Travel Destinations Iowa Top Things to Do in Waterloo, Iowa This former manufacturing town is a destination for history buffs. But families with youngsters will find plenty to fill a weekend, too. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 10, 2022 Lost Island Water Park. Photo: Courtesy of Travel Iowa Do Bluedorn Science Imaginarium Build a robot. Make a hot-air balloon rise. Learn how cold it is on Pluto. There's plenty of science to explore here. groutmuseumdistrict.org Courtesy of Travel Iowa John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum Kids will love climbing up a tractor. Tours can be self-guided or led by staff. deere.com Lost Island Water Park. Courtesy of Travel Iowa Lost Island Waterpark and Lost Island Themepark A theme park with 22 rides opened in summer 2022 next to the water park, which has been a local attraction for 20 years. Also on-site: minigolf and go-karts. thelostisland.com Rensselaer Russell House Museum Take a step back to the Victorian Era on a guided tour of this restored 1861 house. By appointment only. groutmuseumdistrict.org Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Courtesy of Travel Iowa Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum See the stories of America's wars through the lens of Iowans, such as the five Sullivan brothers who died when their ship was torpedoed in World War II. groutmuseumdistrict.org Waterloo Center for the Arts Go beyond Grant Wood's art by exploring this compact museum's collection of Haitian art, one the United State's largest. The Phelps Youth Pavilion's activities inspire creativity in kids. waterloocenterforthearts.org Eat and Drink The Brown Bottle In the historical Russell Lamson Building since 1974, this eatery is known for its pasta and extensive wine list. brownbottlewaterloo.com Newton's Paradise Cafe This busy corner cafe serves comfort food in an 1870s building in the heart of the business district. newtonscafe.com Singlespeed Brewing Company Excellent beers and some of the area's best eats, such as Iowa flatbread with sweet corn, are produced in a former Wonder Bread factory. singlespeedbrewing.com Stay Isle Casino and Hotel The large rooms are modern and comfortable, and it's convenient to the Lost Island Waterpark and the Crossroads Center mall. islewaterloo.com For more information visit experiencewaterloo.com Extend Your Stay: Cedar Falls Sharing a metro with Waterloo, Cedar Falls—home of the University of Northern Iowa—offers shopping and dining on historic Main Street, as well as museums that tell the story of small-town life. Try a raspberry mojito along with Iowa chops at Montage or, at Whiskey Road, a brisket sandwich and (naturally) the whiskey selection. The round Ice House Museum on the Cedar River once stored ice cut from the river; learn about the history of ice harvesting. Step back in time as well at the 1909 Little Red Schoolhouse and the Victorian House Museum. Downtown Cedar Falls. Courtesy of Travel Iowa The historic Black Hawk Hotel, with 43 rooms, is close to both the Cedar River and UNI. For more information visit cedarfallstourism.org Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit