We welcome you to visit our community of opportunity, where you’ll connect with authentic and friendly people who proudly call Waterloo home. Our ‘smart city’ includes a locally owned and operated broadband utility offering high speed internet to all residents, plus a nationally ranked water park and theme park.
- Quentin Hart Mayor of Waterloo
We’re excited for you to experience all that Waterloo has to offer. Waterloo is a great weekend getaway with your family, a fun host of your next conference or tournament, and a fantastic community to call “Home.” We enthusiastically invite you to taste a great dish; ride a fun ride; or create a lasting memory right here in Waterloo, Iowa.
- Tavis Hall Executive Director, Experience Waterloo
PHOTO CREDITS:
Experience Our Unique Charm
Lost Island Theme and Water Parks, the 4th Street Bridge Light Show, 7 museums, 100+ miles of trails, and welcoming local spots. This guide highlights budget-friendly dining, activities, and family-friendly fun to create lasting memories.
Festivals Events
Waterloo’s festival and event season runs from May (starting with the Fourth Street Cruise) and continues every weekend through May, June, July, August and September. It all happens here.
Cedar Valley Pridefest • August 22-23, 2025
Fourth Street Cruise • May 24, 2025
My Waterloo Days
August 1-3, 2025
Iowa Irish Fest
This festival is dedicated to celebrating Irish culture in Iowa and takes place in the Lincoln Park area of downtown Waterloo. Bands come from the US, Canada, Scotland and Ireland, but do yourself a favor and be sure to catch some of the great local and regional artists performing on some of the smaller stages. Started in 2006, this event has since grown into the largest Irish celebration in Iowa. Enjoy a full weekend of fun, music, and Irish culture!
More Fun in 2025
Riverloop Rhythms at Riverloop Amphitheater
225 Commercial Street, Downtown Waterloo
May 30th, June 20th, July 25th, August 15th
Iowa Irish Fest • August 23-24, 2025
Park Avenue Bridge, Downtown Waterloo
June 22, 2025
Downtown Waterloo
May 23, June 13, July 18, August 8, August 29
North End Arts and Music Festival
Ferguson Fields Park
July 14, 2025
FridayLoo at Lincoln Park
The Great Race
Summer Soul Classic
More Fun in 2025
Stem and Stein
Riverloop Expo Plaza
Corner of Park Avenue & Jefferson Street
August 9, 2025
CedarLoo Slam
Riverside Skate Park, 999 Park Road
August 2025
Iowa Oktoberfest Anton’s Garden
518 Sycamore Street, Downtown Waterloo
September 26 & 27, 2025
Waterloo Lights the Night Holiday Party
518 Sycamore Street, Downtown Waterloo November 29, 2025
115th Annual
National Cattle Congress Fair
September 17-21, 2025
Fireworks • July 5, 2025
¡Fiesta! • August 19, 2025
Food Truck Festival • August 30, 2025
Mayor’s
EAT UP! Over 100 locally owned restaurants are woven into the hearts of everyone in Waterloo.
SingleSpeed Brewing Company
Grab a Pint and Other Bites
Singlespeed opened their Waterloo location in November of 2016 situated in the historically renovated Wonder Bread building. Choose from shareable plates, salads, soups, wings, flatbreads, entrees, burgers, tacos, sides, and desserts. They also have a kids’ menu and a happy hour prices. There are options for vegetarians, vegans, and those who are gluten-free.
Authentic Taste
Experience a warm welcome, exceptional service, and mouthwatering dishes in a vibrant setting. One standout recommendation is their table-side guacamole, freshly prepared right before your eyes, paired with a perfectly crafted margarita. This combination is a match made in culinary heaven! With its inviting atmosphere and flavorful menu, El Patrón is the perfect spot for a memorable meal with friends or family.
El Patrón Mexican Restaurant
Dish Up Delicious
Doughy Joey’s Peetza Joynt
Chicago Style Deep Dish
Doughy Joey’s Peetza Joynt dough is made fresh daily, and topped with the freshest ingredients. New York Style pizza is cooked to perfection on thin crust and cut party style. Don’t forget about wings, sandwiches and more! You will not want to miss out on the rest of our menu.
