Cedar Falls Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Cedar Falls, located in the heart of Iowa, is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. Nestled along the banks of the Cedar River, this charming city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and history buffs alike.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the picturesque landscapes that surround Cedar Falls. The George Wyth State Park, with its sprawling forests, scenic trails, and tranquil lakes, provides the perfect setting for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Visitors can also explore the captivating Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a 52-mile stretch of trail that winds through beautiful countryside, offering breathtaking views along the way.

For those seeking cultural experiences, Cedar Falls does not disappoint. The Cedar Falls Downtown District is a vibrant hub of art galleries, boutique shops, and locally-owned restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and discover unique treasures at the various local shops.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to indulge in Cedar Falls. The Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum offers a glimpse into the city's past with its beautifully preserved architecture and exhibits showcasing life in the 19th century. For a deeper dive into history, a visit to the Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a must. This 340-acre nature reserve not only boasts stunning natural beauty but also houses a historic farmstead that provides a glimpse into the area's agricultural heritage.

Cedar Falls also boasts a thriving arts scene. The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center hosts a wide range of performances, from Broadway shows to world-class music concerts. The Waterloo Center for the Arts showcases local and regional art through its exhibits and offers art classes for those looking to tap into their creative side.

Alternative names: Population: 41.3 thous.Area: 29.77 mi²Elevation: 866 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°31'13"N, 92°26'43"W

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IowaUnited States

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Cedar Falls Top Attractions

Cedar Falls Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cedar Falls offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: McLeod Center, Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Ice House Museum, Cedar Falls Historical Society. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Basketball • Sport venue
McLeod Center
The McLeod Center is a 7,018-seat multi-purpose arena on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, currently housing the university's teams in men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball.
Park • Nature and wildlife • Hiking trail
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 308.9-acre nature reserve located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The reserve is dedicated to teaching youth about nature through hands on experiences and preservation.
Museum • History museum
Ice House Museum
The Cedar Falls Ice House is an historic building located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1921 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. The building currently serves as the Ice House Museum.

History museum • Museum
Cedar Falls Historical Society
The Cedar Falls Historical Society is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It strives to preserve the history of Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County and Iowa through its collection and five museums. It is also involved with community outreach, garden tours, guided tours, and research.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Cotton Theatre
The Cotton Theatre, also known as Regent Theatre and Oster Regent Theatre, is a theater located at the corner of 1st Street and Main Street in downtown Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. It was named for local Cedar Falls resident Frank Cotton who built the theater in 1909 and 1910.
42°30'35"N • 92°26'55"W
The Falls Aquatic Center
Park
42°32'10"N • 92°26'50"W
Cedar Falls Post Office
The old Cedar Falls Post Office is an historic building located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. Completed in 1918, this was the city's first federal government building, and Black Hawk County became the only county in the state with two post offices that reported directly to the United States Post Office Department.
Universities and schools
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a public university in Cedar Falls, Iowa. UNI offers more than 90 majors across the colleges of Business Administration, Education, Humanities, Arts, and Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences and graduate college.
Museum • Art museum
University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art
The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art is an art gallery at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, housed in the Kamerick Art Building on West 27th Street.
42°29'50"N • 92°27'47"W
C.A. Rownd Round Barn
The C.A. Rownd Round Barn is a historic building located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1911 by C.A. Rownd. It is constructed of ashlar-faced blocks that Rownd manufactured on the site.
42°32'17"N • 92°27'4"W
Daniel and Margaret Wild House
The Daniel and Margaret Wild House is an historic building located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. Designed by William A. Robinson, the two-story frame Queen Anne was completed in 1895.
Neighbourhood
Cedar Falls Independent Order of Odd Fellows Temple
The Cedar Falls Independent Order of Odd Fellows Temple, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, also known as Odd Fellows Temple or 4th and Main Building, is an Independent Order of Odd Fellows building that was built during 1901–02.
Neighbourhood
Cedar Falls Downtown Historic District
The Cedar Falls Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. It is made up of 59 buildings that were constructed between 1860 and 1960. Of those, 46 were determined to be significantly historic.
42°37'1"N • 92°29'38"W
James Newell Barn
The James Newell Barn is a historic building located north of Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. Newell was the first settler in Washington Township. The Ohio native settled here in 1845 from Louisa County, Iowa.

Things to See and Do in Cedar Falls by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Cedar Falls.

Active

UNI-Dome
Cedar Falls
FootballSport venueSport
McLeod Center
Cedar Falls
Arenas and stadiumsBasketballSport venue
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Cedar Falls
ParkNature and wildlifeHiking trail

Day trips

Cedar Falls – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cedar Falls, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Young Arena (Waterloo), Grout Museum (Waterloo), Meskwaki Casino (Tama).

5.4 miE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Hockey
Young Arena, Waterloo
Young Arena is a 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Waterloo, Iowa, United States, and was built in 1994.
5.5 miE
Museum, History museum, Science museum
Grout Museum, Waterloo
The Grout Museum District is a set of museums in Waterloo, Iowa. The District consists of the Grout Museum of History & Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House Museum, Snowden House and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.
38 milesS
Gambling, Casino, Nightlife
Meskwaki Casino, Tama
Meskwaki Casino is a Native American casino and hotel located in Tama, Iowa. It is owned and operated by the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, and opened in 1992.
28 milesE
History museum, Museum
Wapsipinicon Mill, Independence
The Wapsipinicon Mill is a historic industrial building located in Independence, Iowa, United States. The first mill built on this site was completed in 1854. It was replaced by the present structure in 1867. Part of its foundation is the original mill.
40 milesSW
Historical place, Historic walking areas, Tower
Marshall County Courthouse, Marshalltown
The Marshall County Courthouse is located in Marshalltown, Iowa, United States. The current building was completed in 1886 to replace an earlier building. The courthouse is a dominant landmark in downtown Marshalltown. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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Best Time To Visit Cedar Falls

Learn when is the best time to travel to Cedar Falls weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Cedar Falls?

The top attractions to visit in Cedar Falls are: