Loveland Colorado Guide | Art, Outdoors & Things to Do

Your Guide to Loveland

Art, outdoors, and gateway to the mountains

Loveland earns its "Sweetheart City" nickname each February when the post office re-stamps thousands of valentines with special cachets. But there's more to this town than romance—Loveland has quietly become Colorado's sculpture capital.

Public art installations dot the city, with over 300 sculptures in the Benson Sculpture Garden alone. The annual Sculpture in the Park show draws artists and collectors from around the world. Meanwhile, Devil's Backbone Open Space offers dramatic hiking without the crowds.

Positioned between Denver (50 miles) and Estes Park (30 miles), Loveland makes a practical base for exploring both. The Big Thompson Canyon route to Estes Park starts here, climbing through stunning scenery.

Explore Loveland

Art and nature in equal measure

ART

Sculpture Gardens

Benson Sculpture Garden, Chapungu Sculpture Park, and sculptures throughout downtown. Free outdoor galleries make Loveland a public art destination.

HIKE

Devil's Backbone

Dramatic hogback rock formations and moderate trails. Less crowded than Boulder. Views of the foothills and plains. Free parking and multiple trail options.

LAKE

Lake Loveland

Paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Walking paths circle the lake. Boyd Lake State Park nearby offers larger water recreation and camping.

GATEWAY

Big Thompson Canyon

The scenic route to Estes Park starts in Loveland. Stops along the river for fishing, picnicking, and photo ops. Watch for wildlife.

LOVE

Valentine Re-Mailing

Send valentines to Loveland in February—they're re-stamped with a special cachet and verse. A unique tradition since 1947.

DOWNTOWN

Historic Downtown

4th Street shops, local restaurants, and the Rialto Theater. More affordable and less crowded than neighboring Fort Collins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Loveland visit

How far is Loveland from Estes Park?

About 30 miles via Highway 34 through Big Thompson Canyon. The drive takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. It's a scenic route worth taking slowly.

Is Loveland a good base for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, and often more affordable than staying in Estes Park. The trade-off is an extra 30-45 minutes of driving each way. Good for budget-conscious travelers.

When is Sculpture in the Park?

Second weekend of August in Benson Sculpture Garden. Over 150 artists display and sell work. It's the largest outdoor sculpture show in the US.

What's the Valentine re-mailing program?

Send your valentines inside a larger envelope to the Loveland postmaster by early February. They're hand-stamped with a special cachet and romantic verse, then re-mailed. Free and charming.

Loveland, Colorado