Many people call it the “Gateway to the Rockies”. because just west of the city is the Big Thompson Canyon which certainly qualifies as an entrance to the Rockies. This narrow canyon was formed by the Big Thompson River which is one of Colorado’s major water sheds. A short drive up the canyon is the small village of Estes Park Colorado and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Loveland’s roots are in agriculture. With the railroad it quickly established itself as a shipping point for the cattle ranchers and for the lumber companies which had sprung up to supply the ever growing town. In 1901 the Great Western Sugar company established it’s first sugar plant. This companies sugar mills can still be seen in most of the small towns of this area. In Loveland it is just south of highway 34 on the eastern edge of the old downtown area. However, Great Western has few left in actual production.
Loveland was voted the number one place in the nation to “Revitalize your Life,” by AARP Magazine, and rates among the top eight “Great Art Destinations” in the U.S. by U.S. art magazine, and The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.
More information can be found at Loveland’s Chamber of Commerce at: http://www.loveland.org/
Google Maps: http://wp.me/pDBg3-N
