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22 Best and Fun Things To Do In Cedar Falls, Iowa


TouristWire Editors

Vacations are usually all about stopping to smell the roses; taking a bit of extra time to explore and admire your surroundings instead of rushing through like you would at, say, the supermarket.

We definitely recommend this approach when visiting Cedar Falls in Iowa, a college town with a lot to offer students and visitors.

Wander around the historic downtown, see a live performance by local artists, dine at one of the unique eateries, attend a sports game at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), or go shopping for antiques – whatever your interests, Cedar Falls is sure to impress!

There are also over a hundred miles of nature trails to explore, whether by bike or on foot, so you’re unlikely to get bored here during your stay.

If you’re interested in learning more about what this charming town has to offer, keep reading for an exciting list of recommendations

The 22 Most Popular Things To Do In Cedar Falls, Iowa

22. North Prairie Lake

4.7 ★★★★★ (3 reviews)

21. UNI Museum

2.0 ★★☆☆☆ (3 reviews)

Location: 1227 W 27th Street Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 273 2311

Web Address:   https://museum.library.uni.edu/

20. Alice Wyth Lake

3.7 ★★★★☆ (7 reviews)

19. Thunder Woman County Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ (9 reviews)

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Credit: Darrin Ochsner, Google Maps

Location: Winslow Road Janesville IA

Web Address:   https://mycountyparks.com/County/Black-Hawk/Park/Thunderwoman-Wildlife-Area.aspx

18. Katoski Greenbelt

4.2 ★★★★☆ (64 reviews)

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Credit: Erin Creger, Google Maps

Location: 2413 W Ridgeway Ave Waterloo IA

Web Address:   http://waterlooleisureservices.org/parks/katoski-greenbelt-soft-trails

17. Greenbelt Lake

4.5 ★★★★★ (93 reviews)

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Credit: Kathy Mixdorf, Google Maps

Location: 900 Martin Road Waterloo IA

16. Seerley Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ (105 reviews)

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Credit: Suraj Thapaliya, Google Maps

Location: Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 273 8624

Web Address:   http://cedarfalls.com/index.aspx

15. Paw Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (107 reviews)

Location: 3200 S Main Street Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 273 8636

Web Address:   http://cedarfalls.com/202/Paw-Park

14. Valley View Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (125 reviews)

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Credit: Sean Gannon, Google Maps

Location: Waterloo IA

13. Gateway Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (168 reviews)

Location: & Lincoln Street & N Main Street Cedar Falls IA

12. Pfeiffer Springs Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (216 reviews)

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Credit: King Hawkfan, Google Maps

Location: Cedar Falls IA

Web Address:   https://cedarfalls.com/204/Pfeiffer-Springs-Park

11. Escapology Escape Rooms Cedar Falls

4.9 ★★★★★ (238 reviews)

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Credit: Escapology Escape Rooms Cedar Falls, Google Maps

Location: 2520 Melrose Dr suite e Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 553 3066

Web Address:   https://escapology.com/en/cedar-falls-ia/

10. Overman Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (298 reviews)

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Credit: Robert Barr, Google Maps

Location: 316 W 3rd Street Cedar Falls IA

Web Address:   http://cedarfalls.com/index.aspx

Our Top picks

9. Cedar Falls Historical Society

4.8 ★★★★★ (18 reviews)

Location: 308 W 3rd Street Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 266 5149

Web Address:   http://cfhistory.org/

8. Ice House Museum

4.4 ★★★★☆ (43 reviews)

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Credit: RifeIdeas, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 121 Center Street Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 266 5149

Web Address:   https://cfhistory.org/who-we-are#IceHouseMuseum

7. Big Woods Lake

4.4 ★★★★☆ (45 reviews)

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Credit: Tony Webster, License, Wikimedia commons

6. Hearst Center For the Arts

4.6 ★★★★★ (96 reviews)

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Credit: PGHS, Google Maps

Location: 304 W Seerley Blvd Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 273 8641

Web Address:   https://thehearst.org/

5. Prairie Lakes Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (199 reviews)

Location: 924 Viking Road Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 273 8636

Web Address:   http://cedarfalls.com/index.aspx

4. Black Hawk Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (233 reviews)

Location: 2410 W Lone Tree Road Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 433 7275

Web Address:   https://mycountyparks.com/County/Black-Hawk/Park/Black-Hawk-Park.aspx

3. Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ (310 reviews)

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Credit: Elaine Reid, Google Maps

Location: 1228 Big Woods Road Cedar Falls IA

Web Address:   https://cedarfalls.com/176/Big-Woods-Lake-Recreation-Area

2. Hartman Reserve Nature Center

4.8 ★★★★★ (398 reviews)

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Credit: Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Google Maps

Location: 657 Reserve Dr Cedar Falls IA

Tel:  319 277 2187

Web Address:   https://hartmanreserve.org/

1. George Wyth State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (829 reviews)

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Credit: photolibrarian, License, Flickr

Location: 3659 Wyth Road Waterloo IA

Tel:  319 232 5505

Web Address:   http://iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Cedar Falls, Iowa! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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