Loveland is a scenic city located in Northern Colorado, about 50 miles north of Denver. Known as the “Sweetheart City”, Loveland offers visitors a variety of attractions from outdoor adventures to historical sites and museums.
With the Rocky Mountains as a picturesque backdrop, Loveland provides year-round entertainment for couples, families and solo travelers.
Whether you’re interested in art galleries, scenic parks, thrilling activities or local history, you’ll find something to love in Loveland. This article highlights 12 top attractions that you must see when visiting this charming Colorado city.
Chapungu Sculpture Park
The first stop for art lovers is Chapungu Sculpture Park, showcasing 82 stone sculptures spread out over 80 acres of land. This magnificent outdoor gallery overlooks the Rocky Mountains and features works of art from Zimbabwean artists.
The park offers free self-guided walking tours where you’ll get to view unique pieces like The Eagle, Family Group and Vervet Monkey while admiring gorgeous views. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the towering artifacts nestled amongst the trees and landscape of the park.
Lake Loveland State Recreation Area
Just 7 miles from downtown Loveland, Lake Loveland State Recreation Area offers opportunities for fishing, boating and hiking along its serene shoreline. Bring your own kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard to explore the 143-acre reservoir.
Or cast your fishing pole from the shore and see if you can reel in rainbow trout or yellow perch. There’s also a 1.2 mile hiking trail that loops around the lake, offering pretty views across glistening waters set against a backdrop of rugged hills. Entry into the recreation area costs just $9 per vehicle.
Boyd Lake State Park
Stretch your legs on miles of hiking and biking trails at Boyd Lake State Park, located 8 miles northeast of Loveland. One of the most popular routes is the Lake Loops Trail – a 6 mile paved path circling russet-colored Boyd Lake.
As you meander through pine forest and wetland areas, keep your eyes peeled for white pelicans, mule deer and red-tailed hawks. The park also boasts opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing in the summer, as well as Nordic skiing and snowshoeing once winter arrives. Entrance into Boyd Lake State Park costs $10 per vehicle.
McWhinney House Museum
Step back in time with a visit to McWhinney House Museum, one of Loveland’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1883, this beautiful Victorian home allows you to envision what life might have been like for early Loveland families.
Explore the 14 rooms filled with original furnishings and stand in awe of the delicate turret sitting atop the Queen Anne-style architecture. Out front, you’ll spot a gorgeous garden blooming with over 1,500 roses in the summer – highlighting why McWhinney House is also referred to as ‘Rose Garden Home’. Admission costs a reasonable $5 for adults.
Rialto Theater Center
When it first opened in 1920, Rialto Theater started out as a Vaudeville house before transitioning into a movie theater through the mid-1900s. After sitting vacant for over 30 years, this historic theater found new life again after extensive renovations restored it to its original glory.
Today, the Rialto Theater Center serves as a performing arts venue hosting musical performances, guest lectures, independent films and more. Visitors can take a free self-guided tour during open hours to view photographs documenting the building’s history. Event ticket prices vary.
The Sculptured House
Famed American architect Charles Deaton put Loveland in the architectural spotlight when he custom-designed the futuristic looking Sculptured House in 1973. The construction includes an angular design, floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcasing canyon views and a freeform steel sculpture perched on the roof.
Art enthusiasts and design fans can take a guided tour through the interior of one of Colorado’s most unique homes. Tickets cost $10 for adults and should be purchased in advance online.
Grimm Brothers Brewhouse
Fairy tale fans rejoice! Grimm Brothers Brewhouse offers award-winning craft beers inspired by the famous sibling authors. Sip a pint of Snow Drop Hibiscus Wheat brewed with hibiscus flowers or the Farmer’s Daughter blonde ale sweetened with local honey.
Guests can taste 5 samples of Grimm Brothers’ enormous 30-tap selection for just $6.50. Food trucks are often parked outside the taproom whipping up tasty bites to perfectly pair with your brew.
Loveland Aleworks
Snag a window seat at Loveland Aleworks taproom and brewery for panoramic views of Lake Loveland and the Rocky Mountains while you sample locally crafted beers like the popular Counting Stars IPA or Lucy Hazy IPA.
Beyond their own brews, Loveland Aleworks has 24 additional guest taps pouring hard cider, cocktails and wine. Outside, lounge under the covered patio warmed by a fire pit or challenge friends to a game of cornhole. Family-friendly and dog-friendly, this taproom offers a relaxed, small town vibe.
Trail Point Distillery
Trail Point Distillery – Loveland’s first distillery – uses locally sourced ingredients like sugar beets and Palisade peaches to produce premium spirits. Taste award-winning whiskies, fruit brandies and gin in the tasting room before stocking up on favorites to enjoy at home.
Distillery tours run every Saturday if you’d like to peek behind the scenes and witness the production process. Don’t leave empty handed! Trail Point Distillery carries an assortment of coffee, tea and chocolates to complement the extensive spirits menu.
Loveland Museum
A trip to the Loveland Museum provides meaningful insight into Northern Colorado’s history and culture. Exhibits introduce early homesteaders and farmers while highlighting Native American influences that shaped the land for centuries.
Stand on the simulated bank of the Big Thompson River to get a feel for the area’s natural beauty and infamous flooding history. Artifacts on display include a 19th century waterwheel, Native American tools and a model of Old Town Loveland circa 1890. Admission to the museum is $6 for adults.
Art Castings of Colorado
Marvel over the lost wax bronze casting process at Art Castings of Colorado’s working foundry and gallery. Tour the facility to observe sculptors creating intricate wax molds, preparing ceramic shells and guiding 2000°F molten bronze into casts.
The on-site galleries display more than 100 completed bronze sculptures available for purchase like western-themed bronzes depicting cowboys on horseback. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look into this intricate art form.
The Glass Art Gallery
Watch live glassblowing demonstrations while browsing gorgeous works from acclaimed glass artists at The Glass Art Gallery. Display cases shine with one-of-a-kind glass pieces like vases, bowls, jewelry and light fixtures created using techniques like kiln forming, torch work, casting and engraving.
Beyond the contemporary glass designs, the gallery showcases plasma cut sculptures, wood burned artwork, pottery and paintings from over 100 different local artists. Entry is free, so it’s easy to pop in and admire these creative talents.
Conclusion
From vibrant street art to cozy breweries and breathtaking nature, Loveland truly offers an array of attractions and entertainment for travelers of all interests. Learn local history at fascinating museums and galleries downtown or venture just outside city limits to explore state parks with hiking trails pairing mountain vistas with lakeside scenery.
Don’t forget to embrace Loveland’s ‘Sweetheart City’ moniker by visiting the nation’s only free-standing wedding chapel, Chapel on the Rock. With so many sights packed into this Northern Colorado destination, you’ll find more than enough additions for your Colorado itinerary during a trip to Loveland.