Loveland, Colorado - List of Fun Things to Do - Colorado Travel

Fun Things To Do in Loveland, CO

Posted on December 6, 2023
by Aimee

Note: Visit Loveland hosted us, but all words and photos are mine (unless noted).

I have to admit something embarrassing. Until recently, I had never spent any real time in the city of Loveland. I mean, as most people in Colorado have done – we have sent mail there for their annual Valentine’s remail program, and we have attented concerts at the former Budweiser Arena (newly re-opened as Blue Arena)… but we had not truly hung out in town.

Thanks to Visit Loveland, we joined other travel writers for the opening weekend of Winter Wonderlights, then had a nice staycation just an hour north of Denver. It opened my mind to the possibilities! Given how much we attend concerts, I will for sure be paying attention to Blue’s calendar more closely. We could easily head up for a show, and then stay at the TownPlace Suites right in the heart of town. For the hikers, Devil’s Backbone is right there. And, of course, Loveland is an easy northern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

But there is lots to do in the downtown area, too. Loveland feels like that quintessential old west Colorado town, yet has very modern, comfortable touches. A little bit nostalgic, especially when it’s all decked up for the holidays – but still big enough to have plenty of amenities.

Below is a list of things to do in Loveland during your visit, most of which we did! Many are walking distance from each other, too. The city is highly supportive of the arts, and you will notice sculpture everywhere. Not just inside the specific museums and gardens I mention – but everywhere! So, this Colorado city that is famous for love also brings the love back to its citizens and visitors.

List of Fun Things To Do in the City of Loveland, CO

Winter Wonderlights

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is light shows. And Loveland hosts one of the top FREE choreographed holiday light shows in the state! Winter Wonderlights takes place at Chapungu Sculpture Park nightly until January 1st, 2024. The event is a walkable light show created using 200,000 string lights, twinkling bulbs, and LED mappable snowflakes – plus features a 30-minute choreographed light show set to music. Winter Wonderlights is free and open to the public. In lieu of admissions, visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Food Bank of Larimer County; bins will be at all entrances. Make sure you catch photos under the heart arches and check out their site for the full schedule.

Festival of Lights

Featuring live reindeer, interactive art displays, ice sculpting and live music, this was a fun way to get the lay of the land downtown. There was a tree lighting ceremony and pop-up holiday market including more than 20 booths featuring local makers, artists, and handmade and vintage vendors. We loved the local dance troupes and the fun holiday characters roaming the crowd for pics with kids. The annual official Festival of Lights event took place on November 17th, but downtown Loveland will be illuminated nightly through January 1st with light shows taking place once an hour from 5 to 8pm.

Chapungu Sculpture Park

When Winter Wonderlights has not taken over the park, take a stroll through this outdoor art haven showcasing over 80 stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. It’s a cultural journey without the jet lag, and you might just find inspiration around every corner. The history of the park is fascinating as is the art.

Photos from Chapungu Sculpture Park Facebook page

Loveland Visitors Center – Love Locks

The Loveland Visitors Center is the ideal place to stop in for information, maps, brochures or a souvenir. Merchandise from more than 25 Loveland artisans and manufacturers can be found throughout the center. You can also purchase a lock (or bring your own) which you can have engraved (for free) inside the Visitors Center. Afterward, “lock your love” at the Love Lock sculpture in front of the Visitors Center – it’s the largest sculpture of its kind in the United States. Or secure your lock on the second Love Lock sculpture, shaped like a heart, located at Lake Loveland. One of the folks with us on the trip had done this before and went back to find their lock!

Benson Sculpture Garden

Wander through this enchanting outdoor gallery featuring over 150 sculptures, each with its own story. Don’t forget your phone as you walk around the two loops — you’ll want to capture the quirky and captivating artwork. This garden is considered one of the top collections of modern art in the country. We encountered folks clearly taking their daily walk there – how wonderful that must be to have such easy access to all that art.

Loveland Museum

Dive into Loveland’s history and culture at the Loveland Museum. From interactive exhibits to intriguing artifacts, it’s a crash course in everything that makes Loveland lovable. In addition to their exhibits and permanent structures (like the Alabaster gift shop below), they offer classes, camps and workshops.

Manzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams Exhibit

This touring exhibition features photographs by Ansel Adams of the Japanese American relocation camp in Manzanar, California, during World War II. These photographs are from controversial book Born Free and Equal, which protested the treatment of these American citizens. I have always been a huge fan of Adams, and it was interesting to see an exhibit that was such a departure from his nature photography. Even more moving, the photos were also on display with paintings by Takuichi Fujii, an artist who recorded his experience during World War II as a Japanese American detainee. The exhibits are at the Loveland Museum through January 14, 2024.

Blue Arena

Blue Arena is a 6,800 seat venue which opened in September 2003. It is home to the Colorado Eagles hockey team and also hosts music + comedy events throughout the year. While we were in Loveland, we got to see classic rockers REO Speedwagon – and for once I was not photographing the concert! As I mentioned above – I definitely plan to watch their calendar closely for upcoming shows to attend.

Sweetheart Alley Mural

This candy heart mural is at the southeast corner of 5th Street and Cleveland – you will definitely see it as you walk around downtown Loveland. Talk about a perfect “Instagramable” spot. ❤️

Wicked Tequila Room

Loveland’s first exclusive tequila bar offers 30+ premium tequilas and a substantial list of signature crafted cocktails. You can even customize your own margarita – or get one from on tap! Events include Drag Queen Bingo and Karaoke, but we enjoyed just hanging at the bar and sampling a few of their (strong) drinks. My personal fave was the Elvis, which is tequila, triple sec, coconut rum, pineapple & orange juice – almost like a trip to Mexico in a glass!

The Flipside

We love to play games and The Flipside was the perfect mix of vintage pinball and modern arcade. And we could have beers too, which is always a plus! I’ll admit my husband always beats me at any game we play, but who cares?! We had a blast at this bar with a sense of humor (notice the googly eyes on their Star Wars game). We were there during the day, but I imagine this place gets hopping at night!

Black & Blues Music & Brews

Here is something you don’t see every day: a guitar boutique and listening room that also features craft beer and cocktails. Black and Blues hosts live music every week from Friday through Sunday, including local, regional and international acts of various genres. Check out their calendar of music or just stop in for a drink. They have a wide variety of interesting combinations, like the Garden Grove, which resembles one of my fave drinks, the Calimocho.

#1 Axe Hole

Axe throwing is all the rage, right? Get those frustrations out at Loveland’s only venue of this sort. You can try ninja stars too if you like and they offer free coaching with rental. Take note that their lanes are all made with reclaimed wood!

Loveland Craft Breweries

I am one of those weirdos who doesn’t care for craft beer (I KNOW!), but just like any proper Colorado town, Loveland has plenty of them. Here is a list of 10 essential breweries you can’t miss if you are an aficionado.

Photo by Loveland Aleworks

Where To Stay: Towneplace Suites by Marriott

We talked to several locals who told us this new(ish) hotel has been a boon for downtown travel. Located within walking distance from many of the things I mention above, this hotel makes it easy to make a quick stop in Loveland into an overnight stay (or more, since they are suites). The colorful parking lot makes it easy to park close as well.

Thanks for having us, Visit Loveland! It was perfect for a quick getaway to take a breath and have some fun! I won’t let so much time pass until our next visit. We look forward to seeing you again soon!