Waterloo, Iowa, was founded in 1845 by the Melrose family. It was selected due to the presence of the Cedar River. After a slow start, it grew rapidly over the years with almost a 300% increase in population between 1895 to 1915. However, during this time, it became a sundown town and subsequently was the site for numerous protests during the Civil Rights Movement. Presently, it’s a vibrant town with no shortage of activities. It has also been mentioned in several movies and independent films, most notably, Carol (2015). If you’re planning to visit, keep reading to find out about the best things to do in Waterloo, Iowa.
1. Meet delightful animals at Sunrise Children's Zoo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Sunrise Children's Zoo on Sunday, June 11, 2017
Sunrise Children’s Zoo is a free zoo run by the Sunrise Exchange Club. It was started in 1974 and has run successfully every year since then. It is only active from the months of May to September. The animals showcased here change every year because they are donated generously by a local farmer. This year, the farm has goats, cats, donkeys, peacocks, ducks chickens, ducks, a baby horse and dogs. While the entrance is free, guests can buy animal feed at a low cost to feed them. The dogs and cats can be adopted at the end of the season.
Sunrise Children's Zoo
Address: 250 Ansborough Ave Waterloo, IA 50701
Website: Sunrise Children’s Zoo
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
2. Visit the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science
Over the years, Americans have been called for active duty to protect and serve. Out of the entire country, Iowa provided the most soldiers. While most soldiers returned, some didn’t. This museum serves to pay respects to and tell the stories of those who unfortunately did not make it home. It was set up in 2008 and consists of 35 interactive exhibits and 1500 voice interviews. It runs partly on donations made by the public. Please note that children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adults.
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science
Address: 503 South St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Website: Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 12 USD (adults), 6 USD (children 4 - 13 & veterans)
3. Learn about the history of wrestling at the Dan Gable Wrestling Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dan Gable Wrestling Museum is a non-profit company that was formed in honor of Dan Gable, an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1972. He went on to coach at the University of Iowa and won numerous more accolades there. The aim of this museum is to recognize achievements, preserve the history of wrestling, and to inspire future generations of wrestlers. It has exhibits detailing wrestling through the years, going as far back as the ancient Greeks. It is considered to be a site of pilgrimage amongst wrestling enthusiasts.
Dan Gable Wrestling Museum
Address: 303 Jefferson St Waterloo, Iowa
Website: Dan Gable Wrestling Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (weekends by appointment)
Price: 6 USD (adults), 3 USD (students 6 - 17 yrs)
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4. Stroll around Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is a 40-acre (16.2 ha) stretch of flora and fauna. It was started in 1996 as a non-profit organization that serves to promote horticulture and to preserve the vegetation of the area. It consists of an award-winning children’s garden and a 4-acre (1.6 ha) butterfly garden. It is entirely outdoors, and is open from the months of May to October, but is subject to closure during troublesome weather. It may be a good idea to call ahead and find out if it is open prior to traveling.
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Address: 1927 E Orange Rd Waterloo, Iowa
Website: Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 5 USD (adults), 2 USD (children 5 - 14), children under 4 years enter free
5. Have a picnic at Tibbitts Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Tibbitts Park is an excellent place to visit if you want to share a meal outdoors. It consists of numerous picnic tables - both shaded and unshaded - where you can set up home-cooked meals for the entire family. Or, if you’d prefer, you can set up a picnic mat and bask in the sun. When you’re done eating, you can enjoy the amenities at the park, including the soccer field, playground and baseball fields.
Tibbitts Park
Address: 570 Cedar Bend St, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
Website: Tibbitts Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Drop by Phelps Youth Pavilion
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Phelps Youth Pavillion is a great initiative to promote arts and crafts amongst children. Art is an excellent way to express emotions and to promote creativity. This is a children’s art museum that consists of two floors of interactive exhibits. They host art workshops, school trips and birthday parties. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities available.
Phelps Youth Pavilion
Address: 225 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Website: Phelps Youth Pavilion
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD (free for members and children under 1 year), 1 USD on 3rd Thursday of every month
7. Learn about local agriculture at the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
The Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area’s aim to promote farm life and agriculture. Agriculture has been a huge part of the development of the economy of this country as well as those of many others. This place aims to promote and preserve the quintessential American agricultural story. It consists of farms, wineries, museums, art galleries, and historical sites, all of which educate the visitors on the effort it takes to produce the food on our tables.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Address: 305 W Park Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Website: Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
8. Go canoeing at George Wyth State Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
George Wyth State Park is extremely popular for canoeing and kayaking. This is because it has 18000 miles (29000 kilometers) of navigable streams! It is filled with water trails that are recreational corridors that connect waterways and allow people to travel from one place to another. They’re set up to allow people to enjoy the outdoors and stay fit and healthy.
George Wyth State Park
Address: 3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
Website: George Wyth State Park
Opening hours: 4am - 10:30pm (daily)
9. Showcase your creativity at Waterloo Center for the Arts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Waterloo Center for the Arts on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Center for the Arts Museum was created to promote art and appreciate it, in order to increase support for art funding. Artistic expression is central to the human psyche and happiness. The museum consists of galleries that are free to enter, as well as the youth pavilion. They host classes and workshops on artistic techniques for children and adults of all ages and skill levels. They also provide scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing a post-secondary degree in visual arts.
Center for the Arts
Address: 225 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Website: Center for the Arts
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
10. Splash around at Lost Island Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Lost Island Water Park was started in 2001 as a recreational escape. They have a variety of rides that range from relaxed to extreme daredevil mode. It is the perfect place to take your family if you want to spend a day outdoors in the water, without having to fly to somewhere tropical. They’re open from June to August every year, and they have specific days set aside for golfing and go-karting.
Lost Island Water Park
Address: 2225 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Website: Lost Island Water Park
Opening hours: 10:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 32 USD For any daypass, 27 USD for children under 48”
Enjoy yourself in Waterloo
Whether you’re here for the sights or for the activities, you’re sure to have your fill of the fun. Waterloo is a great place with plenty of things to do that are sure to make you wanting more.
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