Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo is located in northeast Iowa, nine miles (14 kilometers) southeast of Cedar Falls, 53 miles (85 kilometers) northwest of Cedar Rapids, and 127 miles (204 kilometers) northeast of Des Moines. It is the county seat of Black Hawk County, and has a population of 68,747.

Waterloo is home to a number of fine museums. The Grout Museum District includes historical exhibits with full-scale dioramas of pioneer buildings, a planetarium, the mid-Victorian Rensselaer Russell House Museum, and many interactive science displays in the Bluedorn Imaginarium. To learn more about the city's fascinating past, also be sure to visit the African-American Historical and Cultural Museum, the George Wyth House and Viking Pump Museum, the Ice House Museum, and Little Red School House #5.

The city is also home to a number of agrarian attractions, including the National Cattle Congress. In September, this is the site of the annual Cattle Congress Fair, which includes a rodeo, animal judging, midway rides, and musical entertainment. Throughout the year, the grounds host a wide variety of events including concerts, horse shows, BMX races, dances, and more. Visitors can also see how tractors are produced at one of the four John Deere factories in Waterloo, or drive out to some of the 60 historic sites that form the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

For a great family outing, head to the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, or the Lost Island Waterpark for waterslides, go-carts, miniature golf, and other diversions. Looking for a quality performance after your day of fun? Waterloo is home to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and the Waterloo Community Playhouse, and residents also have easy access to all the University of Northern Iowa performing arts events in nearby Cedar Falls.

Waterloo offers many recreational opportunities, including golf courses, sports facilities, and 53 municipal parks. An excellent trail system crisscrosses the area, including the 52-mile-long (84-kilometer-long) Cedar Valley Trail, which passes through scenic areas and historic landmarks before ending in Cedar Rapids. The trail is suitable for hiking, biking, and jogging in summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Other outdoor destinations in the region include Black Hawks Park and the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, a 287-acre (116-hectare) wooded isle that offers informative displays, hiking trails, and several habitats to explore.

Offering history, recreation, and quick access to all the attractions of Cedar Falls, Waterloo is a wonderful city to call home!

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