Contributed

The Cedar Falls Ice House offers Cedar Falls visitors a taste of history.

Attractions

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Public Art in Cedar Falls Artistic expression has long been valued in Cedar Falls as evidenced by the newly formed Public Art Committee and their first annual Gardens to Main Street Public Art Exhibition.  Nineteen unique works adorn the Hearst Center for the Arts' Sculpture Garden, Downtown Main Street and the grounds of City Hall.   This exhibition will be replaced with a new collection in June of 2002.  For information about the purchase of artwork currently on display, please contact the Hearst Center for the Arts at (319) 273-8641.

Cedar Falls Community Theatre & The Oster Regent Theatre 103 Main St., Cedar Falls.  Enjoy the talents of community members as they perform in a wide variety of productions ranging from classic humor and familiar musicals to contemporary plays in the newly renovated 1910 Oster Regent Theatre.
(319) A-P-P-L-A-U-D (319-277-5283)

Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.  THE premier arts center in Northeast Iowa, the Gallagher-Bluedorn opened it's doors in April of 2000. It is home to the UNI music ensembles, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra and a major new visiting artist series including jazz, classical, dance, Broadway, and more!
(319) 273-SHOW (319-273-7469)

Hearst Center for the Arts 304 W. Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls.  Featuring local and regional artists in traveling and special focus exhibitions, this multi-purpose art center houses two galleries, a recital hall and a small library. Performances and special events are offered. Sculpture Garden tours are also available. Open Tuesday & Thursday 8a.m.-9p.m., Wednesday & Friday 8a.m.-5p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 1-4p.m.
(319) 273-8641

Theatre UNI University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.  Plays, musicals, opera and theatre for youth are presented by UNI drama students and visiting artist directors in afternoon and evening performances throughout the academic year.
(319) 273-6381

UNI Gallery of Art Kamerick Art Building, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. Permanent displays of various art forms are featured, with temporary exhibitions providing visitors an opportunity to view a wide range of artwork. Open Monday-Thursday 9a.m.-9p.m., Friday 9-5p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12-5p.m. during the regular school year. Monday-Friday 10-4p.m. during the summer.
(319) 273-6134

UNI School of Music University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.  Offering a variety of music, from solo recitals to band, orchestra and choral concerts in approximately 200 yearly performances by students, faculty, and visiting artists.
(319) 273-202

Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.  One of Northeast Iowa's strongest cultural assets, the symphony brings astounding musical performances to the metro area. Highlights include Christmas & Spring pops and their classical series. The 2000-2001 season will be their first in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
(319) 273-3373

Black Hawk Children's Theatre 225 Commercial St., Waterloo.  This award- winning children's theatre presents delightful productions at the Hope Martin Theatre in the Waterloo Center for the Arts.
(319) 235-0367 / 291-4494

Junior Art Gallery 225 Commercial St., Waterloo.  Young and young at heart will experience thrilling adventures in this delightful exhibit which changes annually. The Junior Art Gallery offers environmental and ethnic atmospheres in participatory exhibits. The Gallery is a special branch of the Waterloo Museum of Art. Open October-May Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm, and for scheduled tours during the week.
(319) 291-4490

Metropolitan Chorale This group produces inspiring concerts each fall and spring featuring local talent.

Waterloo Community Playhouse 225 Commercial St., Waterloo.  Presenting the best in classics, modern comedies, dramas, musicals, & mysteries, the WCP has received the state's Top Performing Arts Organization Award and has an international reputation for new play production. Performances are in the Hope Martin Theatre in the Waterloo Center for the Arts.
(319) 235-0367 / 291-4494

Waterloo Museum of Art 225 Commercial St., Waterloo.   Municipal art center features a full schedule of temporary art exhibitions; permanent collections including the largest Haitian Art collection in the United States, Midwest and American decorative art; and performing arts events relating to the exhibits. Gift Shop offers works by over 200 Midwest artists. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm.
(319) 291-4490

GARDENS

Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens 1927 E. Orange Rd., Waterloo.  Recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities abound at this developing 74-acre site. The year 2000 features ten picturesque gardens. Open to the public April 15-October 15 Dusk until Dawn. Please contact for tour information.
(319) 226-4966

