Cedar Falls is located in Black Hawk County, Iowa and is best known as the home of the University of Northern Iowa. The city was founded in 1845 and was originally named Sturgis Falls for its founder William Sturgis, who is honored annually as part of the city's Sturgis Falls Celebration festival.

Cultural attractions include the Ice House Museum, which preserves the facilities of a former ice harvesting business, the Cedar Falls Historical Society Museum, and the Hearst Center for the Arts, which offers exhibitions by local artists, studio classes, and public special events. Outdoor attractions include the 320-acre Big Woods Lake Recreation Area, which offers overnight camping opportunities, and the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, which features miles of scenic walking and hiking paths.

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