Loveland, Colorado Activity Guide 1
HIKING and BIKING Devil's Backbone is a geological landmark on the western edge of Loveland just off Highway 34. Added to Larimer County's open space in the fall of 1999, the Devil's Backbone offers a 3.5-mile loop trail for hiking, biking and running. Featuring towering rock formations, it is an ideal location to view wildlife. An interpretive brochure that corresponds with numbered stops along the trail educates visitors about the native flora, abundant fauna, impressive geology, and rich and colorful history. Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, across from Pinewood Reservoir, was purchased in 1997 to protect important wildlife habitat and to provide a buffer to Pinewood Reservoir. A four-mile trail allows hikers and mountain bikers to enjoy the surrounding valley. Head into the Rocky Mountain National Park, located just outside of Estes Park, for a day of hiking, biking, a scenic drive or just sight seeing which may include elk, deer, and if you are lucky a moose or bear. Stop at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (park headquarters) on the way into the Park you can pick up a map. Open year round from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (until 9:00 p.m. Thursday-Sunday) 970-586-1206 www.rockymountainnationalpark.com The following website gives directions to many more great trails in the area: http://www.localhikes.com/msa/msa_2670.asp IN and AROUND WATER Carter Lake, located in the foothills in southwest Loveland, is three miles long and 180 feet deep at the deepest point. Boating, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming and fishing are water sports available at Carter Lake. Boat mooring, gasoline and boat rentals are offered at the Carter Lake Marina (970.667.1062). Open year round, hiking trails and horse trails are abundant on the 1,000 acres surrounding the 1,100-acre reservoir. Electrical, non-electrical and tent camping is on a first come- first served basis. Flatiron Reservoir is located northwest of Carter Lake and is surrounded by 200 acres of public lands. Sitting at just over a mile high, the 47 acres of water is popular for fishing. It is stocked with Rainbow Trout several times in the spring and fall. Open year-round; there is no boating on the reservoir. Also open year-round, Pinewood Reservoir is just beyond Flatiron and sits at 6,580 feet elevation. More than 300 acres of open land surrounds this popular location for fishing. Wakeless boating is allowed. For additional information on the Larimer County Lakes listed above, please visit http://www.co.larimer.co.us/parks/parkareas.htm. 2
Boyd Lake State Park is located in Loveland just north of Highway 34. This state park is a water sports haven for northern Colorado, attracting visitors who enjoy boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, wind surfing, bicycling, walking, seasonal hunting and wildlife viewing. The park also features picnic areas, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and playground area, two paved launch ramps, and a six-lane ramp. 970-669-1739 parks.state.co.us/parks/boydlake/ If you are the in mood for some fly fishing, the Big Thompson River is a fisherman s dream. The 78 mile river flows from Rocky Mountain National Park through Estes Park to the east into Loveland. Head up Highway 34 towards Estes Park from Loveland into the Big Thompson Canyon to try your hand at fly fishing. ART IN THE COMMUNITY Loveland is well known for its collection of art in public places, a term donned by the City. In 1985, Loveland was the first city in Colorado to adopt an Art in Public Places ordinance, designating one percent of the city's capital construction projects of $50,000 or more for the purchase of art. Sculpture and 2-dimensional artwork adorn city buildings, parks and public spaces. Currently, the city's art collection is valued at more than 7 million dollars with approximately 72% of the total value of the collection donated by organizations and individuals. Presently, there are 307 individual pieces of artwork within the collection. 970-962-2410 www.ci.loveland.co.us/cultural_services/cultural_services_aipp.htm Benson Sculpture Gardens is rated one of the best places in Loveland to visit when you come to stay! Each summer you will find the annual summer event called "Sculpture In The Park". The host of this event is the Loveland High Plains Arts Council. The sculptures remain on display for all to enjoy. The collection is said to be one of the finest juried exhibitions of three dimensional artwork in the United States. The sculptures are the work of more than 200 sculptures from around the world! www.ci.loveland.co.us/parksrec/benson.htm SNOWSHOEING Snow shoeing is a favorite winter activity. Head to Rocky Mountain National Park and rent some snowshoes from The Warming House (970-586-2995 www.warminghouse.com) for $8 a pair and spend the day on the snow. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Colorado Snowshoeing and Bicycling Adventures also rents snowshoes. 970-586-4241 www.coloradobicycling.net 3
HOT AIR BALLOONING Why not hit the sky and see the beauty of Colorado from above? Several companies launch balloons daily, even in the winter months depending on the weather. Windtracker Balloon Adventures, LLC 970-482-4492 www.wintracker-balloons.com Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides 970-468-9280 www.coloradoballoonrides.com Longmont Hot Balloon Company 303-710-9602 www.aircolorado.com WHITE WATER RAFTING The Cache Le Poudre River offers some of the best Whitewater Rafting in the state! During the summer months try your hand at paddling down the river. Beginner trips and advanced trips are offered as well as half day and full day. There are several companies that run trips down the Poudre. Rocky Mountain Adventures 970-493-4005 www.shoprma.com A Wanderlust Adventure 970-484-1219 www.awanderlustadventure.com A1 Wildwater 970-224-3379 www.a1wildwater.com Mountain Whitewater Descents 970-419-0917 www.raftmwd.com GOLF Mariana Butte is a premier, 18-hole course featuring soaring elevated tees, challenging holes that border the rushing Big Thompson River, and breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Repeatedly chosen as one of Colorado's favorite courses, Mariana Butte is the perfect place to relax and rediscover the good things in life. 970-667-8308 701 Clubhouse Drive, Loveland, CO www.ci.loveland.co.us/golf/mbmain.htm The Olde Course at Loveland Golf Course is mature, gracious, and secure in its position as the Grand Dame of golf in Loveland. The Olde Course at Loveland is a testament to the tradition of gold. The Olde Course has tree-lined fairways which lead to small, tight greens. During a round, you ll work your way around 6 ponds that define the course, and must conquer an island green on hole #14. 970-669-5800 2115 West 29th Street, Loveland, CO www.ci.loveland.co.us/golf/oldemain.htm 4
Cattail Creek is a 9-hole course which offers plenty of challenges with water coming into play on five of the nine holes. Whether you re looking for a break from the day s routine, some quality time with friends and family, or a chance to work on your short game, Cattail is ideal! 970-669-5800 2116 West 29th Street, Loveland, CO www.ci.loveland.co.us/golf/catcmain.htm Highland Meadows Golf Course is conveniently located just under 2 miles north. Highland Meadows is not your run of the mill golf course. Featuring a tremendous 18-Hole layout, breathtaking scenery and links-inspired pot bunkers, this course is as magnificent as it is challenging. Highland Meadows is one of the most widely acclaimed golf courses in Colorado. 970-204-4653 6300 Highland Meadows Parkway, Windsor, CO www.highlandmeadowsgolfcourse.com Pelican Lakes Golf Course is located about twenty minutes from Embassy Suites in Windsor. With more than 300 surface acres of water surrounding the links and dozens of mature trees along the fairways, golfers will be challenged by this spectacular stadium-style championship course. The Pelican Falls 9 hole golf course provides golfers with a dramatic change of pace in comparison to the original Pelican Lakes. Playing at a par 35 from the Blue tees, the course is somewhat shorter but its design incorporates the scenic Poudre River Valley bluffs and the course finishes with an island green for the par three #9. 970-674-0930 1620 Pelican Lakes Pt Windsor, CO www.watervalley.com DRIVING RANGES Golf Dynamics (indoor) 970-613-9663 520 West 69 th St Loveland, CO www.golfdynamics287.com BOWLING Sweetheart Lanes Bowling 970-667-3510 2320 North Lincoln Ave Loveland, CO www.sweatheartlanes.net 5
