Loveland is nestled in a valley at the mouth of the beautiful Big Thompson Canyon, and has long been known as the Gateway to the Rockies Just a short drive west of town is Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road.
There are many lakes and rivers in the area for boating, water skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing and swimming in the summer. For outdoor enthusiasts there is camping, horseback riding, hiking and plant and wildlife viewing.

While traveling through Loveland, life-sized, bronze sculptures can be seen along many roadways, at business entrances and in parks. Our unique public art collection totals nearly 300 pieces. Tour one of our bronze casting foundries or stroll through Benson Sculpture Garden where more than 100 sculptures can be seen in a beautiful, park-like setting.

Visit our award winning museum/gallery located in the heart of downtown. The museum is a center for arts events, educational programs and exhibitions featuring regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. The museum includes permanent and changing inventory and art exhibits.

Cultural arts flourish here with community choral, orchestra, band and theatrical groups, many of which are performed in the beautiful historic Rialto Theater. Free concerts are offered throughout the summer.

Historic Downtown offers unique shopping from antiques to present-day gifts, art galleries and restaurants. There are multiple shopping complexes and major discount stores located throughout the town.Loveland provides services, products and opportunities for people of all ages.

What makes Loveland special is the strong sense of community found throughout this beautiful city, just waiting to greet you with a warm, heartfelt welcome.

By Kenneth Jessen

Settlers in the Big Thompson Valley were scattered on small farms along the banks of the river. To the west of the present-day city of Loveland was a community started in 1858 by Spanish speaking Mariano Medina. Medina ran a trading post and operated a toll bridge over the Big Thompson River. The small settlement went under various names including Miraville, Merival, Big Thompson and Mariano’s Crossing. In 1862, it became the stage stop on the Overland, and in 1868, a post office was established under the name Namaqua.

Another settlement near Loveland was located about a mile to the southeast. It took the brand name of the flour produced by a mill constructed in 1867 by Andrew Douty and was called St. Louis.

When David Barnes and his wife, Sarah, lived in the boomtown of Golden, they became friends with the incomparable William Austin Hamilton Loveland. Loveland was a merchant, one of Golden’s founders, a member of the Territorial Legislature and President of the Colorado Central Railroad. Loveland invited David and Sarah Barnes for the first trip over the Colorado Central between Golden and Denver.

In 1873, Barnes and his family moved to a 320-acre farm north of the Big Thompson River and began raising wheat. In 1877, Barnes was delighted to hear that Loveland had secured the money to extend the Colorado Central from its terminus Longmont to Cheyenne. The survey for the railroad went through their wheat field.

Barnes reacted immediately to the news by platting a new town on an 80-acre site. Some suggested it be called “Barnesville,” but Barnes picked the name “Loveland.” Barnes also donated the land for the railroad’s right-of-way.

After he harvested his wheat in November, Barnes laid out Loveland’s streets. The Fort Collins Courier boldly announced, “Loveland has risen from a bare field of stubble in 77.” The Boulder County News wrote, “Loveland – Prospects of New Town – Wonderful Wheat Land – Light Taxes.”

Loveland’s success was in part due to the construction of the Colorado Central linking Denver and Cheyenne. The town had an ample supply of good water from the Big Thompson River. Lots could be purchased for $3 to $7 payable in installments over a 5-year period. As proven by David Barnes, the area was ideal for growing wheat. Barnes dug an irrigation ditch further increasing the area’s agricultural potential.

In little over a year after its founding, Loveland had a population of 250. Loveland grew at a steady rate, and by 1885, its population reached 900. By this time it had a weekly newspaper, the Reporter.

• Loveland has 27 developed parks
• 15.5 miles of recreation trail that runs from Boyd Lake State Park to the Big Thompson River
• 3 public golf courses
• Chilson Recreation Center and Senior Center
• 29,904 acres of open space

Phone numbers and websites:

Engaging Loveland, Inc.: 720-254-8877 www.engaginglovelandinc.org

The Budweiser Events Center: 970-619-4100 budweisereventscenter.com

Centerra 970-926-9990   www.centerracolorado.com

The Ranch: 970-619-4000 www.larimer.org/fairgrounds

The Reporter-Herald: 970-669-5050 www.reporterherald.com

The City of Loveland: 970-962-2000 www.ci.loveland.co.us

Loveland Cultural Services: 970-669-2410 www.ci.loveland.co.us

Loveland Chamber of Commerce: 970-667-6311 www.loveland.org

Historic Downtown Loveland
The heart of Loveland has many shops and boutiques, restaurants and art galleries that offer a variety of shopping and dining opportunities from fine furniture, clothes, gifts, galleries, book stores, coffee shops, fine and casual dining, and much more.

Loveland Museum/Gallery
Accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1990 and re-accredited in 1999, the Loveland Museum/Gallery offers local history with exhibits entitled, “Life on Main Street,” “Loveland’s Great Western Sugar Factory”, “Sweetheart Town, USA,” “The Big Thompson Water Project” and “others. The museum includes 4,000-square-foot art gallery displaying art from the region and around the world. At Peters Park, located on the museum grounds, many outdoor events and concerts are featured including the popular “Tunes at Noon” free summer concert series.
503 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537 www.cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2410

The Historic Rialto Theater
Completely renovated to its original 1920 décor, the Rialto is a centerpiece in downtown Loveland. From silent files to traveling vaudeville shows in the 1920s, today the Rialto Theater is a community performing arts center featuring live concerts, events, productions and movies. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
228 E. 4th Street, Loveland, CO 80537 www.cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2120

Lincoln Place
The Lincoln Place has 200 luxury apartment homes constructed three and four stories above 22,000 square feet of retail space housing a coffee shop, salon, spa and more. An urban centerpiece, Lincoln Place offers residents classic comforts while they experience the energy and excitement of downtown living on the cutting-edge of the new Colorado culture.

Benson Sculpture Park
A sculpture wonderland with close to 300 bronze sculptures throughout the community, Loveland is host to the largest outdoor sculpture show and sale in North America. In 1984, a group of farsighted Loveland people shared a dream: To create a distinctive environment that supports art and artists. To assist their efforts, the nonprofit Loveland High Plains Arts Council was formed, and the first “Sculpture in the Park” exhibition (held annually the 2nd weekend in August) – now America’s finest outdoor sculpture show and sale – is held in Benson Sculpture Garden Park.

In 1985, Loveland became the first Colorado city to pass an Art in Public Places ordinance. This designates one percent of the city’s capital construction projects (of $50,000 or more) for the purchase of art. A nine-member, volunteer citizens’ committee, the Visual Arts Commission, oversees the city’s art acquisitions/donations and placements.

Civic Center Park/Foote Lagoon
Located on East 3rd Street, Civic Center Park houses the city of Loveland’s government offices, the public library, Hatfield Chilson Recreation Center, the Chilson Senior Center and Foote Lagoon. Civic Center Park is surrounded by spacious grounds adorned with bronze sculptures, lush green grass and benches scattered throughout. Free summer concerts are held at the beautiful Foote Lagoon, a stage surrounded by tiered steps for seating. A great gathering place for special community events including SummerFest in the Rockies held the 2nd weekend in July.

Chapungu Sculpture Park www.chapungusculpturepark.com
Founded by Roy Guthrie, as African Art Promotions Inc. in 1970, Chapungu Sculpture Park has pioneered the promotion of Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture (Shona Sculpture) and has built up the most important permanent collection of this work in existence. From its humble beginnings as a small gallery in the capital city, Harare, to the 20 acre sculpture park in the outskirts of Harare, and now to its North American location in Loveland. The Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra is the first permanent outdoor exhibit of its kind in the United States, showcasing 82 Zimbabwean stone sculptures from the Shona tribe in Africa.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra www.promenadeshopsatcenterra.com
It's more than just shopping. It's an experience for you that's far from anything you could have anticipated. Breathe in the fresh air while strolling through the open atmosphere of our Lifestyle Center located in the heart of Northern Colorado at the I-25 and US Highway 34 interchange. Visit any one of our dog friendly stores, notable restaurants or simply enjoy a leisurely walk. Let the environment surround you - fountains, fine sculpture, stunning architecture and the best shopping and dining all in one place. With over 60 specialty shops and restaurants to choose from, The Promenade Shops at Centerra has something for everyone.

High Plains Environmental Center www.suburbitat.org
The High Plains Environmental Center believes in exploring the connections between sustainable living and ecological processes and that understanding these interactions between the natural and built environments inspires stewardship and fosters personal and community well being. High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC) manages and protects 275 acres of wetlands, open space, and trails surrounding Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake at Centerra.

Centerra www.centerracolorado.com
Centerra, an award-winning 3,000-acre master-planned community located in Loveland, Colorado, is a McWhinney development. Centerra embodies the Colorado lifestyle by integrating green-built neighborhoods with preserved natural areas, recreation trails, premier shopping and dining, top employers, highway access, medical services, and community-oriented events and activities.
• The Marketplace at Centerra www.centerracolorado.com
• Motorplex at Centerra www.mymotorplex.com
• Outlets at Loveland www.outletsatloveland.com

Known as the Sweetheart City, Loveland has been re-mailing valentines with a special cachet and postal cancellation lovingly hand-stamped on each card by volunteers. Close to 200,000 cards are re-mailed each year from all 50 states and more than 110 countries. Now in its 62nd year, Lovelanders are proud their program that sends a message of love around the globe.

Loveland holds a local contest to gather artistic designs and verses toward the development of a new cachet each year. The cachet is a four-line verse stamped on each envelope with a rubber stamp sending a message of love and hope to the world. From February 1-14, more than 60 senior volunteers work at the Chamber of Commerce building to process each valentine card sent to the Sweetheart City to receive this special treatment.

The program grew nationwide exposure in 1950 when Loveland’s “Valentine Sweethearts,” as Ted and Mabel Thompson are affectionately referred, helped promote the program. A bronze relief of the Thompsons is featured in Thompson Park in Downtown Loveland.

The Loveland Chamber of Commerce each year produces the Official Loveland Valentine Card. This card is generated from the creative works of local artists and residents who design the card front, inside verse, and the cachet stamp.

A sculpture wonderland with close to 300 bronze sculptures throughout the community, Loveland is host to the largest outdoor sculpture show and sale in North America. In 1984, a group of farsighted Loveland people shared a dream: To create a distinctive environment that supports art and artists. To assist their efforts, the nonprofit Loveland High Plains Arts Council was formed, and the first “Sculpture in the Park” exhibition (held annually the 2nd weekend in August) – now America’s finest outdoor sculpture show and sale – is held in Benson Sculpture Garden Park.

In 1985, Loveland became the first Colorado city to pass an Art in Public Places ordinance. This designates one percent of the city’s capital construction projects (of $50,000 or more) for the purchase of art. A nine-member, volunteer citizens’ committee, the Visual Arts Commission, oversees the city’s art acquisitions/donations and placements.

About Centerra Development in Loveland

Centerra, an award-winning 3,000-acre master-planned community located ineast Loveland, is a McWhinney development. As a community designed to enhance all aspects of life, Centerra integrates neighborhoods with recreation, art, shopping and dining, business opportunities, and medical services. Centerra offers Northern Colorado’s first lifestyle center, The Promenade Shops at Centerra; the world headquarters of Shona sculpture at the Chapungu Sculpture Park; the Medical Center of The Rockies, a state-of-the-art 136 bed regional hospital that is on track to be one of the only LEED certified hospitals in the nation; and The Marketplace at Centerra, Northern Colorado’s largest contiguous power shopping center. Centerra, which was recognized by the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties (NAIOP) as the Colorado Chapter’s 2003 Development of the Year, embodies the company’s purpose of creating great places for people. To find out more or to plan your next visit, please go to  www.centerracolorado.com.

From bronze sculpture in August to weddings in February, from fundraisers to rodeos, Loveland has a patchwork of events for all ages and personalities. During the summer months from late June to mid-August enjoy free summer outdoor concerts featuring the best regional and national musicians. How about a corn-eating contest for the youngsters at the Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Festival in August? Or maybe the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo in July and August complete with livestock shows, bull riding, food, music, agriculture and much more. For more events, check out www.engaginglovelandinc.org

June

1: Good Guys Colorado Hot Rod & Custom Car Nationals: Over 2,000 rods, customs, classics and muscle cars pre 1973, The Ranch, 970-619-4000

6-July 18: Movies on Main: Promenade Shops at Centerra every Friday evening, www.centerracolorado.com

7-8: Fishing Derby sponsored by the Loveland Police Department, North Lake Park Duck Pond, kids up to age 15, free fishing , June 7: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 8: 7 a.m.-noon, 970-962-2229

18: Loveland Community Night Out, 6 pm-10pm, Contact Officer Dave Sloat 970-962-2229

