CEDAR FALLS VISITOR GUIDE
“History Illuminated” by Stephanie Fever (Pg. 3)
cedarfallstourism.org
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Big Woods Lake • Pg. 7
UNI Athletics @UNIPantherWrestling
@IowaLovers’ Cozy Getaway • Pg. 22
Gateway River Park • Pg. 6
Cedar Falls Beer Trail • Pg. 24
Historic Oster Regent Theatre
130 Miles of Trails • Pg. 24
Farm Tours and Local Flavors • Pg. 19
Gateway River Park • Pg. 6
iscover DCEDAR FALLS W h e r e s m a l l - t o w n c h a r m m e e t s b i g a d ve n t u r e
Step into our historic downtown, where beautifully preserved storefronts house indie shops and restaurants that showcase the best of Iowa flavor. Hop on your bicycle and explore over 130 miles of scenic trails winding along the Cedar River and through nature preserves, or stop by Gateway River Park, an all-new adventure spot with engineered whitewater features for kayaking, river surfing and more.
CONTENTS 4
Local Farm Tours
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Annual Events
CEDAR FALLS VISITOR GUIDE
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ABOUT THE COVER
Things to See & Do: Gateway River Park “Art Illuminated” by Stephanie Fever (Pg. 3)
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College Hill by the University of Northern Iowa
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Wild to Urban 24 hours of Adventure
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Things to See & Do: Outdoor Adventures
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Things to See & Do: Historic Downtown District
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Things to See & Do: Historic Attractions
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Shopping
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Dining
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Itineraries
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Stay
The University of Northern Iowa marks its sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) in 2026, celebrating a century and a half of educational excellence since its founding in 1876. 150.uni.edu Artwork by Stephanie Fever (@stephaniefever) Paper collage and acrylic paint on canvas “History Illuminated” blends past and present Cedar Falls through the familiar UNI Commons doorway, connecting history with modern life in a whimsical, time-bending style.
Some photographs were sourced from the University of Northern Iowa UNI Rod Library Special Collections & University Archives.
6510 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls IA 50613 visit@cedarfalls.com | 319.268.4266
cedarfallstourism.org
Iowa Lovers Cozy Downtown Getaway
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Annual Events
cedarfallstourism.org
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JAN
NWCA National Duals Iowa Boat, RV & Vacation Show
FEB
Ice Harvest Festival Iowa Winter Games Fat Bike Race and Snowshoe 5k & 10k
MAR
Hawkeye Farm Show Maple Syrup Festival Eastern Iowa Sportshow FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Regional
APR
RodCon Iowa Scholastic Clay Target State Championship
JUN
Sturgis Falls Celebration Cedar Basin Music Festival Fireworks Over the Dome Bridges Ride
JUL
Iowa Shrine Bowl Iowa State Trap Shoot
AUG
Bible Conference Old Time Power Show
SEP
Lost Woods Music Festival ARTapalooza Checker's Stone Soul Picnic Downtown District Street Party Lost Woods Music Festival Pear Fair
OCT
Girls Night Out Pink Ribbon Run Under the Harvest Moon
NOV
IHSAA Football Semi-Finals & Finals Festival of Trees Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
DEC
Holiday Hoopla
Find more
at CedarFallsTourism.org
Holiday Hoopla 400TM
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Lost Woods Music Festival
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Downtown District Street Party 48
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Cedar Basin Music Festival
Sturgis Falls Celebration
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cedarfallstourism.org
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Things to See & Do
Catch the Wave in Cedar Falls Cedar Falls Iowa
The Midwest's hottest water sport just found its home in downtown Cedar Falls. At Gateway River Park, engineered features transform the Cedar River into a playground where surfers carve standing waves against the city skyline. Thrill-seekers can tackle river surfing, playboating, and whitewater kayaking, while laidback adventurers drift through on tubes, SUPs, or canoes. Not your scene? Grab a riverside spot and watch the action unfold— there's something really cool about watching someone hang ten in the heart of Iowa.
cedarfallstourism.org
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Ready to ride? Book lessons at GatewayRiverPark.com.
