Waterloo Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Waterloo, located in the heart of the Iowa region in the United States, is a city that offers a diverse range of attractions for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience. From its rich history to its vibrant arts scene, Waterloo has something to offer for everyone.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the city's historical sites and museums. The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum is a must-visit destination, where visitors can learn about the iconic brand's history and see a collection of vintage tractors and engines. The Grout Museum District is another cultural gem, housing the Grout Museum of History and Science, which showcases exhibits on local history and natural science.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Waterloo has plenty to offer. George Wyth State Park is a scenic retreat with over 1,000 acres of woodlands, trails, and a picturesque lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, and fishing in this serene natural oasis. The Lost Island Waterpark is a popular spot for families, featuring thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

Art and culture thrive in Waterloo, making it a vibrant destination for creative minds. The Waterloo Center for the Arts hosts a variety of exhibitions and performances, showcasing the works of local and national artists. The RiverLoop Amphitheatre is a hub for live music and theater, offering entertainment for all ages throughout the year.

Food lovers will delight in the culinary scene of Waterloo. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, there are endless options to satisfy any palate. Visitors can savor local specialties like Iowa pork tenderloin sandwiches or explore the multicultural flavors offered by the city's diverse restaurants.

Waterloo also hosts several annual events that draw visitors from near and far. The My Waterloo Days festival celebrates the community's heritage with live music, parades, and carnival rides. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum hosts the Sullivan Brothers Pro-Am Golf Tournament, attracting professional golfers and enthusiasts alike.

Alternative names: Population: 68.5 thous.Area: 63.23 mi²Elevation: 840 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°29'34"N, 92°20'9"W

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IowaUnited States

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Waterloo Top Attractions

Waterloo Attractions - What to See and Explore

Waterloo offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Young Arena, Grout Museum, Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Rensselaer Russell House. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Sport venue • Hockey
Young Arena
Young Arena is a 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Waterloo, Iowa, United States, and was built in 1994.
Museum • History museum • Science museum
Grout Museum
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.
Garden • Park • Botanical garden
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens was founded in 1996 and is located directly East of Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. The mission of the Arboretum is to enhance the quality of life for all individuals through horticulture.

Museum • History museum
Rensselaer Russell House
The Rensselaer Russell House, also known as the Lamson House, is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. Russell was a real estate investor, banker, and a dealer in dry goods. He completed the construction of this two-story Italianate house in 1861.
42°29'54"N • 92°20'32"W
Waterloo Center for the Arts
Museum • Art gallery • Shopping
National park • Park
George Wyth State Park
The George Wyth Memorial State Park is a state park of Iowa in the United States. The park was dedicated in 1940 as "Josh Higgins Parkway", named for a popular radio character of the day. In 1956, it was renamed George Wyth Memorial State Park after a well-known Cedar Falls businessman and conservationist.
Church • Walnut
Walnut Street Baptist Church
Walnut Street Baptist Church is a church building in downtown Waterloo, Iowa, United States. It has also been known as Faith Temple Baptist Church. Built in 1908, it was designed for its triangular lot by Waterloo architect Clinton P. Shockley.
42°29'39"N • 92°20'45"W
Snowden House
The Snowden House is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. William Snowden was a local pharmacist. He had this house built in 1878. It became the home of the Waterloo Women's Club in 1922. The house is a two-story, brick, rectangular Italianate structure.
42°30'2"N • 92°20'9"W
Waterloo Masonic Temple
The Waterloo Masonic Temple is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. The first Masonic lodge in town, No. 105 A.F. & A.M, was established on the west side of the Cedar River in 1857. Lodge No. 296 was organized on the east side of the river in 1871, and the two consolidated into one lodge eight years later.
42°29'43"N • 92°20'18"W
Black Hawk County Soldiers Memorial Hall
The Black Hawk County Soldiers Memorial Hall, also known as Veterans Memorial Hall, is a Classical Revival veterans hall located at 194 West Fifth Street in downtown Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa.
Georgian architecture • Downtown Waterloo
Hotel Russell-Lamson
The Hotel Russell-Lamson is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. Clyde O. Lamson, a real estate developer, and his wife Lillian Russell Lamson were instrumental in the construction of the hotel. Completed in 1914, it uses their family names for its name.
42°29'47"N • 92°20'21"W
YMCA Building
The YMCA Building is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. The local YMCA was established in 1868, three months after the city was incorporated. Its first permanent building was built at this location in 1893. As membership expanded they eventually out grew the building, and it was torn down in 1930.
Church
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. The congregation that built this building was organized in 1861 as First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Island • San Souci
Sans Souci Island
Sans Souci Island is an island in the Cedar River in the city of Waterloo, Iowa. The island has a population of between 40 and 50 residents and is 100 acres in size, with most of the land area being woodland.
42°29'34"N • 92°20'52"W
Emerson School
Emerson School is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. It is oldest extant school campus on the city's west side. Emerson was established in 1893 when its first building was constructed on this property. It was the third school in West Waterloo.
42°29'55"N • 92°20'14"W
Hotel President
The Hotel President, also known as the Park Towers Apartments, is an historic building located in downtown Waterloo, Iowa, United States. The building was completed in 1929, and it opened as a "showcase hotel." In 1948, Paul "Pinkie" George and five other wrestling promoters...
42°29'56"N • 92°20'6"W
The Fowler Company Building
The Fowler Company Building is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1884 by the city's most successful grocery wholesale business.
Library
Waterloo Public Library-East Side Branch
The Waterloo Public Library-East Side Branch is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. The public library was established here in 1896.
42°29'26"N • 92°20'46"W
Henry Weis House
The Henry Weis House is a historic building located in Waterloo, Iowa, United States. Weis was a factory owner that produced egg case fillers, which were used to protect eggs during shipping. He engaged the local architectural firm of Murphy & Ralston to design this house, which was completed in 1902.

Day trips

Waterloo – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Waterloo, it's worth seeing attractions such as: McLeod Center (Cedar Falls), Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (Cedar Rapids), Paramount Theatre (Cedar Rapids).

6.9 miW
Arenas and stadiums, Basketball, Sport venue
McLeod Center, Cedar Falls
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.
49 milesSE
Museum, Art museum
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a museum in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The museum is privately owned and was established in 1905.
49 milesSE
Concerts and shows, Performing arts, Theater
Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids
The Paramount Theatre is a 1,693-seat Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
50 milesSE
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Brucemore, Cedar Rapids
Brucemore, a park-like, 26-acre estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the site of a Queen Anne-style mansion, formal gardens, a children's garden, night garden, pond, orchard, and woodland.
38 milesSW
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.

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Best Time To Visit Waterloo

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Waterloo?

The top attractions to visit in Waterloo are:

What is the best time to visit Waterloo?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.