Plan A Trip To Cedar Falls
Whether its a flourishing nightlife youre searching for or a calm escape to nature, Cedar Falls has something for you.
The city has a lot to offer ranging from amusement parks to award-winning galleries, family entertainment focuses and more.
This energetic region makes certain to give you memorable recollections and extraordinary encounters, so start planning a visit to this city now!
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Its an American icon gone global the John Deere Tractor is so popular there are even country songs written about it. Explore the history and evolution of the John Deere brand through the artifacts and interactive exhibits at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo. The kids can grip the handles of a steel plow and test their strength again real horsepower. A blacksmith shop experience brings the sounds of the clanging hammer and the heat from the forge to life.Everything is freeeven for adults. Be sure to check out the new passport experience where the kids collect passport stamps for your visits to John Deere related locations around the country.
However you choose to spend your time in Cedar Falls, theres no question it will be a memorable trip for the entire family.
Davids Taphouse & Dumplings
Im a sucker for dumplings. So a stop at Davids Taphouse & Dumplings was an essential during our visit to Cedar Falls. Not only does this unique eatery have a large selection of dumplings and great selection of Toppling Goliath brews on tap, but the restaurant is also full of LEGOs, from the giant T-Rex at the entrance to a fully interactive wall. If youre looking for a family-friendly taproom, this is your spot!
We opted for a quick dumpling snack and enjoyed a to-go order of the Mongolian beef dumplings. I cant wait to visit again to try even more of these delicious dumpling combinations.
Davids Taphouse & Dumplings, 200 W. 1st Street, Suite 107 in Cedar Falls, Iowa
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Lost Island Water Park
2225 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701
For the thrill seekers, a trip to the Lost Island Water Park is a must! Its been voted one of the top 15 water parks in the USA by both TripAdvisor and USA Today. With 17 slides and pools theres plenty of fun to be had by both adults and kids!
Some of my personal favourite waterslides are:
Wailua Kupua A water coaster, Ive not been on anything like it before! Its fast, has drops that leave your stomach in the air and it shoots you UP hill in just a rubber dingy! Now Im an adrenaline junkie and this ride certainly gave me a rush! *TIP* Sit in the 3rd or back seat!!! I found that when I was in the front I couldnt see anything because of the spray!
Tangerine Tempest Another unique slide and the only way I can describe it is it feels like youre being flushed down the toilet!
Molokini Crater Grab a 2 or 4 person tube and then drop into a giant funnel!
Jade Rapids The Jade Rapids tube slide has a new interactive element where you can choose a soundtrack with different light shows while you ride! I was surprised by the speed of this slide!
Things to know about Lost Island
You can take cameras on the rides but Id make sure if you plan on recording, make sure you can do it HANDS FREE. I had my GoPro strapped to my wrist, Id start recording at the top and wouldnt touch it again until I got to the bottom. Unlike rollercoasters, there are no restraints holding you in so its important to keep hold of the grip handles at ALL TIMES.
Dance The Night Away At The Bunker Live Music Co
This concert venue in Waterloo provides guests a night of dancing and singing, featuring some of the best local artists!
Previously well-known as Spicoli’s Reverb Concert Hall & Rock Museum, theyve rebranded as The Bunker Live Music Co-op but still provide the same fun and entertainment as before!
Since its establishment over 20 years ago, this live concert venue has been dedicated to preserving and promoting local bands and artists.
With a wide range of genres from rock to pop and everything in between, this entertainment center hosts various events throughout the seasons.
This facility does not take walk-ins, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee your entry!
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Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens Waterloo Ia
The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens encompasses approximately forty acres of beautiful grounds for visitors of all ages to explore, which include the Master Gardeners Orchard, the Stout Daylily Collection, Iowa Native Prairie, the four-acre Butterfly Garden, the award-winning Childrens Garden, and much more. The Master Gardeners Orchard consists of four different types of fruit trees, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum also features more than fifteen formal gardens.
1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, Phone: 319-226-4966
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Visit An Art Museum At Waterloo Center For The Arts
Waterloo Center for the Arts collects a wide variety of artworks and artifacts from all over the world, including American Art, Midwestern Art, and International Folk Art, for a unique educational experience combined with fun!
This museum is home to one of the largest collections of Haitian art in the nation that can give you a glimpse into the history and culture of Haiti!
One of their star collections comes all the way from Mexico, with their Mexican Folk Art set up on display for all to see.
Their carefully curated and selected collection of displays and exhibits aims to provide visitors with a culturally diverse environment.
They even feature workshops and classes for anyone above the age of 3 to learn the basics of various forms of art mediums that include painting, pottery, digital arts, and more!
