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Waterloo is a city of about 67,000 people on the Cedar River in northeast Iowa, part of the Cedar Valley metro with neighboring Cedar Falls. It grew as a manufacturing center, and it remains home to major John Deere tractor and engine works, while its downtown and museums tell the story of its industry and people.
The Grout Museum District gathers several museums, including the Grout Museum of History and Science, the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, which honors the five Waterloo brothers lost on the USS Juneau in World War II, and the historic Snowden and Rensselaer Russell houses. Downtown along Fourth Street has restored buildings, local restaurants and the RiverLoop Amphitheatre.
Lost Island Theme Park, opened in 2022, is one of the newest amusement parks in the country, with themed roller coasters next to the Lost Island Waterpark. The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens has themed gardens, and miles of the Cedar Valley Trails follow the river.
A group of museums in downtown Waterloo including the Grout Museum of History and Science, the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium with hands-on exhibits and the Sullivan Brothers veterans museum. One ticket covers several sites. Plan at least half a day if you want to see more than one museum.
A museum in the Grout Museum District honoring Iowa's veterans, named for the five Sullivan brothers of Waterloo who all died when the USS Juneau sank in 1942. Exhibits use personal stories, uniforms and artifacts from many wars. Allow about two hours; it is moving for adults and older children.
A museum in downtown Waterloo telling the story of John Deere tractor production in the city, from the Waterloo Boy tractor of the early 1900s to modern machines, with restored tractors and interactive displays. Factory tours of nearby Deere works may be offered separately; check ahead.
An arts center on the Cedar River in downtown Waterloo, known for one of the largest public collections of Haitian art in the world, along with American regional art and Midwest folk art. It includes galleries and community art classes. Admission is free, and it links to the Phelps Youth Pavilion.
An Italianate brick home built in 1861 for banker Rensselaer Russell, one of the oldest houses in Waterloo, now a museum with Victorian furnishings and family items. Guided tours explain life in early Waterloo. It opens seasonally on limited days, so check the Grout Museum website for hours.
A large historic Victorian mansion in Waterloo, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with ornate woodwork and period details. Today it is used mainly as an event and wedding venue. Interior access depends on private events, so most visitors admire the exterior.
A theme park opened in 2022 near Waterloo, built around a story of five mythical island realms, with roller coasters, family rides, themed food and shows. Next door is Lost Island Waterpark. It runs seasonally from spring to fall; buy tickets online and check the operating calendar before going.
A hands-on children's museum attached to the Waterloo Center for the Arts, with creative play areas focused on art, building, music and imagination, plus outdoor play spaces. It suits children up to about age 12. Admission is low, and it pairs easily with a visit to the art galleries next door.
A volunteer-built botanical garden on the east edge of Waterloo with themed gardens, a children's garden, prairie areas and walking paths. It hosts plant sales and seasonal events. It is open from spring to fall; there is a small admission fee, and early summer is the most colorful time to visit.
A state park between Waterloo and Cedar Falls with several lakes, wooded trails, a swimming beach, a campground and paved bike paths that connect to the regional trail network. It is a popular place for kayaking and fishing. Entry is free; campsites can be reserved online in the summer.
A network of more than 100 miles of paved trails linking Waterloo, Cedar Falls and nearby towns along the Cedar River and old rail lines. It passes parks, lakes and downtown riverfronts and suits cycling and walking. Pick up a trail map online; some riverside sections may close after floods.
The historic downtown on both banks of the Cedar River, with restored buildings, local restaurants, bars, the RiverLoop Amphitheatre, museums and the Young Arena. Summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals. Parking is easy, and most downtown sights are within a short walk of the river.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: U.S. Department of Agriculture Preston Keres/Office of Communications-Photograph, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: RifeIdeas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jim Roberts, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Cedarvalleyarboretum, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Cedarvalleyarboretum, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Cedarvalleyarboretum, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: FigmentJedi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Cedarvalleyarboretum, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jim Roberts, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jim Roberts, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jim Roberts, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jim Roberts, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: RifeIdeas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: RifeIdeas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: FigmentJedi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Cedarvalleyarboretum, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DDeedsUNI, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
