Loveland Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Loveland, Colorado, including information on places to visit, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking trails, food scene, local culture, safety tips, transportation, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Loveland

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado, Loveland is a charming mountain town with stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With a plethora of outdoor adventures and world-class museums, Loveland offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to ski, hike, or enjoy a relaxing getaway, Loveland is the perfect destination to explore. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top attractions of Loveland, including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink, where to stay, and cultural customs.

List of Places to Visit in Loveland

Loveland boasts an array of cultural and natural attractions. Here’s a list of top places to visit in Loveland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Loveland Museum and Gallery: This museum houses over 20,000 pieces of art, including the works of local and national artists.
  • Benson Sculpture Garden: This beautiful garden features over 154 pieces of unique sculpture art.
  • Chilson Center: It’s a hub of lively cultural events in Loveland that includes, theater performances, art exhibitions, and concerts.
  • Little Thompson Observatory: A fan of stargazing? Head to Little Thompson Observatory to enjoy the starry skies.

Natural Attractions of Loveland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rocky Mountain National Park: With over 415 square miles, this park offers exceptional hiking, camping, and wildlife watching opportunities.
  • Boyd Lake State Park: A perfect spot for Watersports, including fishing, boating, and swimming.
  • Devil’s Backbone Open Space: Boasting beautiful rock formations, this open space offers hiking and biking trails for all levels of adventure seekers.
  • Lake Loveland: Home to several water activities and picnicking spots.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Loveland

Loveland has some of the most picturesque hiking and biking routes in all of Colorado. Here are the best routes worth exploring:

  • The Devil’s Backbone Trail: A 12-mile, round-trip trail that offers stunning views of primeval rock formations.
  • Boyd Lake State Park Trail: A 4.5-mile trail that follows the shoreline of the lake.
  • Lions Open Space Trail: A 5.7-mile round-trip route that leads to the panoramic views of Loveland.

Best Things to Do in Loveland: Activities and Tours

  • Grimm Brothers Brewhouse Tour: Take a brewery tour to taste a wide range of craft beers and learn about Loveland’s brewery history.
  • Rocky Mountain Adventures Whitewater Rafting Trip: Thrill seekers should try a whitewater rafting trip on the Poudre River.
  • Skiing at Loveland Ski Area: Want to hit the slopes in winter? Loveland Ski Area offers world-class skiing opportunities.
  • The Olde Course at Loveland: Enjoy a day of golf at this beautiful 18-hole course.

Week-Long Itinerary for Loveland

Day 1: Visit Loveland Art Museum, Benson Sculpture Garden, and Little Thompson Observatory

Day 2: Spend a day soaking up nature at Boyd Lake State Park Trail

Day 3: Hike the Devil’s Backbone trail.

Day 4: Whitewater rafting with Rocky Mountain Adventures

Day 5: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy its scenic beauty.

Day 6: Explore Lake Loveland and its water activities.

Day 7: Taste the local beer on the Grimm Brothers Brewhouse Tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Loveland

Here are some of the must-try food and drink:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef and Bison: Loveland is renowned for its natural beef and bison, which are typically served grilled or smoked.
  • Wild Game: Wild game meat such as elk and deer are must-try delicacies in Loveland.
  • Honey: Loveland is known as the “Sweetheart City” for a reason. Its honey is a sweet treat to taste.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Loveland has a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries, including Grimm Brothers Brewhouse and Verboten Brewery.
  • Wine: From grapes grown at high elevations, Colorado wines are smooth and enjoyed by many.

Where to Stay in Loveland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland: A luxurious option with placed near Rocky Mountain National park.
  • Rodeway Inn Loveland: A budget-friendly option.
  • The Armstrong Hotel: A unique, cozy, and vintage-inspired accommodation option.

What to Buy in Loveland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Art: With an array of local artists, galleries, and museums, Loveland’s art scene is vibrant and unique.
  • Honey: Loveland’s honey is a must-buy souvenir.
  • Pottery: Loveland’s pottery tradition dates back to the early 20th century, with many famous renowed pottery establishments.

Local Culture and Customs of Loveland

The residents of Loveland are friendly and welcoming. They are proud of their local culture, traditions, and history. The main cultural and historical events include the Sculpture in the Park Show, Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival, and the Sweetheart Festival.

Best Time to Visit Loveland

The best time to visit Loveland is during the summer months, between late May and early September. This is the time to take advantage of Loveland’s outdoor activities, like hiking and water sports. Winter is a great time for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Loveland

Do:

  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Loveland.
  • Participate in Loveland’s cultural events and festivals.
  • Respect the wildlife and their habitats.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural environment.
  • Ignore the local customs and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Loveland

Loveland is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, keep in mind that accidents can occur in the great outdoors. Remember to be prepared and take precautions while hiking and exploring nature.

Health in Loveland

Loveland has several medical facilities, including Banner Health and Medical Center of the Rockies, that offer high-quality healthcare services. Always take precautions to avoid altitude sickness, which can occur in higher elevations.

Getting to Loveland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Loveland

The nearest airports to Loveland are Denver International Airport and Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport.

Bus Stations Near Loveland

Buses heading to Loveland can be found at the Fort Collins Bust station, along with several private bus services like Greyhound and Front Range Express.

Other Options

Renting a car is an efficient way to explore Loveland’s scenic surroundings. Also, you can arrive in Loveland by Amtrak train.

How to Get Around in Loveland

The best way to get around Loveland is by car. Alternatively, you can rent bikes or take a local bus service like the Green Route with Transfort.

Where to Go Next from Loveland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Boulder: Just a short drive from Loveland, Boulder is known for its scenic beauty, hiking and skiing options, and lively arts scene.
  • Fort Collins: An hour’s drive away, Fort Collins boasts excellent breweries, restaurants, and museums, as well as outdoor adventures.
  • Estes Park: A short drive from Loveland, Estes Park is home to the Rocky Mountain National Park, with many hiking trails and breathtaking views.

Conclusion

Loveland is an excellent destination for both adventure seekers and art lovers. It offers abundant natural beauty, bustling cultural events, and stunning outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive guide, you are ready to embark on a memorable Loveland trip and explore its hidden gem spots.