About the Cedar Valley

Waterloo & Cedar Falls: The Heart of the Valley

The Cedar Valley in Iowa is a dynamic region offering a rich mix of history, culture, and entertainment.

Waterloo is home to the renowned John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, celebrating the area's agricultural roots, and the vibrant RiverLoop Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and events along the Cedar River. The Cedar Valley SportsPlex offers state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facilities for all ages. Dining options in Waterloo range from farm-to-table eateries to beloved local spots, while the nearby Lost Island Waterpark adds a splash of adventure.

Just a few miles away, Cedar Falls complements Waterloo with its quaint downtown and thriving arts scene, anchored by the University of Northern Iowa. Together, these cities form a lively, welcoming destination in the heart of Iowa.

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NJCAA Sports RedTail Athletics

As members of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association, Hawkeye Community College competes across the U.S.

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Minor League Baseball Waterloo Bucks

The Bucks are part of the 26-team Northwoods League. Home games are at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo.

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Minor League Hockey Waterloo Black Hawks

The Waterloo Black Hawks, part of the United States Hockey League (USHL), play at Young Arena in downtown Waterloo.

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NCAA Sports UNI Panthers

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers compete primarily in the Missouri Valley Conference, with strong programs in sports like basketball, football, volleyball, and wrestling, where they've consistently earned national recognition.

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Iowa's Premier Waterski Team Waterhawks Ski Team

The Water Hawks have been wowing audiences since 1958. They have performed at Eagle Lake in Evansdale since 1993.

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Arts & Culture

The Cedar Valley offers great arts and culture experiences, including live performances, festivals, art galleries, museums, gardens, and more.

The Grout Museum District in Waterloo features a variety of exhibits, including local history, science, and military artifacts, across multiple sites like the Grout Museum of History & Science, the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.

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The National Cattle Congress organization provides year-round events and activities. Their biggest annual event, the National Cattle Congress Fair, attracts more than 80,000 visitors each year for food, music, carnival rides, and livestock shows.

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The Center collects Midwest Art, American Decorative Arts and International Folk Art, including a significant collection of Mexican Folk Art and the worlds’ largest public collection of Haitian Art.

Visit Waterloo Center for the Arts

Located on the Unviersity of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls, the center hosts more than 300 performances each year. It's also performance home for the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony.

Visit Gallagher Bluedorn

Located on the east edge of Hawkeye's Main Campus, the arboretum features 40 acres of themed gardens and landscapes, walking trails, educational programming, and community celebrations.

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The Phelps Youth Pavilion is a two-level children's museum packed with fun, hands-on activities. Kids can enjoy everything from simple art projects in the Arts Workshop to interactive high-tech exhibits and a play area where they can climb and explore.

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The Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children's Theatre offer live shows for both adults and kids. They also provide fun opportunities for children to learn and participate in theater through workshops and performances.

Visit Waterloo Community Playhouse

Located in downtown Cedar Falls, Oster Regent is home to Cedar Falls Community Theatre, and hosts theatre, live music, and more throughout the year.

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Explore Waterloo & Cedar Falls

Main Street Waterloo

Downtown Cedar Falls

Cedar Valley Sports Commission

Experience Waterloo

Grow Cedar Valley

The Cedar Valley offers diverse cultural experiences and all the amenities of a big city with a small town feel. There’s always something to do, whether you want to attend a sporting event, go shopping, or go to a local restaurant.