Loveland is a beautiful city located in Northern Colorado, about 50 miles north of Denver. Known as the “Sweetheart City”, Loveland has over 100 parks that provide plenty of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. From scenic nature parks to sports complexes and dog parks, Loveland’s parks offer something for everyone.
This article will highlight 12 of the top parks in Loveland for you to explore. For each park, you’ll find details on the location, size, amenities and recreational activities offered. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic spots or sports fields, these 12 parks have it all. So get ready to discover the natural beauty and recreational gems Loveland’s parks have to offer!
Benson Sculpture Garden
Location: N Lake Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 1 acre
Benson Sculpture Garden is located in the heart of Loveland’s arts district. This one-acre park features over 100 permanent sculptures from various artists. The sculptures are set amidst grassy areas, shade trees and walking paths. Visitors can leisurely stroll through the park and admire a variety of art styles, including abstract pieces, animals and human forms.
Benches are scattered throughout to stop and enjoy the rotating sculpture exhibits. With a new collection of artwork loaned by artists every six months, there’s always something new to discover on each visit. The garden also hosts concerts, art fairs and other community events. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just want a quaint spot to relax, Benson Sculpture Garden has you covered.
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park
Location: 5200 S Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 172 acres
Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park is one of Loveland’s largest parks, spanning over 172 acres at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers incredible views and abundant recreational activities, including over 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The trails wind through meadows and wooded areas, some with steep climbs leading to amazing vistas.
There is also a large off-leash dog area where pups can run free and socialize. Multiple picnic shelters are available to host gatherings with family and friends. And sports enthusiasts will love the athletic fields, basketball courts and disc golf course. With so much natural scenery and amenities, Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park provides hours of outdoor enjoyment for visitors of all ages and interests.
Fairgrounds Park
Location: 700 S Railroad Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 22 acres
As its name suggests, Fairgrounds Park encompasses the site of the annual Larimer County fair and rodeo. Throughout the year when events aren’t taking place, this 22-acre park provides plenty of recreation and relaxation. Outdoor facilities include a skate park, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground and walking paths.
There are also shady trees, benches and open green spaces perfect for picnicking. Two indoor event centers with full kitchens provide the ideal venue for receptions, meetings and parties. And families love attending free summer concerts at the park’s covered amphitheater. Fairgrounds Park truly has something fun for all ages with both indoor and outdoor amenities.
Dwayne Webster Veterans Park
Location: 401 W 13th St, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 5 acres
To honor Loveland veterans, Dwayne Webster Veterans Park spans 5 acres near the town center. The park’s focal point is a stone memorial with the engraved names of local veterans. Benches and shade trees surround the memorial, providing a peaceful spot for reflection.
Other amenities include playground equipment, walking paths, a basketball court and open lawns. Annual events held here include Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. Whether you want to pay tribute to veterans or enjoy recreation, Dwayne Webster Veterans Park welcomes both area residents and visitors.
Barnes Softball Complex
Location: 224 E 29th St, Loveland, CO 80538
Size: 16 acres
With three state-of-the-art softball fields, the Barnes Softball Complex is a premier spot for amateur and league softball games. The 16-acre park can host up to four slow-pitch or fast-pitch games simultaneously on the strategically placed fields. Each field has spectator seating, lighting for evening games, enclosed dugouts and foul line fencing.
When not reserved for league use, the fields are open to the public on a drop-in basis. Multiple batting cages allow for practice swings before taking the field. Picnic tables offer spaces for teams and fans to socialize between innings. Equipped with high-quality facilities and amenities, Barnes Softball Complex is undoubtedly a top attraction for softball enthusiasts.
Kroh Park
Location: 950 W Indian Hills Blvd, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 5 acres
Perfectly situated along Lake Loveland, Kroh Park spans 5 acres of green space, walking paths and lake access. Tall trees line the shore, providing pleasant pockets of shade to stop and enjoy the lake views. Park goers love casting their fishing lines out into the water in hopes of catching rainbow trout and yellow perch.
The playground area has swings and climbing equipment for youth recreation. Grassy open areas work nicely for recreational games or simply throwing down a blanket for a lakeside picnic. And wildlife lovers should keep watch for blue herons, pelicans and bald eagles that frequent the lake environs. With its picture-perfect setting, Kroh Park is one of Loveland’s most scenic lakeside gems.
North Lake Park
Location: 2330 N Taft Ave, Loveland, CO 80538
Size: 883 acres spanning 3 connected properties
At a massive 883 acres, North Lake Park comprises three adjacent park properties along the northern shores of Loveland’s treasured Lake Loveland. The Big Thompson River also flows directly through the park as it makes its way to the lake. With miles of trails, abundant wildlife and diverse terrain, the park provides endless recreation. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders all enjoy the maze of trails that reveal new vistas around each turn.
