7 Must-Visit Places in the Cedar Valley, IA
When in the Cedar Valley, don’t leave town without visiting these seven popular attractions:
In This Article
1. Lost Island Themepark, Waterloo
This vibrant destination is a guaranteed fun time for the whole family. Made up of five sections, or “realms,” each embodies a different element: fire, water, air, earth and spirit. Throughout the park, you’ll find roller coasters, water rides, playgrounds, arcades and everything you could possibly want at an amusement park – and then some! At Lost Island, you can expect a magical day filled with adventure and delight.
2. Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls
This performing arts center is well worth a visit for lovers of music, dance and theater. A vast 100,000-square-foot complex, it contains three concert halls with incredible acoustics and the latest and greatest technology, all of which make for an immaculate attendee experience. The venue’s event calendar is typically jam-packed with a wide range of events – it hosts over 300 performances a year – so be sure to check the schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
3. The Little Brown Church, Nashua
Be sure to carve out some time to visit the Little Brown Church, which was built in the early 1860s and inspired the famous song “The Church in the Wildwood” that has been recorded by music icons like Dolly Parton. It still stands today, brown and charming as it ever was, and is open for services on Sundays. Also available are privately arranged tours, which cover the church’s rich history over the years.
4. Wartburg College, Waverly
The scenic campus of this private, liberal arts college is gorgeous year-round, with its luscious green lawns and classic brick buildings. But while it’s pleasant to walk around campus any time of the year, Wartburg College becomes a must-visit destination in December with its annual Christmas with Wartburg concert series. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the dulcet sounds of Wartburg’s best vocalists and instrumentalists.
5. Cedar Rock State Park – Lowell and Agnes Walter Estate, Independence
This state park was designated to preserve the land on which the Lowell and Agnes Walter Estate sits. Designed by world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the building has his distinctive, signature Usonian style embedded in every element – even the furniture, which was also designed by Wright. See for yourself the impeccable artistry of this building by reserving a tour ahead of time.
6. Miracle Park, Parkersburg
This stunning park is a not just a great place to play – it’s a shining testament to the resilience of the city. It was rebuilt after a tornado destroyed the playground that previously existed on the site. Now, it’s even bigger and better than before, with a sand volleyball, basketball and pickleball court, two distinct play areas (one for the older kids, one for the younger kids), and an ice rink in the winter.
7. Historic Downtown Grundy Center, Grundy Center
You could not ask for a more picturesque stretch of historic old buildings than those nestled side by side with their old brick facades and cornices. These gorgeously preserved buildings make up the historic downtown Grundy Center. It’s a fun place to take photos, go shopping and patronize local businesses. To fuel your explorations, grab a coffee at Natural Grind. And if the architecture piques your curiosity, you can learn all about the city’s rich history at grundycenterhistory.org.
Get to Know the Cedar Valley
Want to learn more about living and working in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metro Region of Iowa? Check out the latest edition of Livability Live the Valley.