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Contributed
Recreation in Waterloo is superb and relaxing.

Attractions

* BLACK HAWK CHILDREN'S THEATRE
225 Commercial Street, (319) 235-0367/291-4494. This award-winning children's theatre presents delightful productions at Hope Martin Theatre in the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

* CEDAR FALLS COMMUNITY THEATRE
103 Main Street, (319) 277-5283. Enjoy the talents of community members as they perform a wide variety of productions; from classic humor and familiar musicals to contemporary plays in the Oster Regent Theatre. The theatre built in 1910 and restored in 1994, is a local landmark.

* THEATRE UNI
University of Northern Iowa, (319) 273-6381/273-6387. UNI drama students, visiting artists, and directors present musicals, operas, drama and comedies throughout the year. Theatre UNI is one of the finest educational theatre facilities in the Midwest.

* WATERLOO COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
225 Commercial Street, (319) 235-0367/291-4494. Presenting the best in classics, modern comedies, dramas, musicals and mysteries, the WCP has been given the state's top Performing Arts Organization Award and has an international reputation for new play production. Performances are at the Hope Martin Theatre in the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

* GALLAGHER BLUEDORN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
University of Northern Iowa, 319-273-7469 or 877-549-7469. Iowa's newest center for the arts offers over 200 performances a year ranging from Broadway to Bolshoi. Three state-of-the-art concert halls, a soaring lobby and the best acoustics in Iowa provide audiences an unparalleled environment for enjoying live music, theatre, dance and opera performances. The ticket office is open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

* UNI SCHOOL OF MUSIC
University of Northern Iowa, (319) 273-2024. 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.

* WATERLOO/CEDAR FALLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Gallagher Bluedorn PAC, 273-3373, Box Office 273-7469. One of Northeast Iowa's strongest cultural assets, the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony has presented quality musical performances for 72 seasons. The 2001-02 season will include five Classical concerts, two Pops performances, a String Orchestra concert and a family concert. In addition, the WCFSO offers an array of educational programs for area school children. The Symphony performs the majority of their concerts in the Gallagher Bluedorn PAC., where their offices are also locate.

* SUNRISE EXCHANGE CLUB CHILDREN'S PETTING ZOO
Cattle Congress Grounds, 307 Rainbow Drive, Waterloo, (319) 234-4110. Open summer months, this zoo features a variety of farm animals.

* LOST ISLAND ADVENTURE PARK
2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo, 234-3210. May - August This 74-acre recreation park features water slides, a wave pool, miniature golf, and go-carts. Water park open 10; am - 6:00 pm. 18 Hole Goofy Golf, 9 Hole Wheelchair Accessible Golf, and Go Cart Track Open 2:30 - 10:00 pm.

* WATERLOO BLACK HAWKS HOCKEY
125 Commercial Street, Waterloo, (319) 232-1257. Enjoy exciting hockey action with the Waterloo Black Hawks, members of the United States Hockey League. The USHL is the premier Junior A Hockey League in North America. Home games are played at Young Arena, arguably the finest rink in Junior Hockey. The Black Hawks regular season starts in October and concludes in March.

* WATERLOO BUCKS BASEBALL
805 Park Road, Waterloo, (319) 232-0500. Catch Baseball fever with the Waterloo Bucks! The Bucks, part of the Northwoods Collegiate League, made Waterloo their home in 1994. Home games are played at Waterloo Riverfront Stadium, June - August. Come out and catch the fever!

* ANTIQUE ACRES
7610 Waverly Road, Cedar Falls, (319) 987-2380. 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 Monday - Friday, 8 am-5 pm, the weekend before Memorial Day to Labor Day.

* DOWNTOWN WATERLOO FARMERS MARKET
Between Park Avenue and East 4th Street at the Union Planters Bank parking lot, Waterloo, (319) 233-7049. Over 50 vendors offer fresh produce, plants, baked goods and crafts - all locally grown or produced. Special promotions are featured once a month. Saturday mornings May - October; 8 am-12 noon.

* CROSSROADS FARMERS MARKET
Crossroads Center, Sears upper level parking lot, Waterloo, (319) 234-1788. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm - 7 pm.

* HERITAGE FARM & COACH COMPANY
7731 Zaneta Road, Hudson, (319) 988-3734. Experience a unique step back in time with all the romance and exhilaration of a by-gone era with a horse-drawn hayride or a scenic sleigh ride during the winter months. Complete with a bon fire and a stop at our rustic cabin in the woods where an option of a cookie and coffee break, a lunch or an old fashioned Iowa farm home-cooked meal is served. A 100 year old barn can be used for larger groups.

* JOHN DEERE WATERLOO WORKS
3500 Donald Street, Waterloo, (319) 292-7801. Visit four John Deere plants to see the entire tractor production process, the assembly of the engine and tractors or the casting of parts and components. Tour times: Tractor Assembly, 8 am, 10 am & 1 pm weekdays; Engine Works, 9:30 am & 1:30 pm weekdays; Foundry & Component Division, flexible hours, weekdays. Must be 13 years of age. Reservations required.