Basal Pizza
Fast Fired and Never Rushed
Waterloo’s own Basal Pizza made the list of Yelp’s list of 100 best Pizza’s in the Midwest and #3 in Iowa. Basal offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, Chicago tavern style, and Detroit-style pizzas and one-of-a-kind chicken wings, Enjoy local craft beers a fresh environment and a meal handmade by the owner Tony.
The O.P. (The Other Place)
A Local Classic Since 1970
The Other Place has been baking an original pizza for over 45 years using only the finest meats and 100% real cheese. Every pizza is made to order using homemade sauce and dough and loaded with fresh ingredients. Plus oven baked subs, sandwiches, pastas, salads and more all in a sports themed setting to be enjoyed by family and friends.
Eat like a local.
Named best in the state by Taste of Home magazine, its worth a stop for smash burgers, fries ,wings, and milkshakes. Enjoy with their perfectly seasoned fries.
Neighborhood bar and grill serving up burgers, pizza, wings, and cocktails in a casual space that is perfect for watching the game.
Slow-roasted ribs and juicy smoked meats prepared with savory seasonings, delicious sauces and rubs. All sides are house made and brag-worthy as well.
Irish pub featuring their own take on shepherd’s pie, plus traditional Irish flair like fish and chips, Guinness® pints and regular live entertainment.
Big Head Burger
Starbeck’s Smokehouse
Damon’s Bar & Grill
Jameson’s Public House
Enjoy like a local.
Once a jewelry store, Newton’s Cafe serves meals all day. Build your own breakfast bowl or choose from a great selection of burgers, wraps and salads.
Upscale bar and grill serving comfort food, including rib eye steak, mac ‘n’ cheese, and crab cakes. Plus an amazing brunch every Sunday.
This long-time institution in Waterloo prides themselves on smoked pork ribs, ¼ fried chicken sirloin steaks and as always a relish plate. Reservations (319) 233-9111
A Waterloo Classic since 1933, this classic family restaurant serves a variety of familiar foods, with booth seating & a full bar.
Newton’s Paradise Cafe
D&K Hickory House
1850 Grill
Steamboat Gardens
Start with
A Waterloo institution since 1960, this locally-owned diner offers handmade hash browns and some of the biggest pancakes in Iowa. Arrive early because this place is a favorite among locals and fills up fast.
Morg’s Diner
Sweet Treats WATERLOO
Carpenter’s Diner
The Savvy Bean
Icon Donuts
Macarons by Sani
Try Pie
La Placita Botanas
Panache Tea Boutique
Sidecar Coffee
Date Night Make a Great Night
Cappella Magna
Experience a spectacular dinner served under a magnificent replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling at Capella Magna. Renowned artist, Paco Rosic, recreated Michelangelo’s masterpiece using 5,200 cans of spray paint. Before dinner, visit their lower level “The Catacomb Lounge” for one of their signature cocktails. Reservations only: cappellamagna.com
After Dinner Delights into the Night
Take a spin on over 800 slots, electronic table games and video poker machines. Place bets on all your favorite sports at Caesars Sportsbook! Get in on the action with more than 20 high-paying live table games and more!
Isle Casino features a vibrant bar right on the gaming floor, offering video poker and a full selection of drinks. Enjoy your favorite beverage while staying close to the action!
This long-standing local hangout has been attracting crowds for generations. It’s known for festive Christmas decorations, down-to-earth staff, and delicious pizza.
Anton’s Garden (seasonal)
Enjoy a Beer Under the Stars
Fun and unique place with great beer and service, and a comfortable and charming outdoor space to enjoy a relaxed drink.
The Lava Lounge is a casual, hip, and cozy bar with a jukebox. They serve beer and cocktails, including margaritas. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and listen to good music.
Ari’z Supper Club & Martini Lounge
Delicious drinks, good vibes and full menu to choose from. Ari’z has a laid back atmosphere and chic decor with a full bar. Play a card game with friends while you sip on a martini.
Lighthouse Lounge
Lava Lounge
George Wyth State Park
Choose Your Adventure
At George Wyth, you can enjoy the perfect escape from the city while staying surprisingly close to it. Take advantage of a wide range of outdoor activities in a serene and natural setting. The park is unique in that it has several water areas: Brinker Lake (120 acres, open for power boating), George Wyth Lake (75 acres, no wake lake with handicap accessible fishing pier and fishing jetties), Fisher Lake (40 acres natural lake), Alice Wyth Lake (60 acres, electric motors only) and the Cedar River.
Paddle along the 10-mile Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail, starting at George Wyth State Park. This loop will take you through a chain of lakes and down the Cedar River back to where you began. This is a fun way to spend a clear day.
Need kayaks? No Problem. Rentals are conveniently available in the park at Maxx Rentals so you can be on the water in no time.
Adventures Continue for the Curious
If you like to learn in a fun environment, this adventure is for you. You can get hands-on while learning about John Deere and how the company has come so far. View the multicultural art exhibits at Waterloo Center for the Arts. Then sits under the “stars” at the Grout Museum Planetarium. These trips highlight the rich culture and beauty the city has to offer. You’re sure to learn something new at each stop.
Norris Corson Family Planetarium
Phelps Youth Pavilion
The Grout Museum District
The Grout Museum District offers adventures in science and history! Dive into the newly renovated planetarium, featuring a cutting-edge projection system that takes you anywhere—from Jupiter, or Saturn, to ancient Mayan jungles, or the Christmas night sky—all in stunning detail. Don’t miss the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, packed with interactive exhibits that show how science shapes our world every day.
The Phelps Youth Pavilion is a split-level children’s museum filled with creative, hands-on experiences, from simple drawing and painting projects always available in our Arts Workshop to magical high-tech adventures and a climbable playscape for young ones to traverse. With over 40 interactive exhibits, learning about art and culture has never been so fun!
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
A beautiful 40-acre oasis located right in Waterloo! With stunning flower displays, a peaceful atmosphere, and a variety of gardens to explore, it’s the perfect place to relax and connect with nature. They even have a Children’s Garden and a Butterfly Meadow, making it a great spot for the whole family..
Phelps Youth Pavilion
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
Level Up Fun
Even more for your kids to do.
Maple Lanes Bowling & Kingpin Social
A state of the art bowling alley, that also offers Duckpin bowling. Think of it as bowling with mini-pins, a smaller ball, and three rolls per frame instead of two. It’s a game where gutter balls are practically nonexistent and strikes are harder to come by, making it anyone’s game! So whether you want to bowl the regular way or try something new, Maple Lanes has a game for everyone!
Dan Gable Wrestling Museum
Hey kids, wanna learn some cool wrestling moves? The museum has interactive exhibits and electronic kiosks, as well as the opportunity to watch NCAA Championship matches from the 1930s to present day. It’s the perfect place to learn about wrestling and have a blast at the same time!
Palmer’s Family Fun
At Palmer’s you’ll find go karts, 36-holes of mini golf, a driving range, a giant jumping pillow, batting cages and our newest attraction, archery tag. It’s like a giant playground with tons of exciting things to do!
John Deere Tractor Museum
Horse Drawn to Horsepower - discover the many innovations and historical achievements while you grip the handles of a steel plow or sit behind the wheel of state-of-the-art heavy equipment.
It’s Island Time
At Lost Island Waterpark, Experience an island getaway in the middle of Iowa. Surround yourself with palm trees and island music while you relax in the lazy river, race your friends and family down one of 11 major water slides, take the little ones through the `four kids areas, and finish your day with a race at Monaleo speedway and a round of adventure golf.
At Lost Island Theme Park - choose your journey through the realms of this tropical oasis. Choose from roller coasters and thrill rides, family and kids rides, spinning rides and more. This memorable experience offers world-class fun close to home. Ready. Set. Let’s go!
Get your tickets in combination with your water park tickets for an entire weekend of fun at savings: thelostisland.com
RiverLoop Amphitheater
The Waterloo Center for the Arts hosts a fun FREE live summer music series on select Fridays at 5:30PM – 9:30PM from May – August at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre! Enjoy a wide selection of bands ranging from blues and rock to latin and gospel and MANY MORE!
RiverLoop Rhythms 2025 Schedule
May 30th June 20th
July 25th August 15th
No Cost, Just Fun.
Waterloo has many experiences to offer and we have featured a few of our more popular areas that are also 100% FREE!
