Find a castle in Ohio in Loveland, an idyllic town that sits about 22 miles northeast of Cincinnati. Known as a great stop on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the town offers an abundance of convenient features for outdoor enthusiasts. But if hiking and biking aren’t your thing, no worries because Loveland also appeals to foodies, history lovers, and lore-seekers as well. And whatever you do on your day trip to Loveland, please treat yourself and visit Chateau Laroche! (More info below.)
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase using an affiliate link I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The links I post are suggestions, please be sure to research the products yourself.
Fast Fact: Loveland has formally been designated a "Buckeye Trail Town"
The Buckeye Trail path is an approximate 1,447-mile hiking trail that wraps along the inside perimeter of Ohio. To be designated a Buckeye Trail Town means that the town is a significant stop on the beautiful hiking trail that will take you from the sands of Lake Erie to the hills in southwest Ohio.
THREE points of interest that will inspire your Day trip to Loveland
Chateau Laroche, AKA The Castle in Ohio, AKA The Loveland Castle
One man’s vision and passion for the Knighthood led to the building of this genuine castle in suburbia. Harry Andrews started building the castle in 1929 and continued working on it until almost his dying day in 1981. He built Chateau Laroche by hand and almost completely by himself, aided by the castle’s Knights. The castle is complete with period weaponry, beautiful furnishings, and even a dungeon. There’s so much more to say about the reasons, means, and existence of this castle, but instead, I encourage you to take a worthy day trip to Loveland and stop by this unique architectural feat for a few hours. Use this link to learn more and get directions to this genuine castle in Ohio.
Loveland Bike Trail
The Loveland Bike Trail is a beautiful 70-mile trail for bikers, walkers, joggers, and hikers that cuts through the heart of the Historic Downtown Loveland. Having covered a good 25 miles of the trail myself, I can attest to the fact that it’s a beautiful trail, easy to maneuver, and filled with interesting (and delicious) stops. Grab your bike, rent a bike on the trail, or just walk or jog this trail to give yourself a good dose of stress relief.
Take a Day Trip and Grab a Dose of Small-Town Goodness!
Loveland knows how to host a great party! Check out the City of Loveland’s events page to see their schedule of events from their Christmas Tree Lighting Festival to their Independence Day Celebration. This idyllic town will offer you just the dose of small-town goodness you’re looking for! And whether you’re there for a festival or just to spend the day, take a stroll down the bike trail, grab a coffee at Mile 42 Coffee, or maybe a beer at Hops and Berry Taproom, or go all-in for a great meal at Ramsey’s Trailside or The Wicked Pickle! That’s just a small sampling of your plethora of choices in Historic Downtown Loveland, so grab your walking or biking shoes and bring your appetite, you won’t be disappointed!
Every Leap Year, the City of Loveland will host a Return of the Frogman Outdoor Festival to celebrate the lore of the Frogman who supposedly has lurked in the dark spots of town since its first sighting in 1955. In addition, The Official Frogman Festival, with vendors and guest speakers, will be held in March of 2025 at Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, and hopefully continue after that.
This image is completely made up and is not intended to accurately depict what people have claimed to see. ->
SEVEN Things to Know Before You Go:
- There is ample free parking in Loveland, including 4 and 8-hour lots.
- Loveland is a very walk-friendly town. The path through the historic downtown can be crowded on beautiful days, so watch for bikers and abide by the posted path courtesies.
- Nisbet Park is a beautiful park off the bike trail and in the heart of downtown. There you’ll find restrooms, rentable shelters, and a playground.
- Just outside Nisbet Park there is a bike repair station. So if you’re biking the trail, this is a great spot for a quick tune-up. Montgomery Cyclery is also nearby.
- Also off the bike path and in the heart of Historic Downtown Loveland you’ll find a lovely Farmers market every Tuesday, May through October, from 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
- A good bit of Historic Downtown Loveland is a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area). So in the appropriate DORA cups purchased from local establishments, you are allowed to walk the town and enjoy your adult refreshment from noon to 11:00 pm.
- The city of Loveland also offers free public WiFi that covers a good part of the Historic Downtown area.