FAMILY AMUSEMENT PLACES The Fort Fun experience embraces the youthful excitement of the new Mountain West framed in nostalgic reminders of its historical past. This beautifully designed park and family entertainment center is a playful adventure experience offering both outdoor and indoor activities. Some specialties are Laser Tag, Arcade, Miniature Golf, Go-Carts, Paddle Boats, Battery Cages, and Bumper Boats. 970-472-8000 1513 East Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO http://www.fortfun.biz/ Bounce! Indoor Inflatable Playground 970-593-1800 1020 South Lincoln Ave (Hwy 287) Loveland, CO bouncecolorado@yahoo.com Funation is Loveland s New Family Entertainment Center is physically stimulating activity for kids in a safe, clean and fun-loving environment 970-663-PLAY 575 North Denver Ave, Loveland, CO www.funation.net HORSEBACK RIDING Sylvan Dale Ranch, located about 12 miles west, offers horseback riding throughout the year. 970-667-3915 2939 N. County Road 31D, Loveland, CO www.sylvandale.com Estes Park, about 50 minutes west, also has several stables that offer horseback riding throughout the year. Please visit www.estesparkcvb.com for a list of stables, as well as other outdoor activities. 6
AREA BREWERIES The Napa Valley of Beer (all located about 15 minutes north of Embassy Suites) Park your bike and crack open a Fat Tire at the New Belgium Brewery located in Fort Collins. They are open Tuesday - Saturday 10AM-6PM for free beer tasting and tours. Follow Your Folly, as they say! 970-221-0524 500 Linden, Fort Collins, CO www.newbelgium.com Visit the famous Clydesdale horses at the Anheuser Busch Brewery, take a tour and enjoy their free beer tasting. Open daily from 9:30-4:30 throughout the summer months (seasonal operation hours during the winter months). 970-490-4691 2351 Bucsh Drive, Fort Collins, CO www.budweisertours.com/toursftc.htm The O Dell Brewing Company is also located in Fort Collins. Tastings are offered Monday-Saturday from 11AM-6:00PM and tours are offered several times a day, Monday-Saturday. 970-498-9070 800 East Lincoln Avenue Map Fort Collins, CO www.odells.com Fort Collins Brewery is another local microbrewery offering tastings Monday- Saturday from Noon-5:30PM. 970-472-1499 1900 E. Lincoln Avenue, #B, Fort Collins, CO www.fortcollinsbrewery.com NEARBY CITIES AND TOWNS Estes Park, about 45 minutes west of the Embassy Suites, is a mountain town offering shopping, dining and recreational activities. Home to the world famous Stanley Hotel and Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a town not to be missed during your stay in Northern Colorado. With lots to offer you could spend a full day out in Estes Park! www.estes-park.com Fort Collins is about 10 minutes north of the Embassy Suites and is home to Colorado State University. Fort Collins has been named several times by Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in the country. Fort Collins has a thriving arts scene, eclectic shops and restaurants, hundreds of miles of walking and biking paths, and a plethora of outdoor activities. www.ftcollins.com 7
Greeley, located 20 east of the Embassy Suites, is home to University of Northern Colorado. Greeley is famous for the annual Greeley Stampede, which spans two weeks of fun filled activities includes Pro Rodeo, bull riding, country and classic rock concerts, parades and a carnival a real taste of Western Hospitality. www.greeleycvb.com Windsor is a smaller community located just northeast of the Embassy Suites. The growing community is home to Eastman Kodak and several other larger employers. www.ci.windsor.co.us Boulder, located about 40 minutes southwest of the Embassy Suites, is home to University of Colorado. Boulder has been dubbed the city nestled between the mountains and reality. Boulder is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, natural product retailers and restaurants, outstanding alternative transportation options, diverse businesses, and technological and academic resources. www.bouldercoloradousa.com DINNER THEATER At Candlelight Playhouse, Colorado s newest & largest professional dinner theater, you are promised an evening that will inspire, enthrall, amuse, and most of all entertain- with a line up of spectacular musicals and show-stopping talent you won t want to miss! 970-744-3747 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO www.coloradocandlelight.com The Carousel Dinner Theatre in Fort Collins has celebrated over 15 years bringing Broadway home providing wonderful entertainment and dining for Northern Colorado. They are guaranteed to satisfy! 