Situated in downtown Waterloo, this museum has so much in store for you, so be sure to check them out!
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Utilities And Internet Access
The city owns its power, gas and water, and cable TV service. Because of this, Cedar Falls Utilities provides gigabit speeds to residents, this became available on January 14, 2015. Cedar Falls has the power to do so because, unlike 19 other states, Iowa does not prohibit municipal broadband from competing with the private cable TV monopoly. In 2020, Cedar Falls Utilities was recognized by PC Magazine as having the nation’s fastest internet, by a factor of three.
- The Cedar Falls Times, weekly newspaper
- The Cedar Valley What Not, weekly advertiser
- Music
The underground music scene in the Cedar Falls area from 1977 to present-day is well documented. The Wartburg College Art Gallery in Waverly, Iowa hosted a collaborative history of the bands, record labels, and music venues involved in the Cedar Falls music scene which ran from March 17 to April 14, 2007. This effort has been continued as a wiki-style website called The Secret History of the Cedar Valley.
Enjoy Nature At Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Stretching over 67 miles, Cedar Valley Nature Trail is the perfect place to go biking, jogging, or running!
With the length of this trail, you may even opt to go cross country skiing in the winter or rollerblading in the summer or take a simple stroll and take pictures of the surrounding environment.
This historical trail runs through a multitude of small towns in Iowa, along its farmlands and wetlands that give you that refreshing nature atmosphere.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail has been one of the staple roads in this city since its debut in 1984 that was originally built on a trail line.
You may even spot a few creatures such as birds and deer while visiting this trail that will give you a revelatory and relaxing experience.
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George Wyth State Park Waterloo Iowa
The George Wyth Memorial State Park is situated near Cedar Falls and Waterloo in Iowa, a large woodland expanse abundant with outdoor activities and a wide variety of wildlife. Established as a National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary, over two hundred species of birds have been spotted within the state park. Visitors may also spot white-tailed deer throughout the year. In addition to wildlife viewing, George Wyth State Park offers several recreation activities, including more than five miles of multi-use trail for walking, in-line skating, and biking, along with six miles of hiking trails. During the winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular activities as well.
3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, Phone: 319-232-5505
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Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo, Iowa was established to honor the sacrifice and service of all veterans from Iowa, dating back to the Civil War up through to present day. Visitors can learn about their stories through the electronic Wall of Honor, interactive activities, and traditional exhibits. The museum includes more than thirty-five interactive exhibits that share the stories of veterans, as well as more than 1,500 interviews with veterans collected through the Voices of Iowa Oral History Project.
503 South St, Waterloo, IA 50701, Phone: 319-234-6357
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Splash Around At The Falls Aquatic Center
The Falls Aquatic Center is a public pool and swimming area for all to freely enjoy!
Featuring towering water slides, tubing and rafting options, and even a lazy river where you can float in, this establishment is the perfect place to cool down and relax.
This facility is also kid-friendly, making it suitable for family trips and getaways!
They offer scuba and snorkeling lessons where you can learn the basics of these water sports within a safe environment with your personal coach and instructor, complete with gear and equipment.
You also have the option to participate in their water exercises thatll keep you active all day for a small fee.
Drop by this aquatic center to try out their amenities on your trip!
Tour The Victorian House Museum
Even though the Ice House Museum isnt open during the winter , you can still experience a historic Cedar Falls building on your visit. A few blocks away from the Ice House Museum, you can step back into the late 1800s with a visit to the Victorian House Museum.
This beautiful Italianate-style home was built by Azel D. Barnum in 1863 and features many historical artifacts from the time period. It was so interesting to wander the rooms and learn what life was like for families in Cedar Falls during that era. During your visit, be sure to head to the basement to experience the impressive William J. Lenoir Model Railroad Collection as well.
The Victorian House Museum is open February through December and offers free admission.
Victorian House Museum, 308 W. 3rd Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa
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Spend The Day With Family At Palmer’s Family Fun
A short 10 minute drive up north away from the heart of Waterloo takes you to Palmers Family Fun, an entertainment center that is best known for its family-fun activities!
Previously named Airline Amusement Park, Palmers Family Fun features facilities for all ages, including go-karts, miniature golf courses, a batting cage, archery, laser tag, and many more!
Their driving range is also available for young adults to practice their driving skills within a safe place.
This family-owned and operated facility has been the go-to destination for groups, both large and small, for all the activities they have to offer!
Make sure to drop by this family-friendly establishment to see all the fun they have to offer.
Lost Island Mini Golf And Go Karts
Next door to the Lost Island Water Park is a separate attraction with mini golf and go karts! With the water park admission ticket you then get $1 knocked off the golf and go karts. There are two, 18 hole mini golf courses, you can pay for either 1 course or both. Both courses are quite similar, I think I preferred the one on the right that goes around the side of the building!
