Location: Loveland
Top Things to do in Loveland
10 Things to Do in Loveland That You Shouldn't Miss
The City of Loveland is the Home Rule Municipality that is the second most populous municipality in Larimer County, Colorado, United States. Loveland is situated 46 miles (74 km) north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Loveland is the 14th most populous city in Colorado. The United States Census Bureau estimated that in 2014 the population of the city was 72,651. The city forms part of the Fort Collins-Loveland Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. The city's public schools are part of the Thompson R2-J School District.
Restaurants in Loveland
1. Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 487 reviews
Largest juried outdoor sculpture show in the United States, takes place each year over the second weekend in August.
Reviewed By nowincolorado - Colorado Springs, CO
When visiting Denver, we wanted to explore the outdoors, get fresh air, and do some walking/hiking and thought this sculpture garden would be a perfect way to start! It is #1 on Tripadvisor for Loveland.
We were a bit disappointed by how small the park is. We printed a map first which showed lots and lots of sculptures but when we got there they didn’t line up with the map.
We saw a good variety of sculptures – some we liked and some we found just a bit strange. The best part of our walk was watching birds quarrel in a tree and squirrels playing tag near by. Which does make me wonder how this park got such a top rating in tripadvisor?
2. Devil's Backbone Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By Brooke G - Colorado
This is a staple hike at our home. It is beautiful year round. There is a hike for everyone. The trails are well maintained and the main attraction (the keyhole with sweeping views of the Front Range) are accessible within the first 1-1.5 miles of the hike. There are three loops for those who want a longer jaunt. When our kids were small we would only do the first loop with the views. Now that they are tweens we do the second and third loops. Please note that the keyhole is sometimes closed in the spring for nesting critters.
3. Loveland Museum/Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Madalyn H - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
The museum has good local exhibits regarding the growth of Loveland and particularly the sugar beet industry together with interesting displays relating to Valentines and the Big Thompson River. In addition we saw the excellent Picasso exhibition which had a very good selection of his work which was well displayed.
4. Colorado Cherry Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By CMN14 - Boise, Idaho
Lured in by roadside signs promising "free samples" and lots of cherry products, we decided to visit. Not only did we never see any samples, we were never even greeted by an employee. Initially we were interested in making a purchase, but finally gave up when we couldn't even find anyone to talk with.
5. Devil's Backbone Open Space
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa J - Plant City, Florida
It's was raining the day we drove by so we did not get to hike, but we did drive around and take some pictures from the car. It is a pretty impressive rock formation., and I bet it would be more impressive up close. We will have to check it out agin next time we are in the area. It stretches out a long ridge 4.4 miles, lots of trails and rock to climb.
6. Boyd Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Gene V - Littleton, Colorado
We always ride our bikes in from town. Rent some paddle boards and have a lot of fun there. Its a fun park. Paddle boards are very reasonable priced. The jet ski rentals want a 500$ deposit. So I've never rented them. Great short view and excellent camping. Its one of the funner areas for kids in Loveland.
7. Chapungu Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Brianna M - Windsor, United States
We like coming here both as a couple or with our kids. It's a hidden away walking sculpture garden. Some water features with lots of frogs and water lilies. During the summer, there are free concerts here.
8. Mehaffey Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Marianne S
This park is huge, mountain backdrop is spectacular, well p,annex out something for everyone. Tennis, basketball, dog parks, picnic areas, skate park just a perfect place to relax
9. Budweiser Events Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Cindi K - Saint Joseph, Missouri
The Center seems to be very large, but once everyone is in there for the conference, it was beyond too full! Trying to walk through the hallways/concourses was almost impossible, virtually standing still some of the times. The seats are incredibly small and tight fitting, very difficult for the length of time sitting for the conference. I hope to never attend one here again!
10. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Bobcat Ridge is a great natural area for everyone!The trails are arranged in several loops which makes short and long excursions fun.The Valley Loop Trail is about 4 miles and crosses a grassy valley and goes through ponderosa pine forest. A historic cabin is about 1 mile from the trailhead and it's a great destination for families (shade, picnic table and vault toilet there) or those wanting a short hike. There are nice views and the trail to the cabin is ADA accessible grade with a firm natural surface.If you are up for a challenge, the Power Line Trail (about 1 mile) is quite steep, but you will be rewarded at Mahoney Park with granite rock formations and views of snow capped peaks (no bikes downhill on Power Line Tr). The Ginny Trail (4.6 miles one way) is designed for cyclists and it is a challenging mountain bike trail. On the way down, check out the ramps, jumps and other "technical trail features". The Ginny Trail goes through the Bobcat Gulch fire area, which makes for dramatic scenery and an open setting. One time I visited when the burnt trees were covered with a dusting of snow and it was very dramatic with the black trees and white snow. No horses allowed on the Ginny Trail. Equestrians will enjoy the D.R. Trail, 3 miles long, no bikes allowed. The trail is wider with more gentle grades which makes it great for horses! Very nice varied scenery from forest to views.The Ginny, DR and Powerline Trail all lead to Mahoney Park, a nice meadow destination. Free activities and events are offered year-round at Bobcat Ridge from stargazing to nature hikes for kids.
Reviewed By Goatesians - Loveland, Colorado
Bobcat Ridge is a nice, natural area near Masonville, Co., which is just due west of Loveland. It is only about 15 minutes from my house to the trail head. The trail is shared by horses, hikers and mountain bikers and features lots of wild flowers (when in bloom), a rustic primitive cabin (restored) and pleasant easy-moderate hiking through the meadows and a slight rise into a rocky ridge. Last year there was a large presence of prairie dogs, but a plague killed out most of this colony. Warning Sings are all along the trail about not interacting with any of the dogs that may still be around. This versatile trail includes lush meadows, pine forests, red rock cliffs and lots of small wildlife.
Suggested route for a nice hike is to go north from the parking area on the Valley Loop Trail (east leg) to the primitive cabin and then loop around to the rocky ridge for great views. Return via the loop on the Valley Loop Trail (west). There is a nice pavilion near the trail head for picnics. Be advised that traffic in the parking area is ONE WAY, so you exit via the road above the parking area. Side road to the trail head are private property. There will be signs to mark the way.
DIRECTIONS: From Loveland Co. follow Hwy. 34 towards Rocky Mt. Nat. Park. Turn right off of Hwy. 34 on to Hwy 27 and proceed north towards Masonville. The turn off to the trail head (turn left off of 27) is clearly marked and is about 4.6 miles from Hwy 34. There will be a sign on the right. Take the dirt road up about .5 miles to the parking area. Cars park in the first area and horse trailers near the trail head. There are rest room facilities at the parking area.
NOTE: There are other trails that use the same trail head. The Ginny Trail and the Power Line Trail are much longer and steeper. The trails are clearly marked, so navigating the loop is pretty easy.
PETS: Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on this trail
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