Waterloo is a beautiful town that has a good history and is filled with outdoor activities and attractions that will benefit its citizens and guests.
From its well arts community to scenic parks and historical sites, there are a mass of things to do in Waterloo for every unique taste.
In this article, we would like to mention the 20 most interesting activities that can be done in Waterloo, as well as describe the uniqueness of the city that is hidden in the center of the Midwest.
1. Explore Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum Of History & Science
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science in Waterloo Iowa, are great sites for every history lover. This museum is Iowa's veterans museum with narratives and interactive as well as static exhibits and artifacts such as the last of the five Sullivan brothers who died in WWII.
On the other hand, the Grout Museum of History and Science has a large collection of primary historical space with children's science center themes. These two museums are interesting military history and science in one place, making it one of the best Waterloo Museum.
2. Take Your Family To Lost Island Themepark
Lost Island Themepark is a great place filled with all the fun activities that one can think of. True, the park is both a hidden oasis and a distant paradise. It has loads of thrilling rides such as roller coasters, and water rides, and several sections of the park themed along the lines of mythical islands.
In the same way, it is family-oriented and offers both active and passive types of entertainment providing attractions for all. Being the leading region for entertainment and recreation activities in the Midwest, this theme park brings together tropical rainfall combined with creative environments.
3. Tour The Inspiring Waterloo Center For The Arts
Located in the city of Waterloo in the State of Iowa, the center is an extraordinary cultural facility. Almost every art lover should appreciate the fact that there is the biggest collection of Haitian art outside Haiti.
Besides that center, there is also the Phelps Youth Pavilion where children get to interact with art through play. This promotes their creativity and appreciation of the arts, at quite an early age.
In addition, there are shows and performances targeted at children at the Black Hawk Children's Theatre which entertains the visitors as well, making it the perfect things to do in Iowa.
4. Visit The Beloved Newton's Paradise Cafe
Newton's Paradise Cafe is an elegant, colorful breakfast and lunch eatery that prides itself on innovative cuisine prepared in a charming diner-like ambiance.
With impressive interior decor and a fresh-based menu, the eatery institution serves breakfast and lunch with style complemented by fresh and good quality produce and other items.
Boasting a creative twist to the ordinary preparation and presentation of food, this cafe offers anything from large breakfast meals to different kinds of lunches making it a common place to eat within the Cedar Valley.
5. Enjoy A Day At Sunrise Children's Zoo
Visiting the Sunrise Children's Zoo is a must for every family and every animal lover. This lovely zoo has many gentler farm animals like goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, cats, dogs, a pony, and two beautiful and energetic peacocks.
Since there is no charge, visitors simply delight in the close-up sight of the animals, and there is also an option of buying food to feed them at a cost.
Besides, the zoo is perfect for holding children's birthday parties which draws many people for the celebrations. As for Sunrise Children's Zoo, it is easy and fun to visit any age category.
6. Stroll Around Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is located near Hawkeye Community College, North and west of Waterloo in Iowa. Devoted to greening up humanity, the Arboretum has an area of 40 acres set aside for beautiful gardens, walks, and other external uses.
The visitors can visit numerous garden attractions such as the Children's Garden, Rose Garden, and Iowa Native Prairie, as well as many others, with a wide range of plants and creative exhibits.
Hence, there are also seasonal activities, programs, and a chance to work in the garden, which makes this place a lively center for the community.
7. Discover The Dan Gable Wrestling Museum
For wrestling enthusiasts or any sports fan or anybody interested in history, the Dan Gable Wrestling Museum is the perfect place for you.
In honor of the greatest wrestler and coach Dan Gable, this museum is all about the sport of wrestling by displaying exhibits on its champions, historic events, and wrestling artifacts.
Apart from the exhibits, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame are also notable, which focus on the sport of wrestling at the collegiate level and Olympic wrestling.
There are also interactive displays to give the visitors a wrestler's perspective and explain the training they undergo.
8. Shop At Crossroads Mall
Crossroads Mall is among the oldest shopping mall that incorporates shopping, eating as well as recreation.
Originally developed as one of Iowa's first malls it has several stores and services but has lost two or more anchor stores including Sears, Dillard's, Gordmans, Younkers, At Home, and others.
At the moment, the mall is under the ownership of the Namdar Realty Group, which makes sure that the mall is an active retail space with several shops plus restaurants. Visitors can also check out other places in the vicinity or visit the mall, which is in Waterloo itself.
9. Catch A Movie At Marcus Crossroads Cinema
Marcus Crossroads Cinema is the ultimate entertainment hub with 12 fully equipped auditoriums. What sets this cinema above the rest is the UltraScreen DLX theater.
This gadget features a 70-foot wide and 3 stories tall screen, alongside a multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound system that does not simply enhance the image quality, but rather transforms the entire movie-watching experience into an occasion.
For your comfort, you may settle in the luxurious DreamLounger recliners, in addition to a complete concession stand, which features old-fashioned and high-end desserts. As such, Marcus Crossroads Cinema is great for a date night, a family trip, or even a single person's movie outing.
10. Check Out SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
SingleSpeed Brewing Co. is a lively craft beer brewery and taproom situated in a restored historic Wonder Bread factory. Unlike any other place, it has a warm ambiance and provides a wide selection of in-house beers ranging from hoppy IPAs to silky stouts and seasonal treats.
Beer flights are available along with brewery tours, and also a range of perfectly cooked dishes made from the finest local produce are on offer.