17: Tuesday Theater for Kids hosted by the Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Emperor’s New Clothes & Other Ugly Ducks - Manitou Art Theatre, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Tickets: $5 adult/$3 child, 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org

 21: Loveland Rose Society Rose Show, Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 North Garfield Avenue, for information email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

28: Lake to Lake Triathlon: swim 1.5K; bike, 30 mile; run 10K; 6:30 a.m. at North Lake Park. Contact Peggy Shockley at 669-6372

28: Taste of Centerra: Enjoy the great tasts of Centerra, fireworks, kids activities and more, www.centerracolorado.com

June 19-August 7: Free Summer Outdoor Concerts. The best regional and national musicians perform concerts on beautiful outdoor stages, 970-962-2410

July

July 4^th Celebration: Beautiful North Lake Park is the location for a day of family fun, food, train rides, free concerts, and the best fireworks in Northern Colorado! 970- 962-2727

8: Tuesday Theater for Kids hosted by the Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Johnny Johnston - Train Songs, Stories and Folk Tales, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Tickets: $5 adult/$3 child, 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org 

11-13: High Plains Paints Horse Show: The Ranch, free to the public. For more information about this wonderful breed of horse join us at the Ranch. 303-838-7686

11-13: Summer Fest in the Rockies, All day activities that include food, vendors, entertainment, kids activities, live music, and special fireworks display! 720-254-8877

11: Cherry Pie Celebration: Enjoy Cherry Pie, live music and celebrating this community favorite. 6 – 9 p.m. in Peters Park next to the Loveland Museum/Gallery, 970-962-2410

11-12: Loveland Loves BBQ: Enjoy great barbecue and fun in downtown Loveland, 970-635-3647

19-August 23: Sounds of Centerra Concert Series, www.centerracolorado.com

22: Tuesday Theater for Kids hosted by the Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Mary Sue & Cari - Music with Kids, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Tickets: $5 adult/$3 child, 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org

26: Loveland Classic at Centerra: 10K run/walk race, www.centerracolorado.com

27-29: Larimer County Fair and Rodeo: Larimer County 4-H Dog Show, The Ranch, 970-619-4000 www.larimer.org/fairgrounds

30: Larimer County Fair & Rodeo Parade: Parade, downtown Loveland, 6 p.m., 970-619-4000 www.larimer.org/fairgrounds

30: Teen Battle of the Bands, Hammond Amphitheater, North Lake Park, 29^th and Taft, 3-9 p.m., 970-962-2410

August

1-5: Larimer County Fair and Rodeo: The Ranch, 970-619-4000 www.larimer.org/fairgrounds

 5: Tuesday Theater for Kids hosted by the Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th Street, Zak Morgan – Music and Comedy, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Tickets: $5 adult/$3 child, 970-962-2120 or www.cityofloveland.org

6: Larimer County Fair and Rodeo. Larimer County Fair & Rodeo: Larimer County 4-H Livestock Sale, 970-619-4000 www.larimer.org/fairgrounds

8-10: Sculpture In The Park & Loveland Sculpture Invitational. The largest outdoor sculpture shows and sales in the country, 500+ sculptors display their works, www.sculptureinthepark.org and www.lovelandsculpturegroup.org

8-10: Art In The Park. Handmade treasures and artwork from crafters and artists throughout the nation are sold in beautiful North Lake Park. 970-663-2407, www.lincolngallery.com

15-17: Road Knights Car Show: The Ranch, 970-667-0802

22 & 23: Annual Corn Roast Festival. Held in downtown Loveland, experience a simpler time at this historic festival featuring a parade, a free street dance, on-going entertainment, amusements, contests, vendors, and the best sweet corn in Colorado, 970-667-6311

22: Peanut Butter and Tuna Fish Concert. A fundraiser for House of Neighborly Service, bring canned food and get in to this concert at Hammond Amphitheater, 6:30 p.m.

29- Sept. 1: Thunder in the Rockies, For more information and updates about Thunder in the Rockies visit www.ThunderInTheRockies.com

September

August 29 - Sept. 1: For more information and updates about Thunder in the Rockies visit www.ThunderInTheRockies.com

12: Dancing Through History, A History Event and Street Dance, 970-962-2410

12: McKee Masters Golf Tournament: Mariana Butte Golf Course, 970-203-2519

13-14: Savor the Nations Festival: www.centerracolorado.com

15-17: Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo, The Ranch, First National Bank Exhibition Hall - West Hall, 602-625-3000