3 minute read
Cedar Falls, Iowa: Your Ultimate Adventure Awaits
© Courtesy of Cedar Falls Tourism
Cedar Falls, Iowa: Your Ultimate Adventure Awaits
Looking for your next unforgettable getaway? Cedar Falls, Iowa, has it all—outdoor thrills, scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and smalltown charm that will leave you planning your return before you even leave. Just a short trip from Waterloo Regional Airport, Cedar Falls is perfect for a weekend escape or an extended adventure.
DIVE INTO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Cedar Falls is a paradise for water lovers. The newly revamped Gateway River Park brings the thrills with river surfing, tubing, paddling, and even in-river fishing. With aquatic life pools, fishing jetties, and easy river access, it’s an ideal spot to play, relax, and soak in the great outdoors.
Is Cedar Falls on your bicycle or kayak list? It should be! With over 130+ miles of hard-surfaced trails, a vast network of soft trails, and miles and miles of designated paddling trails, your adventure can last as long as you like. What’s more, the innovative loop trail system allows you to choose your own adventure, whether that’s a leisurely lakeside walk, a brisk 10-mile jog through George Wyth State Park, or a 50-mile biking journey through the scenic Cedar Valley.
For trail lovers with a taste for hops, Cedar Falls offers a twist: the Beer Trail Passport. Pair your adventures with stops at local breweries and collect stamps to earn beer-themed swag. Who says you can’t have fun and indulge?
SHOP, DINE, AND UNWIND
If retail therapy is on your agenda, Cedar Falls won’t disappoint.
The Downtown and College Hill Districts have over 40 locally owned boutiques, offering everything from trendy clothes and handmade jewelry to books, records, and home décor. Stroll through the districts and find hidden gems at every turn.
Cedar Falls’ family-owned restaurants and cafés serve up a delicious mix of classic comfort food and innovative dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Dine under the stars on one of the city’s 20+ patios or explore local flavors at boutique eateries.
When night falls, the city comes alive with an electric mix of bars, breweries, and live music venues. Whether you prefer sipping craft beer in a cozy pub or dancing the night away, Cedar Falls has the perfect spot.
For those who love a challenge, Cedar Falls has plenty to offer. Test your wits at a local escape room, channel your inner lumberjack with hatchet throwing, or race to the finish line on state-of-theart driving simulators. Want to push your limits? Try a ninja obstacle course that combines fun and fitness—or relive childhood memories at an arcade filled with nostalgic and modern games. Cedar Falls takes its love for the arts seriously. At the Hearst Center for the Arts, you’ll find exhibits featuring local talent, outdoor concerts on a summer evening, and even a tranquil sculpture garden to explore. History buffs will find plenty to admire, too. Step back in time at the Ice House Museum, housed in its original building, or visit the charming Victorian House Museum. Don’t miss the iconic Black Hawk Hotel, one of the longest-running U.S. hotels.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
There’s never a dull moment in Cedar Falls! Here’s a taste of what’s happening:
Live to 9 (May-August)
Free live music downtown most Friday evenings.
Gateway River Park Celebration (June 7)
River surfing lessons, demonstrations, and more water fun.
Sturgis Falls Celebration (June 27–29)
A weekend of live music, parades, a 5k run, arts and crafts, and carnival rides.
Artapalooza (September 7):
A juried art show in the heart of downtown.
District Street Party (September 20):
Live music, silent disco, and giant yard games.
