Top 10 things to do in Loveland

A Loveland holiday would be incomplete without a visit to the love lock sculptures. The central sculpture is located at the Visitor’s Centre, and it is one of the largest in Colorado. Inspired by ancient tradition, you buy a lock and engrave it for free inside the Visitor Centre. There are many other love-themed gifts to purchase, too. We’re talking coffee, chocolate, stuffed teddy bears – you name it. The second sculpture here is heart-shaped, with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains as its backdrop.

Couples, families, and friendship groups have been iconically ‘locking’ their love to each other for years. The love lock sculptures continue to be a key attraction in this intriguing city. Talk about feeling the love. 

Home to four sculpture gardens and a working bronze foundry - nowhere showcases sculpture art like Loveland. One place I’d recommend adding to your Loveland bucket list is the beautiful Benson Sculpture Gardens. This 10-acre garden is located on Aspen Drive and is ideal for a tranquil stroll. Prepare to be amazed by the over 170 permanent, charming sculptures valued at a whopping five million dollars! Dotted around the park, each structure boasts its own unique story.

Loveland holds numerous exciting events attended by both locals and visitors from around the world. I’d recommend Loveland’s Sweetheart Festival on 10th February, a fun-filled, two-day festival that takes place annually to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Another enchanting event is the Winter Wonderlights, which starts mid-November and finishes on 1st January. This free, nightly show is too good to miss, not to mention Santa Claus and his reindeer are there. Families and little ones will love this magical event! 

How about a romantic hike with picturesque mountain views? Adjacent to a two-mile strip of Dakota sandstone, known as the Devil’s Backbone, is an incredible hiking trail. As you walk, look out for the iconic keyhole rock formation and peak through it for amazing Rocky Mountain views! Feeling adventurous? The 17.5 miles of scenic trails aren’t only great for hiking – how about hopping on horseback? What an experience!

Take a horseback ride at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, the lowest-elevation ranch in Colorado. Whether you’d prefer multiple days in an authentic cabin or a one-day horseback experience, this traditional Western stay will renew you. And the best thing is, you don’t need any horse riding experience to get involved; the friendly guides will teach you everything you need to know!

If you’re a confessed foodie, you’re in the right place. Downtown Loveland has exploded with brand-new restaurants and bars to try. Cast your eyes over Loveland’s mouth-watering menus; there’s so much variety that you won’t know where to begin! Experience a fun fusion of cultures at Mex O’Malley’s, an Irish pub serving mouth-watering Mexican food. Alternatively, dine on delicious, slow-cooked, locally sourced meat at Meat Revolution. Fancy something different? Sip on coffee while cuddling adopted cats at The NoCo Cat Cafe, the first cat cafe in the region! 

From charming downtown boutiques to name-brand department stores, Loveland has all the retail therapy you’ll ever need! The Visitor’s Centre at Love Lock is also an excellent place for shopping, with merchandise from more than 25 Loveland artisans and manufacturers! Look around, and you’ll see exceptional artwork. Intricate glass hearts and bronze sculptures adorn the Visitor’s Centre’s shelves, as well as locally made clothing, jewellery, gifts, toys, books, and an assortment of food items. The only downside is whether you have enough room to fit everything in your suitcase!

Ready to fall for some epic live music performances in Loveland? Head to the city’s first Honky-Tonk bar, the Tom Davis Saloon. There’s a host of entertainment here, including live concerts, line dancing, karaoke, and more! Or opt for an intimate show at the Gressiwick, a brand-new event and concert space in a charming circa-1905 historical building. I’d recommend checking out their official events calendar for upcoming shows – this way, you can plan your trip accordingly.

If you’re looking for some water-based fun, add Loveland’s array of legendary lakes and reservoirs to your bucket list. Beat the heat and paddle, sunbathe, or swim to your heart’s content. There are also adrenaline-pumping activities – expect jet-skiing, paddleboarding, boating, or fishing! The lake-based activities here are seemingly endless, not to mention one of this landlocked state’s best-kept secrets. 

If you’re travelling with family, it’s important that the destination you’re visiting must offer activities for all ages. Luckily, Loveland serves up a variety of action-packed things to do. From playing traditional Pacman at the ‘Flipside’ in Downtown Loveland to partaking in a challenging escape room! With a three-level laser tag arena, a huge climbing wall, dodgeball tournaments, and heaps of arcade games at Loveland Laser Tag Fun Center, you’ll never be bored!