Home to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), Cedar Falls imparts a metropolitan region to its neighbor Waterloo.
The two urban communities are connected by the Cedar River and a huge organization of trails, about 100 miles, making this a helpful find by walking or cycling.
There are quite some fun things to do in Cedar Falls, IA. You can begin your exploration in Cedar Falls’ fantastic midtown region, which features privately possessed stores and cafés.
UNI packs a major social and wearing punch, with shows, Broadway, and live parody at the cutting edge Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and sports activity under the famous UNI-Dome.
There are also numerous other locations where visitors can explore and enjoy the beautiful city of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Are you ready to go on a fun trip?, here are the top things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Things to Do in Cedar Falls, IA
1. Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
The Big Lake Loop drives you to this 320-section of a land region on the shores of a 65-section land waterway.
This beautiful and captivating lake is one of the area’s best fishing spots, and has two boat slopes and a kayak send-off.
The path is wide and cleared and goes through mature forest and grassland along the shore, making it a perfect location for exploration.
On the south side is an 18-opening plate fairway, and on the north shore, there’s a camping area with 55 RV locales with tents setting up camp.
One interesting thing about the locales is that they are also extremely durable lodges where visitors can spend the night within the various camping grounds.
Address: 1228 Big Woods Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
2. UNI-Dome
UNI-Dome
Glaringly visible on the west side of the UNI grounds is an indoor, multipurpose setting for various sports and large live performances.
The UNI-Dome opened in 1974 and is the home of the UNI Panthers football and ball groups, selling out for basically every game.
The football crew is in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, the second-most elevated level, and has an 80% success record in the vault.
In the meantime, the b-ball group plays in the Missouri Valley Conference and has shown up over the most recent 20 years.
One custom for football match-ups is that the commentator will peruse out the (frequently freezing) atmospheric conditions in the guests’ city before saying, “Inside – 72 degrees, no wind, welcome to the Dome!”.
Address: 2501 Hudson Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, United States
3. Black Hawk Park
Similarly, as with the encompassing district, this riverside park is named for Black Hawk (1767-1838), the popular Sauk pioneer.
At nearly 1,500 acres of land, it’s one of the biggest region parks in the state and structures an extended greenbelt along the Cedar River.
The Black Hawk Park’s structures also reach the Washington Union scaffold, which is exactly four miles toward the north.
The park is a helpful portion of nature, so near the city and a great place with many fun things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Black Hawk Park has two camping areas (Fogdall and Cedar Campground), with a consolidated 197 camping areas.
There are additionally boat inclines, lodges for lease, trails for climbing and trekking, cookout regions with fire barbecues and four open asylums.
Address: 2410 W Lone Tree Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
4. Stone Feather Road.
Stone Feather Road is a store on Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with an extraordinary outlook and a beautiful appeal.
The Stone Feather Road is new and is one great place to visit if you’re interested in accessories like jewellery, bags and the likes of them.
This place is ideal for those looking for a good place to shop until they drop and those who don’t mind spending a few bucks.
One exciting thing about this place is that you are likely to see the owner’s handmade accessories on display as well.
Visitors who are all about originality can decide to get the handmade accessories or go for other things in the store.
The owner of this place is so helpful and takes out time to listen to the customer’s preferences and helps them decide what to get. It’s a great place to visit.
Address: 218 Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-2736
5. Downtown Cedar Falls
Downtown Cedar Falls
Downtown Cedar Falls is a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly environment loaded with welcoming shops and eateries.
Downtown Cedar Falls is the vast majority’s concept of an optimal midtown area where visitors can explore and enjoy the environment.
The association saving the design and assisting with reviving the nearby economy was framed back in 1987 and has won grants for its endeavours.
There are about 30 unique stores and shops and about 20 cafés that you won’t find in some other town other than Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Cedar Falls’ entire being drones with life, morning till night, and elements augmented walkways to support people strolling through.
The food scene is sweeping, ranging from crêpes to bar grub to firewood-prepared pizza. It’s a great place with some of the top things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Address: Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA
6. Road Library.
The Road Library in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has an extensive collection of books, newspapers, maps, videos and other materials.
