Area Attractions
Come for the Symposium, stay for the fun
While you're in town for the Symposium, we encourage you to enjoy some of what beautiful Northern Colorado has to offer: unbeatable hiking, exploring our very own Rocky Mountain National Park, quaint museums, countless local breweries, vibrant downtown communities, and Loveland's unmatched art scene. There is something for everyone. Colorado often displays every season in a day, especially in the fall, so you never know what kind of weather you may get; pack layers and sunscreen. If you are not accustomed to high altitude, allow yourself some time at Loveland altitude before you venture up into the mountains to avoid altitude sickness.
Our very own national park is about 42 miles from the Arena, a lovely 1 hour drive through the Big Thompson River Canyon up to Estes Park. Inside the park you'll find expansive landscapes and hiking, and if you're lucky, lots of wildlife viewing. RMNP does require a timed-entry ticket to enter the park at certain times through mid-October. Visit the website to learn more.
Located just 3 miles down the road from the Arena, Chapungu Scupture park offers meandering walking trails through a wooded landscape filled with unique art displays. The park is tucked next to the Centerra Mall and is free to enter.
Just 11 miles from the Arena, the downtown area of Loveland boasts an array of local restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, plus unique shopping and art galleries, and our very own free museum. You can often find live music, food trucks, and other events happening in our little downtown area. Parking is free.
Head 16 miles north of the Arena to explore Old Town Fort Collins, a fun and vibrant downtown area filled with eclectic shopping, dining, local craft breweries, museums, and almost always some live entertainment.
Located 20 miles northwest of the Arena, Horsetooth Reservoir is a scenic, 6.5-mile-long reservoir nestled in the foothills just west of Fort Collins. It's an excellent location for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, water skiing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and picnicking, making it one of northern Colorado’s favorite outdoor playgrounds.