Families head to the playground and picnic areas surrounded by grassy lawns and shade trees. Two reservable group picnic shelters are available for gatherings. Out on the water, anglers can cast from the shore or use the public boat ramp to access even better fishing holes. And bird watchers should keep an eye out for blue heron, deer, fox and bald eagles that call North Lake Park home.
Winona Sports Complex
Location: 700 S Carr Rd, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 18 acres
The Winona Sports Complex packs a variety of athletic facilities into its 18 acres conveniently located in southwest Loveland. Baseball players flock to the meticulously groomed youth baseball fields perfectly suited for pee-wee and little league games. The softball diamonds have both dirt and grass infields to support serious softball league play.
Tennis buffs test their serves on the eight nicely lined courts specifically oriented to reduce sun glare. Families take advantage of the playground and walking trail that circles the perimeter. With amenities catering to baseball, softball and tennis players, Winona Sports Complex keeps youth and adult recreational league players coming back.
Barnes Park
Location: 500 W Olive St, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 5 acres
Historic Barnes Park holds the distinction of being Loveland’s original city park established back in the 1940s. Situated on 5 acres adjacent to city hall, the park encompasses flower gardens, a playground, basketball court and open green spaces. Shady trees offer relief on hot summer days, while brick pathways meander past benches perfect for people watching.
As the site of Loveland’s annual Valentine’s Day festival, Barnes Park transforms each February with red and pink décor to celebrate the romantic holiday. The HEART sculpture serves as a popular photo spot for sweethearts. And free summer concerts at the band shell fill the park with music. Whether you visit for a special event or just everyday recreation, Barnes Park has served as Loveland’s quintessential community park for decades.
Civic Center Park
Location: 500 E 3rd St, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 5 acres
Adjacent to the Loveland Public Library sits Civic Center Park, spanning 5 acres in the heart of downtown. Mature shade trees and well-manicured lawns surround a central performance pavilion with bench seating. Local dance troupes and theater groups regularly schedule free shows at the pavilion’s bandstand. Small walking paths weave past sculptures and flower gardens that showcase seasonal blooms.
An eye-catching bronze sculpture called “The Traveler” is a favorite photo spot for park visitors. Families also enjoy the playground area with standard swings and play sets. From art and culture to youth recreation, Civic Center Park brings Loveland residents and visitors together with its charming green space and entertainment.
Boyd Lake State Park
Location: 3720 N County Road 11C, Loveland, CO 80538
Size: 1,700 acres
As the largest park on this list, Boyd Lake State Park spans a massive 1,700 acres bordering its namesake lake. Located northeast of Loveland city proper, the park offers endless water recreation and miles of trails with stunning scenery. Anglers relish the stocked trout fishing access either from shore or small non-motorized boats.
On land, 11 miles of multi-use trails cater to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Families enjoy the playground, picnic sites and access to Loveland’s new outdoor splash park. Two campground loops provide sites for tents and RVs to experience overnight camping under Colorado’s starry night skies. Wildlife lovers frequently spot deer, fox, bald eagles and a variety of water birds. Showcasing incredible vistas and abundant recreation on land and water, Boyd Lake State Park is a must-visit on any tour of Loveland’s parks.
Railroad Park
Location: 401 Railroad Ave, Loveland, CO 80537
Size: 1 acre
Across from the historic train depot sits cozy Railroad Park, spanning just 1 acre. Park benches face outward toward the active BNSF rail line running through Loveland. Train spotters love watching and waving at the variety of rail stock transporting both freight and passengers. Interpretive signs detail the importance of rail transportation in Loveland’s development over the decades.
An antique locomotive and tender are permanently displayed on the lawn. Annual events held at Railroad Park include Easter egg hunts, car shows and even visits from Santa arriving by vintage train cars. Whether you fancy yourself an amateur rail historian or just enjoy seeing trains occasionally pass by, Railroad Park by the tracks offers fun for all ages.
Conclusion
From scenic nature parks to sports fields and dog parks, Loveland’s over 100 public parks have something to offer everyone. As highlighted in this article, the 12 parks detailed here give just a glimpse of what visitors can experience.
Whether you want to hike forested foothills trails or stroll through a sculpture garden, play softball or enjoy free concerts, spot bald eagles or catch rainbow trout, there’s always a new adventure waiting at Loveland’s amazing parks. So next time you’re exploring Northern Colorado, take some time to discover the beauty, recreation and sweetheart spirit abundant throughout Loveland.