Things to See & Do
Big Woods Lake
OUTDOOR
ADVENTURES in every season
The Falls Aquatic Center
River Surfing
Ice Fishing
cedarfallstourism.org
130+ miles of trails
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Things to See & Do
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Days of fun - all within a few blocks! Wander through indie boutiques, catch live music, sample craft brews at local taprooms, and discover why this stretch earned its reputation as Iowa's best main street. Time it right and you'll land during one of Cedar Falls' legendary annual events—think festivals, art shows, and celebrations that transform downtown into one giant block party. cedarfallstourism.org
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Plan your perfect getaway: CommunityMainStreet.org
Historic
Attractions
Things to See & Do
Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum
Ice House Museum
The Hearst Center for the Arts Museum and Gallery 304 West Seerley Blvd. Rotating exhibitions, cultural events, and live performances year-round
cedarfallstourism.org
Art & Culture
thehearst.org
Cedar Falls Art Tour
Sculpture Garden @hearstcenter
Ready or Not 2025, Beth Nybeck 9
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500 Westfield Avenue 500 Westfield | Waterloo, Avenue IA 50701 | Waterloo, IA 5
VisitJohnDeere.com VisitJohnDeere
cedarfallstourism.org
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g n i p Shop
The Cedar Falls Downtown District offers a charming mix of locally-owned boutiques, specialty shops, and unique stores. You'll find everything from vintage finds and handcrafted gifts to fashion boutiques and home décor, all within a walkable area that showcases the community's welcoming small-town character.
CommunityMainStreet.org
Shop Fresh from Local Farms Hansen’s Dairy
hansendairy.com
CEDAR FALLS
cedarfallstourism.org
Saturdays, 8:30 AM - 12 PM Overman Park | May through October
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g n i n i D
Cedar Falls' dining scene reflects our community—genuine, creative, and rooted in quality. View the complete directory of dining options at cedarfallstourism.org.
Tata Yaya Ginger Thai Street Food
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Breakfast spots in Cedar Falls
Gilmore's Pub
Eat
Table 1912
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Urban Pie
cedarfallstourism.org
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Cedar Falls Brown Bottle
Montage Concept Kitchen
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Scratch Cupcakery
Cof fee, Sweets & Treats cedarfallstourism.org
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The Vibe Coffee and Ice Cream
Hansen’s Dairy Tours and Events (Hudson)
Experience
LOCAL FARMS
Three Pines Farm cedarfallstourism.org
Explore area farms through tours and unique experiences. Schedule a Hansen's Dairy Farm Tour to meet their cows and kangaroos, or stop by their Cedar Falls retail shop for fresh goods. Enjoy events at Three Pines Farm, or visit the Cedar Falls Farmers Market on seasonal Saturdays to connect with local growers and producers.
Hansen’s Dairy (Cedar Falls)
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COLLEGE HILL Coffee and Baked Goods Insomnia Cookies Moo’s Bakery Sidecar Coffee Restaurants The Bing Ladies Chad’s Pizza Domino’s Pizza Greenhouse Kitchen Great Wall Chinese Mirch Masala Grill Oh My Grill Sub City Boutiques & Unique Retail Cloud 9 Glass & Novelty Buzz’s Smoke & Vapor Bani’s Liquor Limited Edition Comics Mohair Pear (+ Piercings) UNI Bookstore Services Cedar Falls Laser Engraving College Hill Barber Shop Copyworks Ritual (Tattoos + Piercings)
cedarfallstourism.org
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Bars, Pubs & Entertainment Cooper’s Taproom Social House The Library Octopus Sharky’s Suds Upstairs Fuel Kwik Star
Social House Mohair Pear
collegehillpartner ship.org Sidecar Coffee
cedarfallstourism.org
Octopus
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IOWA LOVERS
COZY
GETAWAY
Downtown District
We kicked off our first road trip of the year with a visit to the Cedar Falls Downtown District, Iowa! We stayed at The Black Hawk Hotel, a charming boutique spot celebrating 170 years. Being right in the heart of downtown made everything so easy—shopping, dining, and exploring were all just steps away. Our first day started with breakfast at Tata Yaya, where the waffles were absolutely amazing (we’re still thinking about them!). After breakfast, we wandered down Main Street, popping into shops and enjoying the lively vibe—people were out walking, shopping, and sipping cocktails. Later, we treated ourselves to cocktails at Bar Winslow, right in the hotel, before ending the day with a delicious dinner in the Downtown District.
