Set at the base of Colorado’s Front Range, an hour north of Denver, the town of Loveland has fostered a thriving arts scene. More than 500 public art pieces add life to the city, from downtown’s street murals to bronze sculptures at Benson Park Sculpture Garden and striking stone sculptures at Chapungu Sculpture Park. A red sculpture spelling out L-O-V-E sits next to the Visitor Center, and you can purchase and engrave a lock to place on it. Eclectic shops and restaurants lure locals downtown, where you’ll find them chilling out with coffee and pastries at a cafe or catching a game on TV over a plate of sliders and a local brew.

Outdoor recreation is big here. If you drive out highway 34 into the dramatic Big Thompson Canyon, you’ll find the Round Mountain Recreational Trail, a superb hike up Sheep Mountain for experienced trekkers. Closer to town, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can find routes for a variety of fitness levels amid the austere rock formations of the Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Lake Loveland and Carter Lake are just two of the nearby stretches of water where you can fish or canoe the day away. Loveland boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the country, open from October to May, and has excellent options for every skill level, from beginners to experts.

At 5,000 feet above sea level, Loveland’s elevation, and its location in the north of Colorado, produce a dry climate that swings between high heat and very low temperatures from season to season. The best time to visit Loveland may depend on what activities you’re looking to take part in. Because of its incredible hiking and mountain biking trails, summer is the most popular time to visit. Days are hot during this time, but the temperature drops drastically at night, so be sure to bring layers. The city hosts a huge Fourth of July celebration, and in August there are several art festivals, including a sculpture show. Fall brings ideal conditions for hiking, as temperatures are mild and the leaves begin to change.

Skiing is hugely popular in Loveland, and because the area sees a whopping 422 inches of snow per year, the season is especially long. During the day, temperatures are cold but not unbearable, but they drop to frigid levels at night, so don’t let yourself get caught outside after dark without a warm coat and extra pair of socks. During the holidays, the city hosts a lightshow at the Sculpture Garden, where you can enjoy holiday-themed displays and LED-light and music shows. As the temperatures rise in spring, enjoy the best of both worlds as hiking trails begin to thaw and ski runs remain open.

Benson Park Sculpture Garden

The verdant landscape at Benson Park Sculpture Garden provides a winning setting for 170 sculptures by world-renowned artists. Paved, accessible paths winding through this 10-acre site will lead you around ponds, trees, and flowerbeds, and you can admire the artwork at your own pace. You’ll also find picnic areas and a gazebo.

Devil’s Backbone Open Space

Just west of Loveland, the Devil’s Backbone Open Space provides a spectacular backdrop for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park encompasses nearly 2,200 acres of varied terrain, and its trails pass towering rock formations and grasslands blanketed with wildflowers in spring. You may even spot red-tailed hawks soaring above the area.

Loveland Museum and Gallery

The Loveland Museum and Gallery, founded in 1937, is an art and history museum whose displays provide an immersive way to learn about Loveland’s past and admire works from local artists. Check the schedule to see if you can enroll in a class or workshop to explore your talents.