The go kart track has single and double karts. This area of Lost Island is open longer than the water park, opening during weekends in May and September, as well as daily through the summer season!
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Catch A Game At Riverfront Stadium
Throughout the seasons, this 5,000-seater stadium is best known for its baseball games at collegiate and high school levels!
Riverfront Stadium has been Waterloos historic stadium since its establishment in 1946 and has been home to various games and events.
The most well-known team to play in this stadium are the two-time winning Northwoods League Champion Bucks, who attract large audiences with their intense plays.
Complete with a concession stand, a lounge, and even a vast space for events and parties on their deck, this stadium also offers a wide variety of activities to cater to families.
Dont forget to buy tickets to catch a baseball game at this stadium in downtown Waterloo!
Eat Italian Cuisine At The Brown Bottle
Inside The Historical Russell Lamson Building, built in 1913, you can find The Brown Bottle, a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine!
Serving the community with its rustic and casual atmosphere, this family-owned and operated restaurant has been one of the go-to eateries in Waterloo, with its menu that caters to all preferences.
They even have gluten-free options available to ensure that everyone has a great meal!
You can find some of the most expensive and extensive lists of wine selections at this restaurant that you can choose from.
Their meals come from family-created recipes made daily to ensure the best quality just for you!
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Mama Nicks Circle Pizzeria Waterloo Iowa
Serving the local Cedar Valley community for over fifty years, Mama Nicks Circle Pizzeria has long held a time-honored tradition of offering quality pizza, sandwiches, and pasta. The restaurant uses only high quality ingredients piled on top of their made-to-order pizzas, such as fresh ground sausage and beef mixed with family spices, freshly chopped vegetables and sliced meats, real mozzarella cheese, and the pizzerias secret seasoning. Other menu options included hand-breaded pork tenderloins, sandwiches on fresh baked French bread, and fresh-cut French fries. There is also an all-you-can-eat buffet available for lunch with a wide variety of food.
1934 Washington St, Waterloo, IA 50702, Phone: 319-233-3323
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Catch A Concert At Cup Of Joe
“I didn’t try the coffee here but I tried their baked goods and they are so creamy, moist, and delicious! Definitely a quaint little corner shop on the main street in the downtown area that’s accessible after your dinner or a great stop for breakfast across the street from the Hampton, river crossing the railroad tracks, and walking path. The two girls working behind the counter were very friendly and had a lot of knowledge about the baked goods ingredients. I thought their prices were fair . I would definitely visit here again to try their coffee and more baked goods!”
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George Wyth Memorial State Park
On the citys east side is a major scope of riverside nature, covering 1,200 sections of land associated with the tremendous path network in Cedar Falls and Waterloo.
The riverbank is a mosaic of lakes, making the George Wyth State Park a sanctuary for birdlife , fishing and drifting.
You can go through a lighthearted summers day unwinding at George Wyths ocean side with kayaks, paddle sheets, and boats.
At George Wyth Memorial State Park, cylinders and pedal boats are generally accessible for rental from the ocean side.
The recreation area likewise has a sizable camping area, with near 70 electric and non-electric destinations and current bathrooms and showers.
As far as fun parks are concerned, George Wyths Memorial State Park is one out of the many that visitors should not leave out their list of fun things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Address: 3659 Wyth Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50703, United States
Tourism And Cultural Programs
There is much to enjoy in Cedar Falls, the Iowa Tourism Community of the Year. For information about our annual events, performing and visual arts, permanent attractions and year round outdoor recreation, take a tour of our community.
Cedar Falls is a popular destination for visitors for many reasons! Warm, welcoming residents, a wide variety of things to do and places to go, and lots of experiences to enjoy. Guests to the area are provided with a multitude of leisure activities.
The James and Meryl Hearst Center for the Arts is celebrating 25+ years of providing exhibits, classes and events for Cedar Falls and the surrounding Cedar Valley.
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Best Things To Do In Waterloo Ia
Waterloo is one of the most populous cities in Iowa, making it the ideal place to visit with its endless amenities and tourist attractions!
Located in Black Hawk County, this city boasts about its extensive network of facilities and activities that caters to visitors and their families.
Packed with museums, art centers, and galleries, the finest family-owned and operated eateries, and everything in between, theres so much to see and do at Waterloo!
You can even wind back and get away from the bustling, loud streets by visiting their nature facilities and hiking trails to admire the natural beauty that surrounds Waterloo.
Experience this city to the fullest with this curated list of places you can visit in this waterfront district!
