Parks and Open Spaces

Outdoor activities are popular in Loveland, and our parks and lakes are some of our best attractions for living here. In addition to one local state park and more than a dozen nearby county parks, Loveland has 32 city park areas. Listed below are some of the top parks and open spaces for your enjoyment. Nearly all parks are dog-friendly and handicap accessible, but please be sure to check the official websites for accessibility, rules and regulations.

Benson Sculpture Park
1125 W. 29th Street
(driving tip: parking is located on Beech or Aspen Drives)

Benson Sculpture Park has been described as “one of the most unique sculpture gardens in the nation,” and that's an understatement. Voted by Lovelanders as the Best Place to Take Out of Towners, this is one attraction you won't want to miss. With over 130 pieces of sculpture in the park (and more added each year), an attractive pond, and the same breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains, this is a great place to go whether it's with your family, a romantic stroll with your partner, or just a place of solitude for reflection.

For the kids, be sure to not miss the Children's Garden!

Benson Sculpture Park on City of Loveland's site
Fairgrounds Park
700 S. Railroad
(driving tip: take the S. Railroad on the east side of the tracks south of 1st St)

One of the top two family parks in Loveland, Fairgrounds park is sure to be a big hit with the entire family. It's a great place to cool off in the summertime! Fairgrounds park is one of our newest parks in Loveland, with just about everything you could ask for. Amenities include batting cages, ball fields, a basketball court, age-appropriate playgrounds, covered picnic areas, flush restrooms, drinking fountains, a dog park, a skate park, a spray park (open seasonally), and a paved trail along the Big Thompson River. Pavilions have grills and electrical outlet. A favorite aspect of this park is the River Plaza, a paved shelf area for getting in and out of the river (no lifeguard on duty, so please be careful). Handicap accessible.

Fairgrounds Park on City of Loveland site
North Lake Park
2626 N Taft Avenue

One of the top two family parks in Loveland, full of fun and amenities. In recent years North Lake Park has received accolades including Best Park and Best Place to Take Kids. North Lake Park has two age-appropriate playgrounds, flush restrooms, drinking fountain, fishing from the shore or piers, duck/geese for feeding, athtletic and ball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, basketball courts, a swim beach (open seasonally with a lifeguard), and a miniature riding train. Shelters, picnic tables and grills are also available, although they should be reserved in advance through the City of Loveland. Handicap-accessible.

The miniature train, the Buckhorn Northern Railroad, goes around the track at the park during the summer (Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend). Rides cost $0.75 each. The train runs noon-8pm most days. It is closed on Monday, and doesn't begin until 2 on Wednesdays.

 

City of Loveland's North Lake Park
Boyd Lake State Park

Loveland's largest park, Boyd Lake State Park has something for everyone: boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, hunting and camping (no hunting for campers allowed). There are music concerts during the summer, Saturday afternoons starting at 1 pm at the Swim Beach Pavillion. All types of watercraft can use the 1700 surface-acres of water. Swimmers can enjoy the sandy beach and pavilion (with coffee shop). A volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a playground area are located next to the private/reservable covered facility. Colorado State Parks Pass or Park Entrance Fee required.

Boyd Lake State Park website
Carter Lake
4011 S. County Road 31
(970) 667-1062

Three miles long and about one mile wide, Carter Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir surrounded by 1,000 acres of public lands and is popular for fishing, sailing, camping, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, and water skiing. It is open year round. Sundance Trail on the west side of the lake is a 3-mile easy to moderate trail with 1/2 mile of wheelchair-accessible trail, great for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing access. Fawn Hollow Trail on the east side is a 1-mile easy to moderate trail with 1/2 mile of wheelchair-accessible trail, great for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing. Park Entrance Fees and Camping Permits are required.

Colorado State Parks Website: Carter Lake
Dwayne Webster Veteran's Park
401 W 13th Street

Also known as "the Cannon Park," Dwayne Webster is another good family park. Three shelters with grills and electrical outlets, picnic tables and drinking fountains, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, horseshoe pits (BYOH), and a fun playground with a retired cannon for climbing. Situated across Eisenhower Boulevard from Lake Loveland, this is a scenic park with plenty of shade and the occasional breeze across the lake.

Veteran's Park on City of Loveland site
Flatiron Reservoir
County Road 18E

This quiet, 47-acre reservoir is surrounded by 200 acres of public lands. It’s a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and family camping. No boating or swimming is allowed on Flatiron Reservoir. Park Entrance Fees and Camping Permits are required.

Colorado State Parks Website: Flatiron Reservoir
Pinewood Reservoir
County Road 18E

Three hundred and twenty-seven acres of public lands encircle this idyllic 100-acre reservoir. No-wake speed boating, camping, and fishing make it the ideal place for a little fun in the mountains without driving too far. The park is open year-round. Park Entrance Permits and Camping Fees are required and must be purchased at either Carter Lake or Flatiron Reservoir.

Colorado State Parks Website: Pinewood Reservoir
South Shore Parkway
499 W Eisenhower Blvd
(driving tip: just east of Taft Road, parking can be found approximately in the middle of the lake and at the east end)

Situated along the south side of Lake Loveland, you can enjoy the South Shore Parkway. It's a great place to walk your dog, fish with your family, simply relax or take a romantic stroll. Repeatedly voted by locals as Best Romantic Spot in Loveland, holding hands and watching the sunset across the lake is a sure bet to win someone's heart.

South Shore Parkway on City of Loveland's site