Pictures in Loveland, Colorado Park - Sculpture and Art Lover's Paradise

Loveland, Colorado

For anyone who is an art and sculpture lover, Loveland, Colorado is an absolute paradise! These pictures taken while visiting there are just a sampling of what one would find if one was to visit this town in north central Colorado.

In July of the year 1999, my mother and I took an airplane to Colorado Springs from Houston, Texas to begin our eleven day adventure of traveling and sightseeing in the State of Colorado.

We rented a car and headed out exploring on our own.

Having some major destinations in mind, Loveland was just one of those happy discoveries that we made along the way.

(c) Peggy Woods - All Rights Reserved

Benson Park

Loveland, Colorado abounds with a great multitude of outdoor bronze sculptures along with other types of art.

My mother and I had been staying in Estes Park and took the road 34 East to Loveland.

Several old stagecoach inns built in the years 1893 and 1902 were visited by us on our way to Loveland. Seeing these rustic reminders of our American past was an added bit of enjoyment.

But when we reached Loveland, we could hardly believe our eyes!

Not being prepared to see such a large outdoor display of beautifully crafted bronze sculptures, it was a delightful surprise to say the least.

A great number of them are located in the Benson Park Sculpture Garden and are presented by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council.

The pictures that I took that day with my camera are just a small sampling of what was located there.

One sculpture was more engaging than the next!

Paths lead one through this beautifully landscaped lawn and pond area and shrubs and flowers along with the native trees act as artful backdrops to the sculptures of many forms and likenesses.

In the three photos of sculptures pictured here to the right, can't you just hear the glee in the children's voices as they go sliding down the hill? Imagine the fun the dogs are having while playing tug of war with that shoe! Does the bronze sculpture of the boys riding the bicycle spark any fond memories for you?

Colorado Central Railroad

Loveland, Colorado was named after William A.H. Loveland who happened to be the President of the Colorado Central Railroad.

Founded in 1877 and near the rails, it was an early agricultural area. Now other businesses have taken the place of agriculture being the prime means of making a living, and as of the 2000 census, a little over 50,000 people reside there and call Loveland, Colorado their home.

Artists in Loveland

With over 100 pieces of art on display in Benson Park and over 300 pieces of public art that can be seen in and around Loveland, obviously this is an artist's haven.

The town sports three foundries where these large scaled bronze sculptures can be fashioned.

Many towns this size do not have an art museum, but Loveland is an exception!

Each August people come from all points of the globe to attend an annual sculpture show where local artists as well as national and even some international ones not only display their sculptures but sell them to appreciative art lovers.

As one wanders the grounds of Benson Park and other areas in town, one can imagine what sparked the imaginations of the many artists who created these works.

Inspiration drawn from natural surroundings and what would have been locally viewed in this area, one can easily appreciate the many bird sculptures created by the artists.

Horses and cowboy sculptures make sense...after all, this is Colorado where many would have been and still do reside.

Wild critters that still roam the mountains and meadows would be prime subject matter for artists.

Indians would be natural subject material as well.

Since there is so much water in this town of Loveland, water fowl and turtles are also viewed in sculpture form.

In fact, almost 1 mile out of about 25 square miles which comprises this town of Loveland, Colorado, water is the component. With mountains in the distance, this is a gorgeous setting as one can hopefully glean by viewing these pictures taken on our vacation trip that one day.

It was a glorious day as we were wandering through Benson Park although there was a chance of rain.

Since my mother and I never were 100 yard sprinters...or any kind of jogging or running champions for that matter, we carried our collapsible umbrellas with us just in case the skies would have opened up above us and started to moisten the air.

Our umbrellas never had to be opened, but "better safe than sorry" as the old saying goes!

The pathways wound through the park and the bronze sculptures were appropriately placed.

Turtles sculptures were appropriately placed near the water.

Blooming flowers greeted the bronze sculpture of a girl squatting down with a gaze that suggested that she was contemplating the various blossoms spread out in glorious profusion before her eyes.

It was such a pleasure taking the circuitous pathways throughout Benson Park and each sculpture that greeted us along the way was such a treat to behold.

With the smell of the flowers, the rippling of the water, the birds chirping in the swaying treetops above us, and those uniquely crafted sculptures scattered throughout Benson Park, that is a park which any art lover would relish visiting.

Funding the sculptures...

The annual sculpture show hosted by enterprising art lovers in Loveland each August and attended by huge crowds of people each year helps to pay for the sculptures in Benson Park as well as other improvements.

Creation of those massive sculptures in the town's three foundries is a good business for the local artisans who craft them from artist's original designs.

North Lake Park and Lake Loveland...

After thoroughly enjoying our sojourn in Benson Park we wandered through adjacent North Lake Park.

This is a 50 acre park consisting of athletic fields, courts for basketball and other sports, a miniature train, picnic areas, an ampitheatre and a beach on the lake among other things. It is a real gathering point for the locals and visitors and celebrations are regularly held there such as the annual 4th of July fireworks display.

An old school house building that was constructed in 1883 and which was later utilized for grain storage is situated in this park.

School children appeared to be touring that old school house and were also playing in that lovely setting.

At Lake Loveland, residents were sunbathing on the shore as well as swimming and playing in the refreshing water.

Not many towns have so much in the way of recreational activities in their midst with scenic mountains in the distance and art sculptures almost everyplace that one gazes. Wow!

Beauty and sheer pleasure are wound together in a most lovely package with the name...Loveland, Colorado.

Sculptures abound in Loveland!

Across the street from North Lake Park was an art gallery with even more sculptures outside! 

One could go on and on photographing and showcasing the beautiful sculptures found in Loveland, Colorado.

This next piece was found at the entrance to a subdivision.

Loveland, Colorado

The signature wooden carved sculpture is readily seen on the way in to Loveland from Estes Park or when departing on the same Highway 34 in Colorado.

Although the sculptures were highlighted in this hub, there is much more to Loveland...especially for winter sports enthusiasts.

This IS Colorado after all!

Loveland is also a ski area with lifts that can accommodate many winter visitors.

Is snowboarding your game? No problem! Loveland can also accommodate you.

This and so much more is attributed to the lifestyle in Loveland.

Did I mention another aspect of what Loveland accommodates?

How about the name LOVELAND and VALENTINE'S DAY?

Yes...you might have guessed...they have an ongoing business of re-mailing Valentine's cards with the Loveland postmark on the front of the envelope.

Enterprising folks!!!

All of this my mother and I did not know when we decided to see the countryside outside of Estes Park for one day.

Loveland, Colorado was not only a most pleasant surprise to us, but will remain in this author's memory as long as she lives.

Hopefully you enjoyed these pictures taken that day in Loveland and understand why I have labeled this a sculpture and art lover's paradise in Colorado.