Waterloo Guide 2025

Waterloo INSPIRATION GUIDE 2025

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Welcome............................................... 3-4 Festivals & Events...........................5-10 Eat & Drink.........................................11-18 Date Night Ideas.......................... 19-22 Outdoor Adventures..................23-28 Lost Island...................................... 29-30 No Cost, Just Fun..........................31-32 Local Sports...................................33-34 Honoring Veterans..................... 35-36 Local Map........................................ 37-38 Hotels & Info................................. 39-40

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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 Waterloo Donna Olmstead Photography Circuitous Photography Elliot Tensen Photography Stephanie Lyn Photography

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716 Commercial Street Waterloo, Iowa 50701 (319) 233-8350 ExperienceWaterloo.com

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.

@ExperienceWaterloo

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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

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June 5-8 , 2025

My Waterloo Days For more than 40 years, residents and visitors have gathered to celebrate, showcase and enjoy all that the city has to offer. From the iconic My Waterloo Days Parade to concerts, kids events, food vendors and loads of entertainment, we’re excited to see you at My Waterloo Days 2025 in downtown Waterloo at Lincoln Park. mywaterloodays.com

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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!

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More Fun in 2025

Riverloop Rhythms at Riverloop Amphitheater

The Great Race

225 Commercial Street, Downtown Waterloo May 30th, June 20th, July 25th, August 15th

Park Avenue Bridge, Downtown Waterloo June 22, 2025

Iowa Irish Fest • August 23-24, 2025

FridayLoo at Lincoln Park

Summer Soul Classic

Downtown Waterloo May 23, June 13, July 18, August 8, August 29

North End Arts and Music Festival Ferguson Fields Park July 14, 2025

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More Fun in 2025

Stem and Stein

Iowa Oktoberfest Anton’s Garden

Riverloop Expo Plaza Corner of Park Avenue & Jefferson Street August 9, 2025

518 Sycamore Street, Downtown Waterloo September 26 & 27, 2025

Iowa Irish Fest • August 23-24, 2025

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CedarLoo Slam

Waterloo Lights the Night Holiday Party

Riverside Skate Park, 999 Park Road August 2025

518 Sycamore Street, Downtown Waterloo November 29, 2025

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Mayor’s Fireworks • July 5, 2025 115th Annual National Cattle Congress Fair September 17-21, 2025

¡Fiesta! • August 19, 2025

Food Truck Festival • August 30, 2025

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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.

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El Patrón Mexican Restaurant

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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Eat like a local.

Big Head Burger

Damon’s Bar & Grill

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.

Damon’s Bar & Grill

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Starbeck’s Smokehouse

Jameson’s Public House

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.

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Enjoy like a local.

Newton’s Paradise Cafe

1850 Grill

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.

Damon’s Bar & Grill

D&K Hickory House

Steamboat Gardens

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.

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Start with

Morg’s Diner 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.

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Sidecar Coffee

Sweet WATERLOO Treats

Carpenter’s Diner

Try Pie

The Savvy Bean

La Placita Botanas

Panache Tea Boutique

Macarons by Sani Icon Donuts

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Make

Date Night 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

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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!

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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.

Lava Lounge Lighthouse Lounge 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.

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.

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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.

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Phelps Youth Pavilion Norris Corson Family Planetarium

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.

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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.

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

Phelps Youth Pavilion 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!

Learn Around the World

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..

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Level

Up

Fun

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!

Even more for your kids to do.

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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!

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!

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.

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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

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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! 31

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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.

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.

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Waterloo Bucks As members of the Northwoods League, the Bucks were established in 1995 and are staple for Waterloo families to enjoy.

The Bucks play their home games at Cost Cutters Field at Riverfront Stadium. northwoodsleague.com/waterloo-bucks

Waterloo Black Hawks Since 1962, the Waterloo Black Hawks have been thrilling spectators with action packed hockey for their loyal fans. Games are held at Young Arena, waterlooblackhawks.com

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for the home team.

Iowa Woo 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 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!

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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.

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Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

Sullivan Brothers Plaza 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

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Around

Town

WATERLOO AIRPORT (ALO) GEORGE WYTH STATE PARK THE ISLE CASINO & HOTEL KOA CAMPGROUND LOST ISLAND THEMEPARK LOST ISLAND WATERPARK

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Play Stay Courtyard Marriott

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Isle Casino Hotel

BAYMONT INN & SUITES

DAYS INN

MOTEL 6

1945 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 234-7411

450 EVANSDALE DR, EVANSDALE (319) 235-1111

2141 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO MOTEL6.COM

BAYMONTINNS.COM

DAYSINN.COM

(319) 233-9191

BEST WESTERN PLUS & EXECUTIVE RESIDENCY

ECONOLODGE INN & SUITES

205 W 4TH ST, WATERLOO BESTWESTERN.COM

226 W 5TH ST, WATERLOO (319) 235-0301

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

MOTEL 6 2343 LOGAN AVE, WATERLOO (319) 236-3238 MOTEL6.COM

CHOICEHOTELS.COM

QUALITY INN & SUITES

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES 2134 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-2500 OPENDOORHOSPITALITY.COM

1825 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-1800

2034 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 233-2044

SUPER8.COM

HAMPTONINN.COM

BED BREAKFAST

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 2127 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 274-7000

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

MARRIOTT.COM

HOWARD JOHNSON

800 W 4TH ST, WATERLOO

NO BUSINESS CENTER. NOT HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE DUE TO HISTORIC HOME.

3052 MARNIE AVE, WATERLOO (319) 232-7467

DAYS INN & SUITES

DAYSINN.COM

THE WEIS MANSION BED & BREAKFAST (319) 493-7271

HOJO.COM

1809 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 235-4461

CHOICEHOTELS.COM

SUPER 8

HAMPTON INN

OPENDOORHOSPITALITY.COM

250 WESTFIELD, WATERLOO (319) 233-5531

2056 LA PORTE RD, WATERLOO (319) 235-7000

ISLE CASINO HOTEL WATERLOO

All hotels are handicap accessible and have WiFi Internet access.

777 ISLE OF CAPRI BLVD, WATERLOO (319) 833-4753, (800) 843-4753 CAESARS.COM/ISLE-WATERLOO

FREE BREAKFAST

FITNESS CENTER

SMOKE FREE

HOTEL SHUTTLE

MEETING ROOMS

IN-HOUSE DINING

SWIMMING POOL

PET FRIENDLY

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Inspiring Community

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.

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716 Commercial Street Waterloo, Iowa 50701 (319) 233-8350 ExperienceWaterloo.com