Hartman Reserve Nature Center 657 Reserve Dr., Cedar Falls Visit the 287 acre natural area in the heart of metropolitan Black Hawk County and you will find yourself in a woodland oasis. Within the forest are lakes, valleys, prairie, and open meadow all teaming with wildlife. Watch for river otters and osprey introduced in 1998. The Hartman Interpretive Center is perched on a bluff above the Cedar River and linked to the forest by a 6-mile web of trails. The Trail Tram, an open-air trailer pulled by a tractor, makes some of the trails handicapped accessible and can be reserved by your group. All ages and abilities will enjoy Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Interpretive Center open year round Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm; Sundays Labor Day to Memorial Day, 1-5pm. The trail system is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
(319) 277-2187

Sculpture Garden 304 W. Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls Bulbs, perennials, bushes and trees indigenous to Iowa provide a quiet restful environment in which to relax and contemplate the sculptures on view May through October. The Woodland Sculpture Garden is in bloom from early spring through late fall and birds, butterflies and bunnies will surprise and delight every visitor. The garden is open sunrise to sunset and is handicap accessible.
(319) 273-8641

 

HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS

Antique Acres 7610 Waverly Rd., Cedar Falls The history of agriculture is told through this extensive collection of restored and preserved antique steam, saw milling and farm machinery. A modern 70-site campground is available. Open every day, 8am-5pm, May-October.
(319) 987-2380

George Wyth House & Viking Pump Museum 303 Franklin St., Cedar Falls.  A treasure of the Cedar Falls Historical Society built in 1907, this former family home of George Wyth is restored and decorated with the influence of the Art Deco Period of 1925. The third floor of the house is a small museum dedicated to the Viking Pump Company founded by Wyth. Open Sunday 2-4pm, April-December and by appointment.
(319) 277-8817 / 266-5149 or cfhs_schmitz@cfu.net

Ice House Museum 1st & Franklin Streets, Cedar Falls.  This circular structure built in 1921 once house a flourishing ice business and now displays ice harvest equipment and photos on ice farming operations. Early farming, homemaking and business memorabilia are also displayed. Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2-4:30pm May-October
(319) 277-8817 or 266-5149 or cfhs_schmitz@cfu.net

Iowa Band Museum 203 1/2 Main St., Cedar Falls.   Visit the historical band hall which houses the history and memorabilia of the Cedar Falls Municipal Band, which was organized in 1891 and is Iowa's oldest concert band. The 45-piece group presents free weekly open-air concerts Tuesday evenings, 7:30pm, June through August, under the direction of Dennis A. Downs, on the beautiful new band shell in Overman Park in the city's Historical District. There is ample street parking and handicap accessibility. The Museum is open Wednesday & Sunday 2-4, June-July.
(319) 266-1253 or 266-2922

Little Red School House 1st and Clay Streets, Cedar Falls.  Built in 1909, this charming schoolhouse is equipped with blackboards, books, pot-bellied stove and turn-of-the century furnishings. Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2-4:30pm May-October.
(319) 277-8817 or 266-5149 or cfhs_schmitz@cfu.net

University Museum 3219 Hudson Rd., Cedar Falls.  Created in 1892, this museum boasts the largest natural history and human history collection- biology, history and anthropology- in Northeast Iowa. The museum serves both the University and the community. Open Monday-Friday 9-4:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 1-4pm. Closed Holidays.
(319) 273-2188

UNI Marshall Center One-Room School East of Hudson Rd. on 23rd St., Cedar Falls.  Preschool through college level classes can experience a typical day in a 1900-1920 schoolroom. Lessons are presented by UNI faculty or former one-room school teachers. Special events are offered to the public throughout the year.
(319) 273-3276

Victorian Home & Carriage House Museum 308 W. 3rd St., Cedar Falls.  The oldest of Cedar Falls' museums, this 1861 Civil War era home features antique furnishings, fashions, and memorabilia documenting the area's early history. This museum also houses the famous O-scale Lenoir Train Exhibit. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10-4pm and Sunday 1-4pm
(319) 277-8817 or 266-5149 or cfhs_schmitz@cfu.net

Grout Museum District West 3rd & Washington area of Waterloo.  This hands-on science center makes learning scientific principles fun through interactive exhibits and formal demonstrations. Exhibits focus on light and electricity, momentum, liquids, gases and sound. Demonstrations daily. Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm; Sunday 1-4:30pm. Closed Monday.
(319) 233-8708

Grout Museum of Science & Industry 503 South St., Waterloo Nationally accredited museum features outstanding exhibitions and programs reflecting the local environment and area history. The Discovery Zone features hands-on activities for children. Planetarium programs daily. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm; Sunday 1-4:30pm. Closed Mondays.
(319) 234-6357

Rensselaer Russell House Museum 520 West 3rd St., Waterloo . Authentic interior and picturesque gardens grace this beautiful Mid-Victorian home. Open April- May and September- October, Tuesday - Sunday 1-4:30pm; June - August, Tuesday - Friday 10am-4:30pm and Saturday/Sunday 1- 4:30pm. Open weekend hours in December. Pre-scheduled group tours anytime
(319) 233-0262

 

FARMER'S MARKETS
Vendors offer fresh produce, plants, baked goods and crafts- all locally grown or produced.