970-225-2555 3509 S. Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO www.adinnertheatre.com SHOPPING Spend the afternoon shopping at the Promenade Shops at Centerra, a short 5 minutes down the road from the Embassy Suites. The Shops offer a wide variety of stores including Macy s, Barnes and Noble, Dick s Sporting Goods, and many other smaller stores as well as some great places to eat! 970-461-1285 www.promenadeshopsatcenterra.com If you are in the mood for a bargain head across the highway from The Shops at Centerra and check out the Outlets at Loveland offering some great deals all year round! 970-663-1916 www.outletsatloveland.com 8
Also on the west side of highway, just west of the Outlets of Loveland, The Marketplace at Centerra offers even more shopping choices including Target, Old Navy, Sportsman s Warehouse, as well as additional dining. www.centerracolorado.com MOVIES If catching a flick sounds appealing, Metrolux 14 is located just 5 minutes south of the Embassy Suites in the Shops at Centerra. 970-593-1881 6085 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO www.metrolux14.com MUSEUMS Loveland Museum/Gallery is situated in the heart of downtown Loveland and is a regional center for cultural events. The 28,000 square foot museum hosts exhibits, art classes, workshops, poetry readings and demonstrations. The 4,000 square foot art gallery features regional, national, and international exhibitions. Outside special events, concerts and performances take place throughout the year. 970-962-2410 503 North Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO Timberlane Farm Museum is a working farm museum intending to preserve the 1860 to 1940 life style and farming techniques. The museum offers the unique opportunity to experience the home and farm life in the early days of the Big Thompson Valley. The restored homes and farm buildings provide a perfect setting for demonstrations hosted by the museum. Farming, barnyard, blacksmithing and gardening activities are scheduled for public observation and participation. 970-663-7348 2306 East First Street, Loveland, CO www.timberlanefarmmuseum.org Discovery Science Center is Northern Colorado s only hands-on science and technology center, loaded with 120 incredible interactive exhibits to ignite your curiosity and make learning fun for the entire family. 970-482-3990 703 East Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO www.dcsm.org 9
Fort Collins Museum strives to showcase the colorful history of both the area and its inhabitants, starting with the Paleolithic Indians who roamed these plains10,000 years ago. Housed in a former 1904 public library funded by the industrialist Andrew Carnegie, the museum has significant information in its library and archives when the military outpost and town were founded during the late 1800 s. Just south of the Old Town district, the museum is part of Library Park which features a picnic and play area. 970-221-6738 200 Mathews Street, Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art offers seven to ten temporary exhibits each year. The Fort Collins museum of Contemporary Art displays fascinating new works by internationally renown and upcoming local artists. Housed in a former post office built in 1911, the Renaissance Revival building is a part of historic Old Town district and sits south of the Opera House. 970-482-2787 201 South College Ave Ft. Collins, CO 80524 www.fcmoca.org OTHER ACTIVITIES Northern Colorado Sports Activities and Entertainment Loveland, Ft. Collins, and Greeley is a thriving sports, exercise, and sporting events area in Northern Colorado. Our area boasts professional teams in every professional sport with eight major college and university locations. These pages list you can find sports activities, venues, stores and clubs that cater the sports enthusiast. www.aboutloveland.com/sports.htm MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN LOVELAND? Check out the Loveland Chamber of Commerce http://www.loveland.org/ And the City of Loveland s website http://www.ci.loveland.co.us 10