Visitors can attend one of the many educational and cultural events like the annual comic book convention and guest lecturer events.
There’s also free public wi-fi that visitors can connect to and use in study booths and collaborative work areas.
If you can’t find something at the Rod Library on the UNI campus in Cedar Falls, the chances are that it doesn’t exist!
The Road Library has everything, including private study rooms for those who need an exceptionally serene environment to study.
If reading extensively is a hobby of yours, you are sure to find the Road Library to be fascinating as it contains a lot of books.
Address: 1227 W 27th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0012
7. Ice House Museum
Ice House Museum
The inquisitive block rotunda on the riverfront at Sturgis Park is an Ice house, worked in 1921 for the Cedar Falls Ice and Fuel Company.
On the National Register of Historic Places, this building replaced a prior ice house based on the current site in 1858 yet lost to a fire in 1921.
The ice house estimated 100 feet in measurement and, in its time had the option to hold 16 million pounds of ice cut from Cedar River.
Today it’s an exhibition hall for the Cedar Falls Historical Society and records the city’s currently neglected ice industry.
The general public likewise deals with the Victorian House Museum, which introduced a refined Italianate home in 1863.
For history enthusiasts, this place is an excellent location to add to your list of fun things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Address: 121 Center St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
8. Escapology Escape Rooms.
Escapology Escape Rooms has many descriptions, but it always stands out as a fun location.
The place is always referred to as clean, professional, and the right amount of challenge for its visitors to enjoy.
The game hosts and front desk staff are very friendly and approachable, thus making the experience worthwhile.
Automated emails are provided immediately after visitors purchase their time slots, ensuring that time isn’t wasted on waiting.
The place also makes provision for those seeking to throw a party and need a hall or room as a venue, and the services are excellent.
If you’re into puzzles and don’t mind a challenge now and again, you should probably head to Escapology Escape Rooms.
Address: 2520 Melrose Dr Suite E, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-5248
9. George Wyth Memorial State Park
On the city’s east side is a major scope of riverside nature, covering 1,200 sections of land associated with the tremendous path network in Cedar Falls and Waterloo.
The riverbank is a mosaic of lakes, making the George Wyth State Park a sanctuary for birdlife (200 recorded species), fishing and drifting.
You can go through a lighthearted summer’s day unwinding at George Wyth’s ocean side with kayaks, paddle sheets, and boats.
At George Wyth Memorial State Park, cylinders and pedal boats are generally accessible for rental from the ocean side.
The recreation area likewise has a sizable camping area, with near 70 electric and non-electric destinations and current bathrooms and showers.
As far as fun parks are concerned, George Wyth’s Memorial State Park is one out of the many that visitors should not leave out their list of fun things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Address: 3659 Wyth Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50703, United States
10. The Falls Aquatic Center
Cedar Falls has a public aquatic centre that could humiliate significant hotels. The Falls Aquatic Center opened in 2006.
The centre has as of late stretched out its pool used for competitions, to about 50 meters which is Olympic size.
Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; the Falls has a cylinder slide, pontoon slide and a drop slide.
The place also has a languid waterway, Safari Falls, an incredible zero-profundity play region with an immense dump pail.
The entire park is framed in vegetation on the edge of the UNI grounds, and both the cutthroat pool and pay structure are encircled by sunbathing regions with a lot of shade.
The Falls Aquatic Center is one good place to visit in the Summer and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Address: 3025 S Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
11. Cedar Valley Art and Wine.
This spot has been around for some time; however, it keeps things new and ensures a good time for its guests.
You can pick from little to enormous materials, wood board and wine glass toand make your own masterpiece if you wish.
You can likewise pick the composition from the wall you choose, and the staff will assist you with painting it with your style and their gear.
When done, you can bring it home and hang it for satisfaction. The incredible thing about this is the gathering experience.
You can book a gathering of companions for a confidential class or simply be you and join a public class for an individual encounter.