The large space has both indoor and outdoor seating areas and also tends to conduct live events quite often which is one of the fun things to do in Waterloo Iowa.
11. Step Into The Rensselaer Russell House Museum
In Waterloo, Iowa, there sits a historical landmark known as the Rensselaer Russell House Museum or the Lamson House which is perfect for any lover of history. The two-story hipped-roof structure is one of the oldest and most authentic Italianate-style houses within the state of Iowa.
In this regard, visitors can visit the elegantly refurbished spaces of the museum which display the period furniture and decorative arts of the middle of the nineteenth century.
The museum also explains the role played by Russell in the growth of Waterloo and provides an interesting picture of the way of life of successful Iowans during that period.
12. Wander Around Waterloo Riverfront Stadium
Waterloo Riverfront Stadium is an attractive spot for many baseball sports fans. Featured by the Northwoods Baseball League, the Waterloo Bucks, this summer collegiate baseball gives the audience a great experience in the 5,000 seating capacity stadium.
The stadium is located near the river giving it a picturesque view where the fans enjoy the games and at the same time, appreciate the inner beauty of the venue. Besides baseball, special events are held in the stadium making it also a center for the locals and the tourists.
Sports, views, and the sense of community at Riverfront Stadium all contribute to the positive experience that is guaranteed to the customers.
13. Get To Know John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
The John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, celebrates the brand's lasting impact since it's on the site of its first factory. Visitors can see how agricultural equipment and John Deere machines have evolved.
Visitors of the museum have an opportunity to attend free organized group tours and learn interesting details about the advances in manufacturing within the company and agriculture as a whole.
For those who adore history or machines, it will be hard not to appreciate this museum with all the history it gives about John Deere and the fresh ideas they have always come up with in farming technologies.
14. Have Fun At Get Air Trampoline Park
Visitors of every age group can enjoy an exciting experience at the Get Air Trampoline Park. There are wall-to-wall trampolines where people can engage in dodgeball, basketball, and foam jumping among other activities.
In addition, the park has a different section for younger kids, keeping everyone safe. Besides trampolines Get Air also has different events such as birthday parties and group events.
The park believes in fitness through entertaining active play and the development of skills such as coordination and balance. This Waterloo Park has a great atmosphere, food, and helpful staff hence is an ideal place to enjoy, and make cherished memories.
15. Delve Into Cadillac XBC
Cadillac XBC is a captivating place for automobile fans as well as families. This one-of-a-kind place has a variety of classic and luxury cars, allowing the visitors to appreciate the vehicle's history.
Participate in the activities in a hands-on manner, and listen to narrations of the classic cars detailing their artistry and engineering. Special events are also organized at the XBC rendering it a dynamic hub for automobile exhibitions and social events.
Such is the combination of learning and fun at Cadillac XBC that it is an attraction worth visiting for people of all ages and one that will be so enjoyable.
16. Enjoy Your Time At Maxx Rentals Paddlesports And More
Maxx Rentals Paddlesports and More prides itself on providing several adventure opportunities in Waterloo Ia, which is a great place for thrill-seekers. The center is popular for the rental of quality paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes and thus makes a good place for a walk on the Cedar River.
The activities don't only involve exercise as the tourists can do some paddling or fishing, or simply take a ride on the equipment, which can be hired out by the hour, half-day, or day. Also off the water, the rental shop has biking equipment so visitors can hit the surrounding trails as well.
17. Take A Trip To Palmer's Family Fun
In Waterloo, Iowa, Palmer's Family Fun offers safe entertainment for the whole family. At Palmer's, there is a plethora of activities including go-karts, 36-hole mini golf, water balloons, a driving range, a jumping pillow, batting cages as well as the latest craze archery tag.
Such a vibrant environment is patronized for birthday parties, team building, family outings, church events, office outings, and school field trips. Regardless of what occasion you may be attending or just if you're going out to Palmer's for the day you can assured you will have a fantastic time.
Hence, it's a great spot and one of the best things to do in Waterloo for families and groups.
18. Dive Into Creativity At Phelps Youth Pavilion
The Phelps Youth Pavilion located in Waterloo, Iowa has been designed mainly for children with its interactive educational resources.
This two-level children's museum of creative and informative activities permits the young ones to fantasize. Children will have the chance to visit an artist's studio and watch a performance based on drawing and painting.
In a typical setting where children learn through play, the pavilion promotes discovery and encourages children to express themselves. This makes it a perfect place for families seeking both entertainment and education.
19. Tour Cedar Valley Coins & Collectibles
Cedar Valley Coins & Collectibles, located in Waterloo, Iowa, is a great business to get into for any collector or fanatic. This store is loaded full of an overload of coins and paper money, both new and old, along with other items of similar type.
Unique memorabilia, filled with stooped history in the form of stamps or sports cards can all be found here making it a good place for both old and new collectors.
Be it to add to your collection or to simply get a unique gift, Cedar Valley Coins & Collectibles is one place in Waterloo that one must certainly visit.
20. Shopping At Style Avenue
This stylish store has a remarkable collection of fashionable outfits, accessories, as well as distinct presents. It has collections that do not only consist of formal attires like gowns but casual ones like t-shirts as it aims at combining traditional and modern styles.
The friendly environment and the supportive service of the clients' attendants make it possible for one to enjoy shopping. Given that the boutique encourages the use of local crafts, it also sells little ornaments, charms, and artwork that will appeal to many customers.
