Here are ten favorites that make the Sweetheart City an ideal destination for any budget.
#1: 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 sign, located at the Visitors Center, is the largest of its kind in the U.S. Buy a lock and engrave it for free inside the Visitor’s Center. The second sculpture, shaped like a heart, overlooks Lake Loveland with the majestic Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Be sure to grab your lock at the Visitors Center before heading to the lake. When you post your photos on social media, tag us for a chance to be featured: #Visitloveland #lovelandlovelocks
#2: Discover Accessible Public Art
Loveland is home to two free sculpture parks, Benson Sculpture Garden and Chapungu Sculpture Park, along with multiple murals located throughout town. Part art, part history, the Loveland Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the community and discover artists specializing in various mediums. Search for heaps of 5-foot by 4.5-foot fiberglass City with HeART™ program, and lots more public art everywhere you look. Download the Otocast public art app (available through the Apple or Google app stores) and take a virtual art tour of 20 of Loveland’s notable downtown sculptures, including art at the Civic Center, Foundry and on East Fourth and Fifth Streets. The Art in Public Places program was created in 1985. Four decades later, Loveland’s public art collection has grown to include nearly 600 pieces.
Don’t miss Sculpture in the Park, the largest annual outdoor juried sculpture show/sale in the U.S., returning to Benson Sculpture Garden Aug. 8-10, 2025.
#3: Find the Keyhole
Take a moderate hike alongside the stunning two-mile strip of Dakota sandstone known as the Devil’s Backbone and look out for the unique “keyhole” arch formation along the route. Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail is part of a 12-mile scenic trail network in the 2,198-acre Devil’s Backbone Open Space, which also connects to Rimrock Open Space and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, wildlife viewing and observing nature.
#4: Live It Up at the Lake
Time on the water is a great way to escape and Loveland may be one of the state’s best–kept secrets when it comes to the goods. There are loads of lakes in Loveland (it used to be “the most complete reservoir system in Colorado”). In fact, Stacker.com utilized 2020 data from WalletHub.com to identify the best lake towns in the U.S. and Loveland ranked 20th. Loveland has lakes for fishing, lakes for standup paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking, lakes for swimming, lakes for lounging, and lakes for boating, waterskiing and sailing. For relaxing non-motorized recreation, visit Boedecker Lake, Lon Hagler Reservoir, and Pinewood Reservoir. For fishing and family time, visit Flatiron Reservoir, Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake, and Lake Loveland. For a whole lot of everything, beeline to Boyd Lake and Carter Lake.
#5: Opt Indoors for All Ages Fun
In addition to endless outdoor adventure in the area, Loveland is home to abundant indoor options tailor-made for all ages enjoyment. TeeShots, open year-round, offers indoor golf entertainment and training with four golf simulation bays and a full-service lounge. For indoor skiing and riding in a climate-controlled environment, try Infinity Slopes, no matter the season. Pick up pickleball at The Picklr Loveland where you’ll discover nine indoor courts, a pro shop and expert coaches. Or, sample Loveland standbys: The Flipside, for non-stop pinball and gaming; Loveland Laser Tag, featuring NoCo’s largest laser tag arena and more; and endless axe throwing at #1 AxeHole or Axe to Grind. Test your mettle at Time Emporium Escape Rooms, or get your art on at one of three crafting spaces: The Artisan Shops & Studio, Studio Vino or Artisan You. Wrap up with a visit to Buc-ee’s, a destination unto itself.
#6: Get Nostalgic
There are a handful of experiences in Loveland that have either been around for four-plus decades or pay homage to bygone eras. The Sweetheart City invites you to take a step back in time. For a dose of country nostalgia, head to Tom Davis Saloon, the city’s first honky-tonk. If you’re craving malts (and more), pull in for car-hop service at Dairy Delite, a family–owned-and-operated spot that’s been slinging tasty eats and treats for 46 years. Looking for the best steak in NoCo? The Black Steer Restaurant offers a side of nostalgia with every heaping platter of steak or seafood. Venture into Big Thompson Canyon for renowned (for decades) fresh-baked pies from the Colorado Cherry Company. Get nostalgic with old-school pinball or Pac–Man at The Flipside.
#7: Embrace Cowpoke Life
Don your boots and saddle up for fun western adventures in and around Loveland. Family-owned Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch lets you channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl at the lowest–elevation dude ranch in Colorado. Located in the foothills west of Loveland, you can take a horseback ride on the 3,200-acre property year-round (weather dependent). See eagles soar above the red cliffs while mule deer seek the cool shade of the ponderosa forest. Guest ranch stays are available throughout the year. After your time in the saddle, fuel up with real-deal barbecue at Nordy’s BBQ and Grill before heading to Tom Davis Saloon for line dancing and more.
#8: Shop Local
Every town has unique local finds and Loveland is no exception. Colorado’s Sweetheart City is known for its extensive sculpture collection and an abundance of very creative residents. Some make wearable art or design collectibles. Others know just where to find the most tempting baubles for their local boutique. The Loveland Visitors Center is so much more than a place to pick up pamphlets. It features merchandise from more than 25 local Loveland artisans and manufacturers, including glass hearts, bronze sculptures, locally made clothing and jewelry, gifts, toys, books, and local food items. Downtown Loveland is another great stop for local finds, as all shops are locally owned. If your heart desires a little bit of local plus some big brand favorites, head to The Promenade Shops at Centerra.
#9: Visit Loveland’s Monuments and Natural Wonders
There are several natural and human-made wonders in and around Loveland worth witnessing. These must-see sites are accommodating to visitors and any or all are the perfect incentive for an expedition. Explore the trails at River’s Edge Natural Area, a haven for waterfowl watching and tranquil fishing spots. Tour the 150-year-old Milner-Schwarz house, the oldest surviving brick homestead in Larimer County. Lock your love at one of Loveland’s two Love Lock sculptures. Honor the Statue of Liberty replica located alongside Lake Loveland. Join the Circle of Peace, sculpture #64 in Benson Sculpture Garden. Climb the Lookout Tower at The Dam Store in Big Thompson Canyon.
#10: Take in a Show or Pro-Sports
Blue Arena, formerly The Budweiser Events Center, ushered in a new era in October 2023 with a $5 million refresh, including renovated suites and an updated interior. The 6,800-seat multi-purpose venue plays host to a variety of events throughout the year, including family shows, rodeo, stand-up comedy and concerts, plus the Colorado Avalanche AHL-affiliate Colorado Eagles hockey team match-ups against division rivals. Blue is an easier–going, less intimidating experience for concert-goers and sports fans.