* SILOS & SMOKESTACKS
P.O. Box 2845, Waterloo, (319) 234-4567. Currently under development, Silos & Smokestacks will be a collection of over 60 privately-owned historic sites throughout Northeast Iowa. Together, they'll tell the story of our contribution to the Agricultural Revolution that changed the world. Call for a list of sites that are currently open.

* THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL MUSEUM
Offices are temporarily located at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, 322 Washington St., Waterloo. Tours of the African American interest in the Waterloo metro area arranged for groups. Speaker's Bureau available for lectures and programming.

* BLUEDORN IMAGINARIUM
West 3rd and Washington, Waterloo, (319) 233-8708 or 234-6357. 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 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Sundays 1:00 - 4:30 pm.

* GEORGE WYTH HOUSE AND VIKING PUMP MUSEUM
303 Franklin Street, Cedar Falls, (319) 277-8817. A treasure of the Cedar Falls Historical Society, the former family home of George Wyth show cases the Art Deco style of 1920's. The third floor of the house is a small museum dedicated to the Viking Pump Company, co-founded by Wyth. Open 2:00 - 4:00 pm, May - October.

* GROUT MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND SCIENCE
503 South Street, Waterloo, (319) 234-6357. Nationally accredited, the Grout Museum features outstanding exhibits reflecting area history. It also boasts Northeast Iowa's only planetarium. Planetarium programs are offered Tuesday - Saturday at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. Permanent exhibits include Pioneer Hall with five full-scale dioramas including blacksmith and carpenter shops, tool shed, log home and mercantile store. Other exhibits featured are Engine of the Heartland, Photo History Hall, the Discovery Room and the Five Sullivan Brothers display and memorabilia. The Museum also houses the northeast Iowa's largest genealogical reference library. Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Closed Mondays.

* ICE HOUSE MUSEUM
1st and Franklin, Cedar Falls, (319) 277-8817/266-5149. Circular structure built in 1921, which once housed a flourishing ice business, now displays ice harvest equipment and photos depicting ice farming operations. Early farming, homemaking and business memorabilia are also displayed. Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2-4:30 pm May 1 - October 31.

* LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE #5
1st & Clay Street, Cedar Falls, (319) 277-8817/266-5149. Built in 1909, this charming schoolhouse is equipped with blackboards, books, a pot belly stove and turn-of-the-century furnishings. Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2-4:30 pm, May 1 - October 31.

* UNI-MUSEUM
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, (319) 273-2188. Explore the University Museum and the natural history exhibits of birds, animals, and human history from around the world. The many exhibits from African antelope to Peruvian textiles or wood carvings of the Asmat culture to geology specimen millions of years old, act as your window to the world. Open Monday - Friday 9 am-4:30 pm; Saturday-Sunday 1-4:00 pm.

* HEARST CENTER FOR THE ARTS
304 West Seerley Blvd, Cedar Falls, (319) 273-8641. 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. Open Tuesday - Friday 10 am-9 pm; Saturday - Sunday 1-4 pm.

* JUNIOR ART GALLERY
225 Commercial Street, Waterloo, (319) 291-4490. Young and young at heart will experience thrilling adventures in this delightful annual exhibit. The Junior Art Gallery offers environmental and ethnic atmospheres in participatory exhibits. The Gallery is a special branch of the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Open Saturday-Sunday 1-4 pm, November - May and for scheduled tours during the week.

* UNI GALLERY OF ART
Kamerick Art Building, (319) 273-6134. The Gallery features nine contemporary changing art exhibits throughout the year. Featured annually is the Faculty Art Exhibit in the fall and Juried Student Art Exhibit in the spring both showcasing the talent in the UNI Art Department. The UNI Gallery of Art serves as an educational complement to the UNI Department of Art and as a cultural resource for the University and Iowa communities. Open Monday - Thursday 9 am-9 pm, Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12-5 pm. Closed on Holidays, when classes are not in session and when exhibits are being changed. Summer Hours (June - July) Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00 -4:30 pm.

* WATERLOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
225 Commercial Street, (319) 291-4490. Located along the banks of the scenic Cedar River the Waterloo Museum of Art features Midwest art including works by Grant Wood, Marvin Cone, and Thomas Hart Benton; plus the largest public collection of Haitian art in the United States. The Museum also offers a Museum Gift Store with works by over 200 mid-west artists and a full selection of educational classes, programs, special events, and performances. Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

* CEDAR VALLEY ARBORETUM AND BOTANIC GARDENS
East Orange Road, East of Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, (319) 226-4966. This center, currently under development, Hosta, Herb, Trial, Plant-a-Row-for-the- Hungry, Foster Children's Pond, Community Gardens, and Enabling Garden, Children's Garden and Buck Rose Garden. Summer hours: Tuesday 10 am - 2 pm, Saturdays 8 am - noon, Sunday noon - 4 pm. Tours by appointment.

