The Waterloo center is approximately the area of Grout Museum District and the area of Dan Gable Wrestling Museum.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Waterloo, but it can also be the most expensive. Not only are hotel rates high, but local children are out of school, resulting in longer lines at attractions. Still, if you don't mind the crowds, Waterloo offers warm, pleasant summer temperatures topping out in the mid-80s. Summer is also a great time to experience local events, including the Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair.
Tourist season tapers off in the fall along with the temperatures. Average highs remain in the mid-70s in September, but temps drop drastically in October with average lows skirting the 30s. As long as you pack a few layers, you'll enjoy a beautiful season with plenty of money-saving hotel deals to spare.
Winter in Iowa is frigid, with Waterloo itself experiencing an average snowfall of 33 inches. If you're willing to brave the winter season, you'll be rewarded with rock-bottom hotel rates. Just be sure to avoid holiday weeks as rates tend to climb back up.
Like fall, spring is another great season to visit Waterloo. With the local children still in school, Waterloo's many attractions are more conducive to quiet exploration. Temperatures are back in the 60s by April, and the 70s by May, providing the perfect opportunity to experience the city's outdoor parks.
If you plan ahead, you can find money-saving deals to help you keep your budget in check during your trip to Waterloo. Most area hotels, including Comfort Suites in Cedar Falls, provide reduced rates to military families, government employees, seniors, AARP members, AAA/CAA members, and rewards members. Qualifying for these special rates can help you save as much as 20 percent off the cost of your stay.
Higher end properties like Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo frequently offer special packages, which tend to change seasonally. Booking one of these packages entitles you to special perks while staying at the hotel, including free dining or casino credits.
Waterloo also offers several midrange hotel options that give you the best bang for your buck.
Ramada Waterloo Hotel and Convention Center is a straightforward conference hotel offering modern guest rooms, two on-site restaurants, meeting spaces, a gym, an indoor pool, and an airport shuttle service. Guest rooms feature work desks with ergonomic chairs, coffee makers, free high-speed internet, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms with kitchenettes, hot tubs, and two-bedroom suites are also available.
Set 2.6 miles from the Grout Museum District, Hampton Inn Waterloo is a modern hotel offering a free on-site breakfast, weekday breakfast bags to go, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, an exercise room, two meeting rooms, a business center, and free parking. Guest rooms include custom-designed beds, flat-screen TVs with high-definition channels, minifridges, microwaves, coffee makers, work desks, and lap desks for working on the bed.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterloo Cedar Falls is a laidback lodging 3 miles from the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast, free parking, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour convenience store, a business center, and laundry facilities. Rooms are modern with free Wi-Fi access, work desks with ergonomic chairs, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs with premium cable. Upgraded studio rooms add pullout sofa beds.
Located within the Cedar Falls Industrial & Technology Park, Comfort Inn is a modest all-suite hotel less than 10 miles from Lost Island water park. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, minifridges, microwaves, pillowtop mattresses, and pullout sofas. Additional amenities include a free hot breakfast, free parking, an indoor pool with hot tub, a fitness room, and guest laundry facilities. Pets are also welcome for a fee.
With so many attractions in Waterloo, you may be wondering where to begin. The city's broad range of museums is a good place to start.
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium is an interactive science center that's fun for the whole family. Offering hands-on exhibits, this facility demonstrates how science affects our everyday lives, complete with educational science demonstrations.
To learn more about Iowa's history, head to the Grout Museum of History & Science. Visitors can discover what life was like as a pioneer during the state's earliest settlements, learn about the local flora and fauna, and experience the region's only public planetarium. As with any facility in the Grout Museum District, guided and self-guided tours are available to help guests make the most of their visit.
The Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls is dedicated to telling the story of Cedar River's ice harvesting history. Built in 1921, the circular ice house once stored the ice that locals cut from the river, and it now stands as a cherished museum harkening back to the city's earlier days. There's no place better to experience and appreciate the impact the Cedar River has had on the community's growth and continued success.
Between the interactive museums, performance venues, nightclubs, theme parks, unique shops, and world-class dining options, there's plenty to experience in Waterloo for every member of the family. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly roadside property or an upscale offering suited to corporate travelers, you can find the perfect accommodation in Waterloo that meets you needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Waterloo, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Nothing, there is nothing there but it was a half way point for my friend and I to meet for her birthday
Nice restaurant downtown.
Nice restaurant downtown!
I was originally from there so always like the area.
Easy to drive around.
Lots of eating places and shopping by hotel.
John Deere Museum.
It had a lot of activity going on. Lots of people for Irish Fest and the Adventure Park & Casino. Other things I'm sure that I didn't hear about.
The ski show in Evansdale. Great service at Red Lobster.
Waterloo has a great parks system with excellent golf courses.
Longhorn Steakhouse on San Marnan was closely located and a surprisingly short wait for a Saturday night. Excellent food and service. Will be back this summer for the amusement and water parks.
Downtown Waterloo has a very cool Mid 20th Century vibe and nice people!
Calm city with Tractor Museum.
Lost Island
Room was comfortable, clean, and quiet.
Great soccer fields, shopping and George Wyth Park
Shopping was fun at the consignment shops!