Downtown Cedar Falls Farmer's Market Between Franklin and Clay Streets on Third Street, Cedar Falls (319) 277-1745 Saturday mornings, 8:30am - 12 noon, Late May - October.

College Square Farmer's Market Earl May parking lot, 2501 Melrose Drive, Cedar Falls (319) 266-5944 Wednesday, 2pm-6pm, June-October

Downtown Waterloo Farmer's Market Between Park Avenue & East 4th Street at the Union Planters parking lot, Waterloo (319) 233-7049 Saturday mornings, 8am-12 noon, Late May-October

Crossroads Farmer's Market Crossroads Center, Sears upper level parking lot, Waterloo (319) 296-1840 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm- 7pm, May - October.

 

MORE ATTRACTION INFORMATION

Historical Tour of Black Hawk County Enjoy a cyber-tour of historically significant sites in Black Hawk County.  CedarNet collaborates with the Cedar Falls Historical Society to bring you this information. 

Behrens-Rapp Tourism Information Station 1st and Clay St., Cedar Falls.  This restored gas station contains information for visitors to the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Open 8am-8pm, May-October.
(319) 277-8817 / 266-5149

The Lost Island Water Park 2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo.  Step back into a tropical Polynesian village complete with thatched huts, palm trees, volcanoes, treehouses and tiki gods...where you can lose yourself floating along the "Kailahi River", ride the waves of "Tsunami Bay", plunge down "Lost Soul Falls" or simply sip fresh fruit smoothies sunning in one of their many deck chairs.  Monaleo Speedway Go-Kart Track and 18-Hole Adventure Golf are also available. 
(319) 234-3210 

Silos & Smokestacks PO Box 2845, Waterloo. Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of only 18 in the United States. S&S is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating America's agricultural heritage. Through a network of sites, programs, and events in 37 northeastern Iowa counties, S&S interprets farmlife, agribusiness, and rural communities-past and present. Current programs include various farm, scenic, and historical tours and a travel magazine. 
(319) 234-4567

Source: Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau.

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Special Events

Nov. 18-22: Festival of Trees. Holiday trees and events are in abundance at this grand annual event. For more information, call 319-268-3161 or visit www.covhealth.com/festival.asp

Dec. 12: Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Holiday Pops Concert, 7:30 p.m., Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St. An annual Cedar Valley holiday tradition. This year's program will showcase vocal talents from area congregations and include the popular audience sing-along. For more information, call 877-549-7469 or www.wcfsymphony.org.

Dec. 18: Mannheim Steamroller, 7:30 p.m., Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 8201 Dakota St. Celebrate the spirit of the season with the "18th century rock band" that has become one of the most popular and best-selling acts in the last 30 years. For more information, call 877-549-7469.

Parks

* Cedar Falls City Parks (319) 273-8636

* Birdsall Park 3205 West 12th Street, Cedar Falls. This 250 acre park includes picnic areas, a fishing lake, playground, lighted ball diamonds, cross-country skiing, hockey/ice-skating, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits. Facilities also include Pheasant Ridge 18-hole golf course.

The Falls Aquatic Center 3025 South Main St., Cedar Falls, (319) 266-8468. Three pool areas - Adventure Falls with slides, tower and lazy river; Safari Falls with floating creatures, fountains, slides and sprays; and Rock Falls with 8 lanes, lap lane, and game areas. Handicap accessible, locker rooms, concessions, shaded structures, lounge chairs.

* Island Park Old Highway 218 North, Cedar Falls. A 104 acre park features picnic areas, biking & hiking trails, a fishing stream, a boat ramp, playground, snowmobiling, disc golf, sand volleyball, and serves as a wildlife refuge. A beach house at this location is also available for rent through the Cedar Falls Recreation Division.

* Lookout Park Park Drive and Mandalay, Cedar Falls. This 45 acre park includes picnic areas, hiking trails along scenic ravines, playground, basketball court, and is a wildlife refuge.

* Washington Park End of Utility Parkway, Cedar Falls. A 39 acre park with picnic areas, a fishing lake, playground, open space, wildlife refuge, & ball diamonds. These facilities are all adjacent to a 9-hole golf course.

Source: Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau