Searching for Midwest charm with a splash of history and fun? Head to Waterloo, Iowa! From engaging museums to riverside trails and family attractions, Waterloo blends culture, recreation, and friendly vibes. It’s the perfect getaway for curious minds and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Waterloo is in the late spring through early fall (May–October). Warm temperatures make it ideal for riverfront walks, festivals, and visits to the many outdoor and indoor attractions.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Easily accessible via U.S. Highway 20 and I-380, Waterloo is about 1.5 hours from Des Moines and 1 hour from Cedar Rapids.
- By Plane: Fly into Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO), with connections through Chicago O'Hare, or use Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids.
- By Bus: Jefferson Lines and Burlington Trailways provide regional service to Waterloo from major Midwest cities.
Where I like to stay
- Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo – Comfortable accommodations, entertainment, and dining all in one spot.
- Hampton Inn Waterloo – Reliable, family-friendly option with free breakfast and a pool near shopping areas.
- Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls – Sleek hotel in a revitalized downtown warehouse district.
Top Attractions
1. Honor the veterans at the 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.
Address: 503 South St, Waterloo, IA 50701, Phone: 319-234-6357
2. Hike the beautiful Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Spanning across sixty-seven miles, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail connects Ely to Evansdale, running through a number of small towns along the way. From the town of Evansdale to the McFarlane Park, the surface of the trail is asphalt, however, from McFarlane Park to Center Point, the surface is made of compacted limestone. The trail also connects the metro area of Linn County to the town of Waterloo, traveling through farmland, forest, and wetlands. While the limestone section of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail can be easily used to travel by a bicycle with narrow tires, watch for muddy conditions.
3. Explore nature at George Wyth State Park
The George Wyth 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.
Address: 3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, Phone: 319-232-5505
If you are planning to do something romantic
4. Take beautiful pictures at Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
The Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens encompasses approximately forty acres of beautiful grounds for visitors of all ages to explore, which include the Master Gardener’s Orchard, the Stout Daylily Collection, Iowa Native Prairie, the four-acre Butterfly Garden, the award-winning Children’s Garden, and much more. The Master Gardener’s Orchard consists of four different types of fruit trees, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum also features more than fifteen formal gardens.
Address: 1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, Phone: 319-226-4966
5. On a rainy day, shop at Crossroads Mall
The Crossroads Mall in Waterloo, Iowa is conveniently situated near the intersection of US 20 and Interstate 380, about one mile from the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino and the Lost Island Waterpark. In addition to being surrounded by several quality hotels and restaurants, just outside of Crossroads Mall is the Crossroads 12 Theatre. Popular shops located within the mall include Bath & Body Works among several others. Other shops surrounding the Crossroads Mall include Bed, Bath & Beyond, Barnes & Noble, Super Target, Best Buy, Hobby Lobby, DIck’s Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, and Super Walmart.
Address: 2060 Crossroads Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50702
6. Take your date to a baseball game at Riverfront Stadium
Built originally in 1946 as the Municipal Stadium, the Riverfront Stadium in the town of Waterloo is used primarily for the sport of baseball, acting as the home field for the local Waterloo Bucks baseball team, which plays as part of the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate baseball league. The Riverfront Stadium is able to host a maximum of five thousand people for attending games. The stadium has also served as the home of the Waterloo Hawks, a minor league baseball team and was the site of the Midwest League All-Star Game in July of 1978.
Address: 850 Park Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, Phone: 319-232-5633
7. Try great Italian food at Mama Nick’s Circle Pizzeria
Serving the local Cedar Valley community for over fifty years, Mama Nick’s 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 pizzeria’s 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.
Address: 1934 Washington St, Waterloo, IA 50702, Phone: 319-233-3323
If you are traveling with kids
8. Learn about farming at the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum
The whole family will enjoy a visit to the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum, where interactive exhibits bring history to life. Located on the Tech Works Campus in downtown Waterloo, the John Deere Museum is home to countless priceless historic farming exhibits and artifacts which all ages can enjoy. Although many of the exhibits are vintage, you can also see some modern farming equipment to learn how the industry has developed over the decades since the first John Deere tractor was produced back in 1837. You can prepare for your visit by downloading the John Deere Interactive Mobile guide. Visits to the museum are free for all ages.
Address: 500 Westfield Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, 319 292 6126
9. Have fun at Lost Island Water Park and Adventure Golf
Offering seasonal fun for all ages, the Lost Island Water Park and Adventure Golf venue will provide hours of fun for the whole family. The Water Park is open from early June to Labor Day and will transport you to a faraway tropical island, complete with swaying palm trees and relaxing island music. There are 11 major water rides and slides to explore as well as a special area for younger children. After your have enjoyed all the rides you can have a go at racing the Go Karts or enjoying a fun game of mini-golf at Adventure Golf, which boasts 2 18-hole mini-golf courses.
Address: 2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo, IA 50701, 319 455 6700
10. Learn through experience at Phelps Youth Pavilion
Forming part of the Waterloo Center for the Arts, the Phelps Youth Pavilion is a wonderful children’s museum designed to provide stimulating and educational fun for children of all ages. The pavilion is packed with more than 40 hands-on interactive exhibits which will fascinate children as well as educate them about art and culture. Just a few of the experiences include milking a life-size cow, driving a tractor, finger painting and playing musical instruments. After touring the exhibits children under 12 can enjoy 3 wonderful levels of active play in the Playscape – remember to bring socks to use in Playscape.
Address: 225 Commercial Street, Waterloo, IA 50701, 319 291 4490
Where I Like to Eat
- Galleria de Paco – Dine under a hand-painted Sistine Chapel ceiling at this elegant European-inspired restaurant.
- Morg’s Diner – Classic greasy spoon serving up hearty breakfasts and comfort food since 1948.
- Bourbon Street Restaurant – Cajun-style dishes and steaks in a cozy, pub-style atmosphere.
My favorite local events
- My Waterloo Days (June) – A weeklong celebration with parades, music, food, and fireworks.
- National Cattle Congress Fair (September) – Traditional fair fun with livestock shows, rides, and entertainment.
- Friday’Loo (Summer Fridays) – Free outdoor concerts in downtown Waterloo with food trucks and fun vibes.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Waterloo, Iowa
- Cedar Falls (10–15 min) – Walk the vibrant downtown, bike the Cedar Valley Trails, or visit the Ice House Museum.
- George Wyth State Park (10–15 min) – Paddle, fish, or hike in this forested riverfront park connecting Waterloo and Cedar Falls.
- Hudson (15–20 min) – A quiet rural town with local cafés and countryside drives.
- Waverly (25–30 min) – Explore a charming college town with parks, shops, and scenic views of the Cedar River.
- La Porte City (20–25 min) – Home to FFA Historical & Ag Museum and peaceful nature trails.
- Dike (20–25 min) – Enjoy golf, parks, and small-town hospitality just west of Waterloo.
Plan Your Trip