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Day two started with coffee and pastries at Reader’s Cup. We then slowed things down a bit at The Nook, a cozy indie bookstore where we browsed, read a little, and just relaxed with our drinks.
The Black Hawk Hotel
Readers Cup
After more exploring and shopping at Grizzly Rose Co, World's Window and Pretty Good Co., we capped the weekend with cocktails and dinner at The Stuffed Olive.
The Stuffed Olive
The Nook
Tatiana and Cesar @iowalovers
cedarfallstourism.org
“We definitely need to come back to explore even more—Cedar Falls has so much to offer”
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WILD TO URBAN 24 Hours of Adventure in Cedar Falls MORNING • Breakfast at Patton Bar and Diner • Tubing, playboating, or river surfing at Gateway River Park • Bike to Big Woods Lake for disc golf or paddleboarding LUNCH • Craft beer on the patio at SingleSpeed Brewing • Build-your-own burger at Wilbo Burgers, Brats and Beers AFTERNOON • Bike Iowa's first designated American Discovery Trail Town • Explore 130 miles of scenic paths with 140+ wayfinding signs • Follow the Beer Trail and visit local pubs and breweries while earning swag (get the passport at cedarfallstourism.org) *See pull out map for trail loops
EVENING • Dinner by the firepit at George's Local • Axe throwing at Hurling Hatchet, Sim racing at GridLounge, or a Rage room at Shatter Space
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Gear rentals and lessons: GatewayRiverPark.com
Gateway River Park
SingleSpeed Brewing
Find pet-friendly hotels & patios at CedarFallsTourism.org
cedarfallstourism.org
American Discovery Trail Town
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Hilton Garden Inn and Cedar Falls Convention & Event Center
Stay cedarfallstourism.org
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
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Super 8
Free Breakfast
Fitness Center
Meeting Room
Restaurant
The Black Hawk Hotel 115 Main Street 319-277-1161 TheBlackHawkHotel.com
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Comfort Suites 7402 Nordic Drive 319-273-9999 ChoiceHotels.com
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson 2910 S. Main Street 319-268-1800 ChoiceHotels.com Days Inn 5924 University Avenue 319-266-1222 DaysInn.com Hampton Inn 101 W. 1st Street 319-242-7350 HamptonInn.com Hilton Garden Inn and Cedar Falls Convention & Event Center 7213 Nordic Drive 319-266-6611 HiltonGardenInn CedarFalls.com Holiday Inn & Suites and Bien VenU Event Center 7400 Hudson Road 319-260-2600 bienvenuevents.com Holiday Inn Express 1614 Technology Parkway 319-277-2400 OpenDoorHospitality.com Spark by Hilton 5818 Nordic Drive 319-277-6166 OpenDoorHospitality.com
Super 8 7515 Nordic Drive 319-553-6868 wyndhamhotels.com
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Suburban Studios 300 Viking Road 319-268-2222 ChoiceHotels.com
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Swimming Pool
HOTELS
Guest Rooms
Cedar Falls Hotels
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6510 Hudson Road Cedar Falls, IA 50613
@Iowalovers at the Reader’s Cup See the Itinerary page 22