Colorado’s first Buc-ee’s mega-store opens to the public on March 18 at 6 a.m., and it’s located less than nine miles from Downtown Loveland. If you’re planning a pilgrimage, be sure to check out our tips for making the most of your Buc-ee’s visit along with five quintessential Loveland add-ons to super-size your trip.
First, a little intel. Buc-ee’s openings are always a big draw and there is a lot of excitement about the new Colorado location. Here are a few tips for navigating the new Johnstown Buc-ee’s:
- Pack your patience. This is the first Buc-ee’s in Colorado, and it will be very busy for the foreseeable future. The Johnstown store is a destination unto itself, and it’s situated along a single-access road. You’ll likely be among a line of cars waiting to enter the parking lot, and the store itself will be crowded.
- Time your visit. Buc-ee’s is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Seasoned staffers at other locations have shared that weekends are busiest, as is lunchtime. Plan accordingly.
- Wear comfortable shoes. At 74,000 square feet the store is huge. And you’ll want to see it all.
5 Add-on Experiences in Colorado's Sweetheart City
#1: Stroll Through the Sculpture Gardens
- Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland (5971 Sky Pond Dr., Loveland) is a one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit featuring 82 monumental stone sculptures from Zimbabwean artisans displayed across 26 acres of natural and landscaped gardens. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the Texas barbecue and beaver nuggets you just picked up at Buc-ee’s. After you explore the park, stroll over to the Promenade Shops for more great finds.
- Benson Sculpture Garden (1125 W 29th St., Loveland) Benson Sculpture Garden has provided a beautiful and unique outdoor setting for showcasing sculpture since 1985. Currently, there are 178 sculptures on permanent display by world-renowned artists. This public treasure annually draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe and has been recognized as “one of the 200 most important modern and contemporary art sites around the world.” Check out the web-based app for information on each piece of sculpture including the year, name and location.
#2: Lock Your Love
- With a name like LOVEland, a visit would be incomplete without locking your love on one of the two love lock sculptures in town. The LOVE sculpture, located at the Loveland Visitor’s Center (5400 Stone Creek Cir., Loveland), is the largest of its kind in the U.S. The second sculpture, shaped like a heart, overlooks Lake Loveland with the majestic Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Be sure to buy a lock and engrave it for free inside the Visitor’s Center before heading to either sculpture location. When you post your photos on social media, tag us for a chance to be featured. #Visitloveland #lovelandlovelocks
#3: Take A Hike
Devil’s Backbone (1725 Hidden Valley Dr., Loveland) is one of the most impressive and geologic landmarks in Larimer County, as well as an important cultural feature with a rich and colorful history. Visitors can hike to find the “keyhole,” a unique arch within the backbone, or enjoy a portion of the 12 miles of trail in the 2,198-acre Devil’s Backbone Open Space, connecting Rimrock Open Space to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, wildlife viewing and observing nature. An annual parks pass is required or there is a daily car fee of $10.
#4: Play the Day Away
- At The Flipside (140 E. 4th St., Loveland) get nostalgic with old-school pinball or Pac-Man, challenge the kids to air hockey, take aim at Skee-Ball, test your skill at the Toy Crane, try a new game or three, and – if you’re over 21 – enjoy a cocktail or cold brew.
- Loveland Laser Tag (401 Denver Ave., Loveland) is home to Northern Colorado’s largest laser tag arena and so much more, like the indoor ropes course, bumper cars, 4D motion theater, laser maze, climbing wall, and arcade. The three-level 5,700-square-foot laser tag arena is still the G.O.A.T.
- Axe to Grind (217 E 3rd St., Loveland) is the perfect spot to try one of the fastest growing sports entertainment challenges across the U.S. — axe throwing. Basic sessions include coaching along with game play, so beginners gain confidence and skill quickly. Minimum age to play is 10 years old.
- At Time Emporium Escape Rooms (391 Denver Ave., Loveland) raid an ancient Pharoah’s tomb, solve a series of murders in Victorian London, or unlock the mysteries of the Wizard’s Tower. You can choose from three action-packed, immersive escape rooms based on whatever adventure sounds most appealing.
#5: Catch a Concert, Game or Event
Blue Arena (5290 Arena Cir., Loveland) is a great place to see a live show and it’s located just a few miles north of Buc-ee’s along I-25. Coming this spring: Christian artists MercyMe and Newsboys (March 14); Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour (March 17); Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party (April 4 – 7); Pederson Toyota’s Toughest Monster Truck Tour (April 12 and 13); Nate Bargatze – The Be Funny Tour (May 3); Lauren Daigle (May 18); and Big Head Todd and the Monsters with the Wallflowers and The Freddy Jones Band (June 7), plus AHL Colorado Eagles games through mid-April.
Loveland is the perfect basecamp for your trip to the long-awaited opening of Buc-ee’s. Once you’ve had your fill of beef jerky, brisket sandwiches, and all things adorned with a ball-capped beaver, Loveland is waiting for you with a number of great ways to add-on to your trip. These are just our 5 recommendations of things to do to make your trip to Buc-ee’s one to remember, but there are so much more. Y’all come back soon!
