You can enjoy a slower pace of life in Loveland, CO, a town nestled between the larger cities of Fort Collins and Denver. The scenic downtown features many older buildings, and during the warm months, the city hosts an art festival. With its picturesque setting against a backdrop of mountains, Loveland has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the city’s many events and attractions before you go. You may need to make advance reservations for some attractions.
The city of Loveland began as a small community in the 1870s, near the Big Thompson River. The town was named after former Colorado Central Railroad president William A.H. Loveland. It was originally located one mile upstream from St. Louis, and the town was incorporated in 1879. For most of the twentieth century, Loveland was a largely agricultural town, but the Great Western Sugar Company built a factory there in 1901. This factory operated until 1985.
During the year, visitors can visit the city’s famous “Heart of the Rockies” artwork. The city is home to some of the largest heart-shaped art installations in the world. These 5′ tall and 4.5″ wide heart sculptures are displayed throughout the city. Visitors can take photos of them or purchase a souvenir at the Loveland Visitor’s Center. If you visit the city on Valentine’s Day, make sure to check out the Valentine’s Day event. You can celebrate the day in Loveland by eating, drinking beer, or watching a laser light show.
The town of Loveland lies south of Fort Collins. Fort Collins is its larger neighbor and county seat. For many years, the towns grew closer to each other. They are now considered one metropolitan area by the U.S. government. Since Loveland is close to Fort Collins, county-owned open space was created between the two towns. This open space was intended to create a buffer against contiguous growth. This buffer is still visible today.
The city’s wine scene has exploded in recent years. Although Colorado is not as famous as Napa Valley, the city is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Sweet Heart Winery on Highway 34 is open for visitors and has a picturesque view. Visitors can sample the local wines in its tasting room. The city is home to eleven craft breweries. There are also two distilleries and a cidery/meadery.
Sculpture Garden: A popular destination for artists, the Benson Park Sculpture Garden was founded by civic-minded sculptors in the mid-’80s. This garden features over 100 works of art made of various materials, including bronze, steel, glass, and aluminum. During the summer, you can take advantage of the many outdoor activities, including swimming and hiking. Sculpture Garden is a great place for exercise, and the sculptures are sure to be a conversation piece among art lovers.
Located near the city, Boyd Lake State Park offers plenty of recreational activities. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and picnicking at the park. You can also bring your RV or camper to enjoy the lake’s amenities, including its sandy beach. Guests should book a spot well in advance to avoid missing out on the most popular activities. If you’re staying at the Boyd Lake State Park, you’ll have access to both a modern campground and a historic old ranch with 148 pull-through sites.