They have examples of the workmanship on the site so you can see when the class is and what they are painting that day. It’s an extraordinary spot to visit for sure!
Address: 307 Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-2720
12. Escape Cedar Valley
Here’s another fascinating place to add to your list of best things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa. It’s a perfect place for those who can’t have enough of puzzles.
Escape Cedar Valley is another great and interesting location for loads of fun in Cedar Falls, Iowa, especially for the thrill-seekers.
The escape rooms are top-notch as they simulate a feeling of impending danger as visitors try to figure out how to make it out of the various rooms.
The staff are very friendly and welcoming. You can easily get the information you need from the staff as they are very helpful.
Escape Cedar Valley gives its visitors such a thrilling, adventure-filled experience that they are always delighted to come back for more.
If you’re willing to try out all possible interesting spots in Cedar Falls, Iowa and love things that have to do with puzzles, visit Escape Cedar Valley.
Address: 115 E 4th St Suite 101, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-2863
13. Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
The place covers over 300 acres of land and is spread across the feign line, with beautiful perspectives in higher parts.
Between the feigns and the riverbank are a glade, grassland, rock pits and vernal pools, all enveloped by profound timberland.
Posted at nexus points in the path network is the Hartman Interpretive Center, which has displays about the different territories along the Cedar River.
The reserve also has a huge stand of sugar maple and syrup, gathered from the sap in February and March.
On the main few days of March, you can likewise go to the Maple Syrup Festival, a flapjack breakfast raising assets for the reserve.
Address: 657 Reserve Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
14. Cedar Falls Tourism Center
Cedar Falls Visitor Center
Cedar Falls has a brilliant broad arrangement of cleared bicycle trails through the town and into the forest.
It’s wise to look at the Cedar Falls Tourist Center focus before going on a bicycle ride to see the potential areas to investigate.
You can top off your water bottle, get neighbourhood travel writing, look at the keepsake shop or simply visit the nearby attractions.
On the off chance that you get the guide of Iowa wineries and speciality larger sites, It’s a simple ride from the Tourism Center midtown Cedar Falls for some food.
The travel industry focus invites you to Cedar Falls as you come into the city from the south as it has an appealing structure and setting.
Inside Cedar Falls Tourism Center, there is a lot of data and trinkets of the area that would be exceptionally useful for guests.
Address: 6510 Hudson Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-6404
15. UNI Gallery of Art
The Postmodern Kamerick Art Building, opened in 1983, houses the University of Northern Iowa’s speciality historical centre.
The UNI Gallery of Art has different pivotal programs that are devoted to present-day and contemporary craftsmanship.
These programs support the educational program yet add to the college as a comprehensive instructive climate.
Displays generally have a hybrid allure, meeting with fields like plan and history, and are in many cases implanted in the grounds-wide and local area situated programs in Cedar Falls.
Many shows are obtained from the display’s broad workmanship assortment, with pieces by Picasso, George Grosz and Philip Guston.
There is also significant photography in the gallery by Berenice Abbott, Eugène Atget and Jerry Uelsmann. A visit to this attraction is one of the best things to do in Cedar Falls, IA.
Address: 1601 W 27th St # 104, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, United States
For a fun road trip in Iowa, do not miss exploring our checklist of in things to do in Council Bluffs and things to do in Cedar Rapids.
16. Overman Park
Overman Park
Taking up a solitary city block only west of downtown, Overman Park is the most seasoned recreational area in Cedar Falls, gained in 1853.
With City Hall on the east side, the recreation area is encased by the exquisite nineteenth-century places of the Vintage Home District.
It is a setting for occasions in summer like the Cedar Falls Farmers’ Market, hung on Saturday mornings, May through October.
The Cedar Falls Municipal Band, one of the most seasoned show groups in the state, performs at the Municipal Bandshell.
The band performs each Tuesday night in June and July, while there are likewise motion pictures under the stars on Friday evenings.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cedar Falls, IA, you should try visiting Overman Park and enjoy their services.
