View more places in Colorado
Loveland, Colorado, sits along the Big Thompson River at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 50 miles north of Denver. Known widely as the Sweetheart City, this community of roughly 85,000 residents has carved out a unique identity as an arts destination, outdoor recreation hub, and one of northern Colorado’s most welcoming towns. Loveland is home to an internationally recognized sculpture park, a thriving downtown creative district, and a beloved Valentine Re-Mailing Program that has charmed visitors for more than seven decades.
The story of Loveland begins in 1877, when the Colorado Central Railroad established a stop along the Big Thompson River and named the fledgling settlement after William A.H. Loveland, president of the railroad. The arrival of the railroad transformed the area from open prairie into an agricultural center, with sugar beets, wheat, and livestock forming the backbone of the early economy. Loveland was officially incorporated as a town in 1881, and its location at the crossroads of the plains and the mountains quickly established it as a vital commercial hub for northern Colorado settlers.
The Great Western Sugar Company built a processing plant in Loveland in 1905, anchoring the local economy for decades and drawing workers from across the region. The sugar beet industry fueled Loveland’s growth well into the mid-20th century, while cherry orchards and other fruit farming operations flourished in the area’s fertile soil and favorable microclimate. The city’s agricultural heritage is still celebrated at its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Loveland’s transformation into an arts destination began in earnest during the 1970s, when local sculptors established the Loveland High Plains Arts Council and began organizing one of the largest outdoor sculpture shows in the country. The creation of Benson Sculpture Garden in 1985 cemented Loveland’s reputation as a nationally recognized arts community, attracting sculptors and art lovers from across the United States. Today, Loveland is home to two foundries and more than 200 working artists, making it one of Colorado’s most artistically vibrant cities.
The crown jewel of Loveland is the Benson Sculpture Garden, a 10-acre park featuring 170 permanent sculptures by artists from around the world. Winding paths lead visitors through towering bronze figures, abstract stone works, and whimsical metal creations set among ponds, gardens, and mature trees. The garden hosts the annual Sculpture in the Park show each August, the largest outdoor juried sculpture exhibition in the United States.
Downtown Loveland’s Historic District stretches along Fourth Street, where century-old brick buildings now house art galleries, boutique shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. The Loveland Museum — housed in a renovated 1920s post office — offers rotating art exhibits and a permanent collection that traces the region’s history from Native American settlement through the pioneer era. The museum’s community art gallery features work by local and regional artists throughout the year.
The Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch complex hosts concerts, rodeos, and sporting events, including games of the Colorado Eagles hockey team. For a uniquely Loveland experience, visit the Valentine Re-Mailing Program at the downtown post office, where volunteers hand-stamp thousands of valentines each February with a special Sweetheart City postmark — a tradition that began in 1946.
Loveland serves as a gateway to some of Colorado’s most spectacular outdoor terrain without the crowds found in more heavily promoted mountain towns. The Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of the city, features an 8-mile network of hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through dramatic red rock formations and open meadows. The distinctive rock fin that gives the preserve its name is a striking geological landmark visible for miles along the Front Range.
Boyd Lake State Park offers boating, swimming, fishing, and camping on a 1,700-acre reservoir that sits within the city limits. The lake is stocked with bass, trout, and walleye, and the surrounding park features picnic areas and a sandy swimming beach that makes it a popular summer destination for families. Mountain views from the water are spectacular, with the entire Front Range forming a dramatic backdrop.
The Big Thompson River corridor provides a scenic greenway trail system for walking and cycling, connecting neighborhoods to downtown and the region’s broader trail network. Rocky Mountain National Park is accessible within a 45-minute drive, offering world-class hiking through alpine meadows and along dramatic ridgelines in one of America’s most visited national parks.
Loveland’s arts culture extends far beyond the sculpture garden, with working artist studios scattered throughout the city. The Loveland Art Foundry District is home to Art Castings of Colorado and Bronze Services, two major foundries that produce monumental bronze sculptures shipped to installations around the world. Many foundries offer public tours where visitors can watch the lost-wax casting process in action.
The Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra provides a complementary experience to Benson Garden, featuring 80 stone sculptures carved by Zimbabwean artists set across 26 landscaped acres. This unique cultural attraction brings international contemporary art to northern Colorado and hosts frequent community events and guided tours throughout the year.
The Rialto Theater Center, a painstakingly restored 1920s movie palace in downtown, now serves as a performing arts venue hosting concerts, films, and theatrical productions. The Loveland Loves BBQ festival each summer draws pitmasters from across the country, while the Cherry Pie Festival celebrates the city’s orchard heritage with fresh pies, craft vendors, and family activities.
The summer months of June through August bring warm days and the most vibrant activity to Loveland. This is prime season for outdoor concerts at the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, the Sculpture in the Park show in August, and weekend visits to Boyd Lake. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s, with low humidity and cool mountain evenings that make patio dining especially pleasant.
Fall may be Loveland’s most beautiful season, when the cottonwoods along the Big Thompson turn brilliant gold and the surrounding foothills blaze with autumn color. September and October bring harvest festivals and the start of the hockey season at the Budweiser Events Center. Daytime temperatures remain comfortable for hiking Devil’s Backbone and exploring the sculpture gardens under crisp blue skies.
Winter transforms Loveland into a quieter, cozier destination with significantly fewer visitors and lower lodging costs. The nearby mountains offer skiing and snowboarding at resorts less than an hour away, while downtown’s galleries and restaurants provide warm refuge. The Valentine Re-Mailing Program peaks in February, making winter an especially charming time to experience Loveland’s sweetest tradition. Spring brings blooming gardens, the return of farmers markets, and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring the trail system before summer crowds arrive.