* CEDAR VALLEY NATURE TRAIL
Black Hawk County Conservation Board, 2410 W. Lone Tree Road, Cedar Falls, (319) 266-6813. This 52-mile linear park is located on an abandoned railroad between Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, and links two metropolitan cities. The trailhead is located on River Road, south of I-380 in Evansdale. The trail presents several landscapes, and passes through a series of rural towns. Its surface is compatible to hiking, biking, jogging, and cross0country skiing in the winter. No motorized vehicles or horses are allowed.

* HARTMAN RESERVE NATURE CENTER
657 Reserve Drive, Cedar Falls, (319) 277-2187. This 287-acre natural area is a wooded oasis located in the heart of metropolitan Black Hawk County along the banks of the Cedar River. The Hartman Interpretive Center houses displays and exhibits, and is connected to several habitats by five miles of trails. Interpretive Center open Monday - Friday 8 am-4:30 pm; Sunday 1-5 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The 6-mile trail system is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

* RENSSELAER RUSSELL HOUSE MUSEUM
520 West 3rd Street, Waterloo, (319) 233-0262. Authentic interior and picturesque gardens grace this beautiful Mid-Victorian home. Open Tuesday - Saturday 1-4:30 pm April - May and September - October; Tuesday - Friday 10 pm-4:30 pm and Saturday 1-4:30 pm June - August or by appointment.

* VICTORIAN HOME & CARRIAGE HOUSE MUSEUM
308 West 3rd Street, Cedar Falls (319) 266-5149/277-8817. This 1863 Civil War era home features antique furnishings, fashions and memorabilia documenting the area's early history. Open Wednesday - Saturday 10-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm.

Source: Waterloo Conventions & Visitors Bureau

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Parks

* Waterloo City Parks (319) 291-4370

* Byrnes Park West 4th and Fletcher Ave., Waterloo This 170 acre park features picnic areas, pool & waterslide, tennis, playground, ball diamonds, cross-country skiing, hockey/ice-skating, horseshoes, basketball, & golf course. Facilities are handicap accessible.

* Cedar River/Exchange Park Park Rd. & Burton Ave., Waterloo A 104 acre handicap accessible park with picnic areas, hiking trails, swimming pool, fishing stream, boat ramp, playground, cross-country skiing, disc golf, tennis, wildlife refuge, ball diamonds, ice skating/hockey, horseshoes, volleyball, & football field.

* Gates Park East 4th & Lester St., Waterloo 235 acre park with picnic areas, pool and waterslide, playground, tennis courts, ball diamonds, cross-country skiing, rugby, basketball, & golf. Facilities are handicap accessible.

* Katoski Greenbelt West of Highway 63, Waterloo This 1100 acre park offers primitive camping, picnicking, biking and hiking trails, as well as a fishing lake and stream, & cross-country skiing. You can also watch a variety of wildlife and enjoy the scenery of the Native Iowa Prairie Restoration. Handicap Accessible.

* Lincoln Park East 4th and Adams St., Waterloo A 2 acre park with picnic area and flower garden. Handicap accessible.

* Martin Park Fletcher Ave. and Highway 63, Waterloo 188 acre park with modern campsites available. Also includes picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing stream, playground, ball diamonds, cross-country skiing, and wildlife refuge. Handicap accessible.

* Sullivan Park East 4th & Adams St., Waterloo This 8 acre park offers picnic areas, playground, the Sullivan Brothers Memorial Ball Diamond, basketball, and flower garden. Handicap accessible.

* Washington Park West Park Ave. & South St., Waterloo A 2 acre park with picnic areas, and flower gardens. Handicap accessible.

* Black Hawk County Parks (319) 266-6813 or 266-0328

* Black Hawk Park 2410 W. Lone Tree Road, Cedar Falls This 1768 acre park offers modern campsites, picnic areas, hiking, biking & bridle trails, fishing stream & lake, boat ramp, hunting, playground, ball diamond, cross-country skiing, hockey/ice skating, archery-gun-sporting, clay ranges, & lodge. Handicap accessible.

* Hartman Reserve Nature Center 657 Reserve Dr., Cedar Falls 287 acre wildlife refuge offers biking & hiking trails, fishing stream & lake, boat ramp, hunting, interpretive lodge, & cross-country skiing. Handicap accessible. * Iowa State Parks (319) 232-5505

* George Wyth State Park Highways 218 and 57, Cedar Falls This 1100 acre park includes modern campsites, picnic areas, hiking & biking trails, a beach, fishing stream & lakes, boat ramp, playgrounds, cross-country skiing, hockey/ice skating, snowmobiling, and prairie reconstruction. Handicap accessible.