Photograph courtesy City of Loveland
The city of Loveland is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and with it, a close-knit community and culture. The city was recently named one of five Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine in its 2026-27 issue, recognized as being a great place to live, work, and visit.
The other Best Hometowns include Marietta, Marion, Massillon, and Tiffin. Magazine editors evaluated the nominees in six categories: community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, business environment, and culture and heritage.
“This recognition reflects the pride our residents, businesses, volunteers, and community partners have in Loveland,” says Mayor Kathy Bailey in a press release. “Our community continues to thrive because of the people who make it such a welcoming and vibrant place to call home.”
Specifically, Loveland was lauded for its inviting downtown district, community events, and access to outdoor recreational activities.
Take, for example, the Little Miami River and its accompanying State Park, and the famous Loveland Bike Trail, which is part of the 78-mile long Little Miami Scenic Trail (the fourth longest paved trail in the United States). This widely accessible linear rail trail was built along the abandoned Little Miami Railroad, which once carried former U.S. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson. The railroad was also the scene of a Civil War train robbery, and Loveland hosted a cycling race, “Tour de Loveland,” along the trail from 1997 to 2000 and from 2002 to 2004.
Photograph courtesy City of Loveland
The State Park and valley around it, meanwhile, is historically significant to Ohio, and was home to several early Native American cultures, such as the Miami, Shawnee, and Hopewell. Historic buildings, stagecoach trails, and mounds can still be found in the park, which also offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, backpacking, and access to boating on the Little Miami River.
Apart from the designation, the city is proud to have reached its sesquicentennial. Reaching this milestone means a lot for residents of the city, as well as those in government, such as City Manager Dave Kennedy.
“We’ve always had a unique and rich history, and we decided it was time to celebrate what we’re all about,” says Kennedy. “We try to do things that draw people to our downtown district, because we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with that.”
Kennedy says the city council has focused on revitalizing the downtown district over the last few years to make it a great common space for its residents and a destination for tourists. The district features a vibrant collection of local shops, craft breweries, and eateries, such as Tano Bistro & Catering, the Loveland Farmers’ Market, Plaid Room Records, Narrow Path Brewing Co., and more. Even after a massive fire that damaged several buildings in 2017, Kennedy says the city came back stronger by coming together as a community and revitalizing the buildings.
Photograph courtesy City of Loveland
These plans for the city also include renovations of Nisbet Park, which sits right next to downtown. Construction on a large amphitheater that faces into the park started last May. When it’s completed, the amphitheater will serve as a new space for community events, concerts, and festivals.
Marketing and Communications Coordinator Stephanie Watson believes that the downtown district is Loveland’s biggest strength right now, and that to remain as a strong community in the future, the city must maintain its draw for downtown.
“I think it’s a huge celebration of how far the city has come, especially downtown over the years,” says Watson. “It’s a great place to live with a thriving downtown area.”
Kennedy also touts Loveland’s relationship with its school district as being a reason that it’s a city for families. The Loveland City School District is a top-rated public school system, and its high school received excellent ratings from the Ohio Department of Education.
And if schools, recreation, business, and community weren’t enough, Loveland also maintains an urban myth in the “Loveland Frog,” also called the “Frogman.” The mythical cryptid is a four-foot tall humanoid frog that’s allegedly been spotted along the Little Miami River and around Lake Isabella since 1955, and has since been embraced as the city’s official mascot. In April, Ohio Reps. Tristan Rader and Jean Schmidt introduced House Bill 821, which will designate the Loveland Frog as the official state cryptid of Ohio. The bill has already drawn bipartisan support.
Altogether, its all the more reason for Loveland to celebrate its milestone anniversary. Throughout the year, events have been and will continue to be hosted in celebration of the milestone. The city celebrated its birthday in May, but community events have been taking place throughout the year, including Valentine’s Day Hearts Afire weekend, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and the Christmas Tree Lighting, all of which have and will incorporate anniversary-themed elements. There is also a self-guided interactive History Walking Tour highlighting historic landmarks in the city’s famed downtown district. A Mayor’s Gala will take place at Indie Hollow on September 12, featuring a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, casino-style gaming, and special tributes honoring Loveland’s rich history. Tickets are available for $150 per person.
Photograph courtesy City of Loveland
Additionally, the city recently uncovered a time capsule buried more than a century ago, which offered a rare glimpse into Loveland’s early days. Water damage limited what could be preserved, but nevertheless, the city plans to create a new one for the 150th anniversary, to be unveiled on Loveland’s bicentennial in 2076. Items such as photos, letters, and materials from local businesses for the capsule are able to be dropped off at City Hall until October 30.
To Kennedy, the Loveland community has become like family to him. “I’ve seen the community come together so many times, and these people are like family,” he says. “I’ve been in government for 42 years, and this is simply one of the finest communities you’re ever going to see. We listen to our residents, and we’re proud of what we do. It’s been an honor and a privilege to make a difference and serve the community here for 12 years [as city manager].”