Cedar Valley Trails
Embark on an adventure along over 100 miles of scenic trails that cater to both bikers and hikers. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through lush greenery or a challenging ride across rugged terrain, these trails offer something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Well-marked and maintained, our trails are perfect for a day of exploration, fitness, or simply soaking in the serenity of your surroundings. So grab your bike or lace up your hiking shoes and discover the endless possibilities of adventure.
Mark’s Park Splash Pad
A vibrant and family-friendly outdoor water play area designed to bring joy and excitement to kids of all ages. Nestled in the heart of the community, this colorful splash pad is a refreshing oasis, featuring an array of interactive water features like sprayers, fountains, and playful splash buckets.
Mark’s Park Splash Pad is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space where memories are made and the community comes together to celebrate the joys of outdoor play.
Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo Black Hawks
for the home team.
Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on quad roller skates. Located at the Hippodrome on the National Cattle Congress grounds. You absolutely have to see what the derby is all about!
Iowa’s new football team plays indoor football with The Arena League. Games are held at The Hippodrome on the National Cattle Congress grounds. This electrifying style of football is the best way to catch up close, action packed football. iowawoo.com
Cedar Valley Roller Derby
Iowa Woo
Soldiers Service
The Sullivan Brothers lowa Veterans Museum honors the service and sacrifice of all lowa veterans from the Civil War to present. Step into their stories through traditional exhibits, interactive activities and an electronic Wall of Honor. The Museum consists of over 35 interactive exhibits. Interviews collected via the Voices of lowa Oral History Project total over 1,500.
The memorial portion of the plaza space is designed to follow the shape of a ship deck A gangplank welcomes and leads visitors to the center of the ship, inviting them to experience the exhibit up close and personal in a variety of ways
Sullivan Brothers Plaza
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
WATERLOO AIRPORT (ALO)
GEORGE WYTH STATE PARK
THE ISLE CASINO & HOTEL
KOA CAMPGROUND
LOST ISLAND THEMEPARK
LOST ISLAND WATERPARK
Town Around
Downtown Discover
Play Stay
Courtyard Marriott
BAYMONT INN & SUITES
1945 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 234-7411
BAYMONTINNS.COM
BEST WESTERN PLUS & EXECUTIVE RESIDENCY
205 W 4TH ST, WATERLOO BESTWESTERN.COM
BOARDERS INN & SUITES
1825 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-1800
STAYCOBBLESTONE.COM
COMFORT INN & SUITES
2011 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 234-5452
COMFORTINN.COM
COUNTRY INN & SUITES BY RADISSON
4025 HAMMOND AVE, WATERLOO (319) 233-2336
COUNTRYINNS.COM
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
250 WESTFIELD, WATERLOO (319) 233-5531
MARRIOTT.COM
DAYS INN & SUITES
1809 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 235-4461
DAYSINN.COM
DAYS INN
450 EVANSDALE DR, EVANSDALE (319) 235-1111
DAYSINN.COM
ECONOLODGE
INN & SUITES
226 W 5TH ST, WATERLOO (319) 235-0301
CHOICEHOTELS.COM
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES
2134 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-2500
OPENDOORHOSPITALITY.COM
HAMPTON INN
2034 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-2044
HAMPTONINN.COM
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
2127 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 274-7000
OPENDOORHOSPITALITY.COM
HOWARD JOHNSON
3052 MARNIE AVE, WATERLOO (319) 232-7467
HOJO.COM
ISLE CASINO HOTEL WATERLOO
777 ISLE OF CAPRI BLVD, WATERLOO (319) 833-4753, (800) 843-4753
CAESARS.COM/ISLE-WATERLOO
MOTEL 6
2141 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO
MOTEL6.COM (319) 233-9191
MOTEL 6
2343 LOGAN AVE, WATERLOO (319) 236-3238
MOTEL6.COM
QUALITY INN & SUITES
2056 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 235-7000
CHOICEHOTELS.COM
SUPER 8
1825 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-1800
SUPER8.COM
BED BREAKFAST
THE WEIS MANSION BED & BREAKFAST
800 W 4TH ST, WATERLOO (319) 493-7271
NO BUSINESS CENTER. NOT HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE DUE TO HISTORIC HOME.
All hotels are handicap accessible and have WiFi Internet access.
Love
This mobile sculpture is the perfect way to “say it with a picture” and give visitors or residents the opportunity to show their love for Waterloo.
