Location: Waterloo
Top Things to do in Waterloo
- 1. Cedar Falls Main Street
- 2. John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
- 3. Lost Island Water Park
- 4. Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
- 5. Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
- 6. UNI-Dome / McLeod Center
- 7. Phelps Youth Pavilion
- 8. SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
- 9. Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
- 10. Escape Cedar Valley
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Top 10 Things to do in Waterloo, United States
Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0.5% to 68,406; the 2014 Census estimates the population at 68,364, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. The city is part of the Waterloo – Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the more populous of the two cities.
Restaurants in Waterloo
1. Cedar Falls Main Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia F
Cedar Falls Main Street is full of cute shops and quality restaurants. The vintage buildings add charm, but the shops are "current." Photographers are often seen shooting portraits here. Don't miss The World's Window free trade store for unique gift and home goods, with a purpose. We recommend the Cottonwood Canyon (Jamaican) and Ginger Thai restaurants. And Scratch Cupcakery has become a destination location!
2. John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By _iaholic57 - Waterloo, Iowa
Our visit to the John Deere Tractor Museum was a very pleasant surprise!! It was very informative & especially enjoyable. There was slot to view, see & experience. We loved it & will go back again!!Thanks and be sure to visit again!
3. Lost Island Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Lost Island is a tropical getaway hidden in the heart of the Midwest! Have you ever seen palm trees in Iowa? How about mysterious ancient ruins? Walking through the gates at Lost Island will make you feel like you just stepped off a plane in some far away destination. We offer a wide range of attractions for all thrill levels. Enjoy the Wailua Kupua - one of the first hydromagnetic watercoasters in the country! Splash around in Tsunami Bay, race your friends down Ta'Katipo, lounge in a deluxe cabana, or float around the Kailahi River. With over 20 attractions available, it won't take you long to get lost.
Reviewed By Haley_R123 - Iowa
I love Lost Island. I make an effort to go at least once every summer. We live close by so it's a quick, easy drive for us. The admission price doesn't seem expensive to me because it takes a lot to maintain that many slides. The new water coaster is great especially with low crowds because they let you stay on and keep going. I've never been there with unbearable crowds before. The food prices are steep and that's why we always pack lunch and sit on a blanket outside the park. For being in the middle of nowhere, I think it deserves a good rating. We don't have a lot going for us in this area in terms of thrills.
4. Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Russell C - Storm Lake
Our son took us here to enjoy a warm Saturday early spring walk at the Big Woods Lake Rec Area. We walked into a wooded area on a paved bike trail and saw three deer on the trail and four others in the woods staring at us. We walked further and saw three Eagles flying and perched in trees looking for food. We of course saw the annoying geese who are loud and leave droppings all over the path. Beautiful place to walk, bike, long board, or even fish.
5. Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Roy C - Whispering Pines, North Carolina
This museum is very nice, commemorating not only the five Sullivan Brothers who all died after the sinking of their ship during World War II, but all military as well, in particular those from Waterloo and environs. A very nice gentleman discussed the statue of the brothers, explaining that the wife of the only married brother wanted his likeness to be made the most handsome.
Some of the Sullivan family home is replicated at the museum, showing what life was like in the early 1940s when America entered the war. There also is a tank into which children (or limber wives, for that matter) may climb. There also is the front part of Huey helicopter, used extensively in the Vietnam war, and a P-51 Mustang from the World War. It hangs at the entrance to the museum.
Don't miss the statue to the "Lone Sailor" before entering the museum.
It is a very nice museum, not to be missed if you are passing through Waterloo or if you live near there.
There is a parking lot at the side of the museum, but we did not know if we could use it. It seemed to be for employees only, though the signage wasn't very clear on that point. We did use it, rather far from the employee door, with no problems.
6. UNI-Dome / McLeod Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Irishjudge - Cedar Falls, Iowa
The UNI-Dome seats about 15000 and there is not a bed seat in the house for a football game. The McLeod Center is a fine venue for basketball and, again, not a bad seat in the house. We have season tickets to UNI men's basketball and always have a good time. The McLeod center is also used for volleyball. Occasionally both venues are used for concerts. These sites are a credit to the University and great for the Cedar Valley community at large.
7. Phelps Youth Pavilion
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By ificouldonlyfly - Yankton, South Dakota
We spent most of a snowy afternoon here - there is plenty to do, and engage the children's imaginations. My 5 y/o had fun with everything and spent time at every station. The stage and puppet theater upstairs, was especially enjoyable. I thought the rooms from around the world was really cool, showing you a glimpse of life from other countries. We've gone to many children's museums, and this was one of the best, and their stuff was different from what I've seen elsewhere. Even my teenager had fun playing here!
8. SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By ttphotography - Cedar Falls, Iowa
What a fun place to meet friends, and share a beer.
This is a cozy corner establishment, with bar, long high top tables, regular tables, and a couple window tables for people watching.
Great brewed beer menu available, with detailed descriptions.
Sampling available if you're unsure of what you want.
They also have a few wines, for non-beer drinkers.
9. Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
The Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is a stunning 34 acre oasis of beauty and inspiration, nestled on the outskirts of Waterloo, Iowa. The CVABG was begun by a dedicated group of volunteers and has flourished into a stunning display of flowers and trees, both native and exotic. The CVABG boasts many beautiful gardens, including the Hillside Welcome Garden, formal Rose Garden, perennial display garden, Shade Garden, and an award winning Children's Garden! In 2014, the CVABG was the first garden in Iowa to attempt a mosaiculture, which is a living sculpture! Our mosaiculture will change every year. We are also currently developing two new large features: a 4-acre Butterfly Conservation Meadow and a 1-acre demonstration orchard called the Master Gardeners Orchard! Come on out to discover the beauty and serenity!
Reviewed By Deb B - Waterloo, Iowa
I visited the Arboretum for the first time this Fall and realized I'd been missing a great, local natural reserve. Arts & Craft vendors offered a variety of unique treasures! The Scarecrow contest added to the fun. Special displays are offered to interest children.
10. Escape Cedar Valley
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By JunkerFam
Good escape room establishment. Located close to downtown cedar falls so you can walk to entertainment afterwards if you plan a full night out. Two rooms currently available. Professional set up and organized. A lot of these have been popping up around the country and some are better than others. The actual riddles could have been a bit better, but is definitely worth going to if you enjoy these types of places.
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