This Unique City In Colorado Boasts One-Of-A-Kind Art And Stunning Views Of The Rockies

Throughout the world, certain places have earned nicknames to imply they are "places of love." Virginia, allegedly, is for lovers. Paris, too, is the "City of Love." Then, there's a small city of just over 80,000 people that's earned the moniker, "America's Sweetheart City."

That place is Loveland, Colorado — yes, it even has "love" in the name. About 50 miles north of Denver is a place that earned its "sweetheart" nickname back in 1947, when romantics from across the country wanted their Valentine's letters stamped with the "Loveland" postmark. From there, the city's postmaster, along with two local business owners, launched an annual Valentine re-mailing program that is still running. Long before then, Loveland was home to several Indigenous peoples, including Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and Lakota Nations. A land acknowledgement was finally issued in 2024 during a Loveland City Council meeting. Today, several pieces of public art recognize that legacy, including sculptures that represent Native American people, attire, and myth.

These sculptures are part of Loveland's immense dedication to public art; some embrace the "love" piece. The City With HeArt program, for instance, commissions and displays large, heart-shaped fiberglass sculptures from local artists throughout the city. Loveland's arts presence — which includes some of the best street murals you need to see — is so massive, some have dubbed Loveland "the biggest little art enclave in the country."

Loveland's history as one of the best U.S. cities for art lovers to visit spans several decades, with art festivals, historical casting foundries, and, perhaps most significantly, a 1985 Art in Public Places Ordinance that requires the city to dedicate 1% of its capital projects budget to public art. In modern Loveland, that artistic energy remains palpable; that original 1967 Art in the Park festival still runs, Art Castings of Colorado (est. 1972) still stands, and throughout the city, outdoor sculpture exhibits abound.

One of the more prominent displays is the Benson Sculpture Garden, a 10-acre outdoor retreat featuring hundreds of sculptures. (An interactive map is available to help plan and navigate visits.) Of course, the primary visual attraction of the sculpture garden is the art on display. But one of its most outstanding appeals is its location within Colorado's stunning landscape. Not only are the grounds full of aesthetically pleasing plant life, but from certain vantage points, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains in the background.

That natural beauty, too, is part of Loveland's appeal. Within the city limits are multiple trails and areas that lead to or provide sweeping views of the Rockies, like the Devil's Backbone Nature Trail, which, alongside foothill views, offers hikers the opportunity to see red-tailed hawks and unique plant life. From Boyd Lake State Park, visitors can enjoy a waterside Rocky Mountain backdrop without the uphill climb.

Because so much of Loveland's artistic appeal is outdoor, depending on what you're hoping to see, winter might not be the most ideal time, as lows can drop to the teens. That said, for those who enjoy winter sports, there are ski resorts accessible by car from Loveland, and there's still beauty on display with the city parks putting on multi-day holiday light displays. Otherwise, late summer and autumn are the best times to enjoy the vibrant colors of this underrated Colorado mountainous city; that's when major art events like the Governor's Art Show (April-June), Sculpture in the Park Show and Sale (August), Art in the Park (August), Regional Fine Art Show (September-October), and the Loveland Art Studio Tour (October) all take place.

Finding the best place to stay depends on the activities you prefer and their proximity. Within the Loveland Downtown District, which is slightly removed from sites like the Benson Sculpture Garden but still offers plenty of art galleries and things to do, hotel options are a bit limited. However, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Loveland Fort Collins receives mostly positive reviews and starts around $125/night. Another highly rated option is Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Conference Center, which begins at about $173/night.

Traveling to Loveland is somewhat easy, depending on your origin. The closest major airport is Denver International Airport, which is about an hour south of Loveland. A smaller option is the Cheyenne Regional Airport, north of Loveland, with a similar drive time. A bit closer is the Fort Collins curbside bus stop, serviced by Amtrak and others, which is about a 20-minute drive to Loveland.