern Colorado together.
From scenic trails and public art to rooftop dining and community parks, Loveland offers a welcoming place to slow down and savor the moment. While the ceremony may take place in Fort Collins or Greeley, the memories of the weekend can extend far beyond campus.
Start planning your graduation weekend in Loveland and discover even more ways to celebrate this milestone together.