Address: 316 W 3rd St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
17. Hearst Center for the Arts
Hearst Center for the Arts
Famously known as “Robert Frost of the Midwest”, the artist James Hearst (1900-1983) was brought into the world on the family ranch in Cedar Falls.
He had a long vacation on the personnel at UNI from 1941 to 1975, having his classes in the cellar of his home.
Hearst granted his home to the City of Cedar Falls to be utilised as a local area expressions focus, which opened in 1989 after development and update.
The Hearst Center for the Arts has two displays, three homerooms, a performing expressions office and an outside design garden.
Considered a valued assembling place for Cedar Falls, the centre hosts shows for neighbourhood and territorial specialists.
The centre also hosts activities like studio classes for all ages and widespread developments, from music to verse to film.
Address: 304 W Seerley Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
18. SingleSpeed Brewing
This thriving art brewery has two areas, in Cedar Falls and nearby Waterloo. It’s an excellent place to add to your list of things to do in Cedar Falls, IA if you are interested in fresh brews.
They moved to a 20 BBL BrewHouse in a revamped old structure in Waterloo, while the first brewery is in midtown Cedar Falls’ noteworthy Main Street locale.
SingleSpeed has made a name for its trial and error, and its 3 BBL brewhouse in Cedar Falls is currently known as The Laboratory.
There were about ten brews on draft and three container pours, with picks like mimosa-propelled Sour, Evan the Great and Tip the Cow, to mention a few.
There’s a rotating food menu intended to be matched with lager, including shared plates like shrimp and red pepper flatbread.
You’ll also find dishes like macintosh and cheddar with broiled summer frankfurter and chicken chorizo nachos. Do visit!
Address: 128 Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
19. Cedar Valley Trails
Cedar Valley Trails
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan region is navigated by a steadily developing organization of multi-use trails.
The Cedar Valley Trails framework currently exceeds 100 miles in length, reaching out to all edges of the metro region.
The Cedar Valley Trails also features more than 140 wayfinding signs, making it considerably simpler to get around.
On the site, you’ll find subtleties of the many circles, allowing you to investigate the region without a vehicle.
A well-known course is the Cedar Valley Loop, a little more than 16 miles in length and connecting Cedar Falls’, and Waterloo’s midtown regions with a supportive stream is seen as you go.
You could likewise follow the UNI Loop for a little visit through the college grounds. It’s one good place to find fun things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Address: Cedar Valley Lakes Trail, Iowa, USA
20. John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum
John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum
Waterloo has been an assembling base for John Deere since it gained the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company in 1918.
This noticeable John Deere’s entrance into the farm vehicle market, and until now, Waterloo is still home to the organisation’s farm truck works.
The John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum is on the site of the old work vehicle manufacturing plant in midtown Waterloo.
This fascination is stacked with classic and current hardware and provides a great John Deere sequence.
From the straightforward steel furrows of the mid-nineteenth hundred years to the cutting-edge working machines of today.
If you’re interested in old and durable machinery for serious work, John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum is the best place to explore!
Address: 500 Westfield Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50701, United States
21. The Horny Toad American Bar and Grill.
The Horny Toad American Bar and Grill
The Horny Toad American Bar & Grill in Cedar Falls, IA, has been the premier restaurant in Waterloo since 1991.
We all know that a trip to Cedar Falls, Iowa, wouldn’t be complete without a good spot to get a satisfying meal, and that’s what this place is for.
The Horny Toad American Bar and Grill have delicious meals that will leave its customers returning for more.
What’s interesting about this place is the distinctively large portions that serve as you are sure to eat to your fill in their restaurant.
The meals on their menu include Huge Bacon Burgers, Battered Fries, hot beef, southwestern salad and Swiss Burgers, to mention a few.
If you’ve been looking for a good place to eat, you’re in luck, as The Horny Toad American Bar and Grill has its doors open.
Address: 204 Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-2736
22. Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
In 2000, the University of Northern Iowa entered another period with the disclosing of a great performing expressions focus.
Costing $25 million and covering about 100,000 square feet, this was the main scene of this scale to open in Iowa for over twenty years.
The glass-walled entryway gives way to three cutting-edge amphitheatres, supplemented by training rooms and study halls.
The biggest assembly room is the Great Hall, with a seating capacity of 1,620 and outfitted with the most recent sound, lighting and apparatus frameworks.
The centre has about 300 exhibitions annually, enhancing the district’s crafts scene with Broadway shows. The art centre also features various renowned joke artists and traditional music from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony.
Address: 8201 Dakota St, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, United States
23. Here’s What’s Popping
Have you ever needed a snack and wondered what you’d eat? Here’s What’s Popping is got you as it makes the best popcorn in Cedar Falls!
The Popcorn shop has a catchy name that will leave passers-by wondering exactly what the store is used for.
The good thing about this shop is that it produces a low cholesterol snack such as popcorn. Visitors can still request extra butter with their popcorn.
You don’t need to be strongly convinced to get one or two packs of popcorn as the sweet aroma from the shop draws you in.
Visitors need not worry about queues either as this place is very efficient in attending to its visitors. You can see the process of making your ordered popcorn as well.
The customer service is exceptional as the staff are polite, friendly and welcoming. The store checks out as a really good place to visit.
Address: 220 Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-2736
24. Golf Lab- Cedar Falls
Enjoy the best indoor fun when you visit the Golf Lab-Cedar Fall. It is a cutting-edge indoor golf studio nestled in the downtown area of Cedar Falls.
Golf Lab Cedar Falls has a wide putting green equipped with Putt View putting simulator technology and three private simulator bays that come with Foresight GCHawks.
This attraction also has a large space where visitors can relax and see the game and even a well-stocked bar. This place offers a range of dining options, and you can enroll in their membership plans to enjoy their many benefits.
Visitors can also make reservations for the whole facility or select just a few bays. This facility can accommodate about 50 people in its wide bar and lounge spaces.
Your special events, such as birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate meetings, golf hangouts with clients or friends, appreciation celebrations for clients, and anniversaries can be held at Golf Lab Cedar Falls.
Address: 201 Washington St, Suite B, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
25. Tourist Park
Tourist Park is a 10-acre property initially home to tourist cabins and wildlife. The Park has a thick grove of bottomland trees and a mature understory forest.
A levee separates the Tourist Park from the riverfront, located in the middle of Center Street Bridge and the dam. Levee offers excellent views of the Cedar River, the dam, and the downtown area of Cedar Falls.
The facilities in the park include an 18-hole Disc Golf Course, riverfront, open Shelter, Parking Lot, and restrooms.
Visitors can make reservations for the theatre before their visit, you can make your reservations at the Cedar Falls Recreation and Fitness Center, or you can do so via their website.
Address: 400 Center St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
26. Hurling Hatchet
If you are looking forward to doing something different other than the regular museum and park visit, one of the best things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is to partake in axe throwing at the Hurling Hatchet.
Hurling Hatchet, located in Cedar Falls, is a prime recreation facility that serves Hudson, Waterloo, Waverly, Cedar Rapids, Traer, Jesus, Katherine, and other neighboring areas. This destination offers various types of axe-throwing games.
Safety is paramount in axe throwing; therefore, Hurling Hatches provide visitors with a safe setting to engage in this activity. Axe throwing is most enjoyable with friends. It is a perfect way to detach yourself from stress and worries.
For visitors who have never yielded or thrown an axe before, there are experts to guide you on your axe-throwing escapade. You can also host special occasions or make reservations for private events at Hurling Hatches.
Address: 100 E 2nd St #103, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
Are you considering exploring Iowa, here is a guide on things to do in Des Moines, things to do in Sioux City, and things to do in Iowa City for a fun vacation
Plan a Trip to Cedar Falls
Whether it’s a flourishing nightlife you’re searching for or a calm escape to nature, Cedar Falls has something for you.
The city has a lot to offer ranging from amusement parks to award-winning galleries, family entertainment focuses and more.
This energetic region makes certain to give you memorable recollections and extraordinary encounters, so start planning a visit to this city now!