Waterloo IA is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Waterloo IA based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis!
The Best Place to Visit in Waterloo IA
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
- Address: 500 Westfield Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (946)
- Phone: +1 319-292-6126
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: Closed
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Waterloo IA
George Wyth State Park
- Address: 3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (847)
- Phone: +1 319-232-5505
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PMTuesday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PMWednesday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PMThursday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PMFriday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PMSaturday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PMSunday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Reviews:
Really nice campground. So many trees and a beautiful river. Bugs weren’t too bad. Flies do bite, but nice little beach area, tons of baby frogs when we went. Plenty of spots and we’ll worth the price!! Very affordable and showers are kept up.By Katrina Burkey (5 months ago)Overall an awesome park, lots of river access and several lakes. Great bike paths, very scenic. As for camping, the campground is rather small and tight. However, there are a few sites along the river that can accommodate a small camper. No electricity, but the view is awesome! We had site 18, loved it. Fished right behind the camper and caught a few walleye. A pair of bald eagles were right across from us and even came down to bathe in the river.
Be aware, the park, and especially the campground map, is WAY off for scale, everything is a lot closer than shown.By Mike (a year ago)So many birds here!!! Very green and pretty paved/flat trails. Good space to stretch your legs.By Karly H (Exploring the lakes!) (3 months ago)We had a pretty good experience the one night we stayed. $18 for electric and really close to the river. It was pretty quiet in our site. All sites seem quite level.By Chad Chapman (a year ago)Older park. Has nice big trees. Nice to be close to Cedar Falls were all the museums are. The Sullivan brothers was great! John Deere was interesting and free! While we were in the state park for 3 days we never saw a ranger drive by and no one was at the gate entrance.By Connie Lehan (a month ago)Palmer’s Family Fun
- Address: 1666 W Airline Hwy, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (422)
- Phone: +1 319-232-9384
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 3:00 – 3:30 AMWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: ClosedSaturday: ClosedSunday: Closed
- Reviews:
Great little place to have fun with family or friends, reasonably priced, and an attentive staff. Plenty to do whether you are into go karts, the driving range, or putt putt.By Nicole Cook (3 months ago)My town festival rented their archery tag for what was a reasonable price. There was a threat of storms but he said let’s wait on payment until the end of our agreed time. In case we got rained out. We ended up going the full time. It was super popular. Super friendly owner knew alot of people in town. Even saw him talking to some people he knew after he was done tearing down. I would highly suggest using them and visiting their place.By Scott Schaefer (4 months ago)We had a great day at Palmer’s Family Fun! This is a great place to bring kids. The staff is super friendly. Tons of different activities to do. Reasonably priced and a variety of different packages to puchase. I highly recommend any family who want to have a great day of fun with the kids. We will be back for sure!!!By Cassie Ellis (4 years ago)Great Family Fun!! There is so much to do and the prices are very reasonable. The staff are very kind and fun, which made our experience even better. Great place to kill some time on a weekday or weekend!By Edward Denner (6 months ago)Awesome place can’t wait to go back. The staff was amazing and very helpful. Not to crowded. Many things for the kids to do and adultsBy James S (4 years ago)
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
- Address: 657 Reserve Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (408)
- Phone: +1 319-277-2187
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: ClosedSunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Great place to hike. I enjoy winter hikes because you can see the lady of the land without the tree leaves to obscure the view. The flowers in the spring and summer are beautiful. The nature center is pretty good. They have some animals (live and stuffed) on display.By Stephen Woolery (2 weeks ago)This is a great place to introduce kids to nature. Lots of places to go hiking and exploring. The center has many activities and tools for learning. The library is a great place to find a book about nature. My kids loved everything here and we can’t wait to go back.By Josh Beyer (4 years ago)What an amazing park! So clean and well kept up. The interpretive center is wonderful.By Sharla Wiegand (a month ago)Wow, the exhibits inside include live and stuffed (taxidermy) animals, even a Buffalo. An indoor tree house and handmade maple syrup for sale. Attention to detail and creativity of the space amazing. Trail walks are a lil dull for viewing but wow! What an amazing FREE place!By Tina Sanchez (6 months ago)A great place to take a hike. A lot of native plants along the path, nice for photography.By Chris (2 years ago)
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
- Address: 1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (276)
- Phone: +1 319-226-4966
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Very beautiful gardens! It’s on the smaller side, but still worth the visit. The walking trail is very nice, the kids section is fun. Make sure to buy fish food to feed the fish, that is very fun and worth the purchase. If you are in area, it’s a great place to walk and enjoy some quiet, amazing scenery.By I. S. (a year ago)Very nice, quiet and peaceful place. It is worth visiting if you are somewhere nearby. You can also try the fruits and vegetables that grow there.By Nina Kanalosh (a year ago)Went to the scarecrow stroll and it was SO NEAT!our 3 year old loved it- well worth the $7 admission price for adults. Their children’s garden was the cherry on top- made me want to be a kid again. Will definitely be going back and will be looking into membership optionsBy Jennifer Jacobson (a month ago)Our family was able to meet halfway and was looking for an outdoor park to have a picnic. Gorgeous and clean facilities. Such pretty flowers.By Spring Dalton (2 years ago)There is a ton to see here! We went when they had their pet day and it was so great to be able to bring our pup with! Hope they will host this event again next year 🙂By Carolon Johnson (a year ago)
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science
- Address: 503 South St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (268)
Escapology Escape Rooms Cedar Falls
- Address: 2520 Melrose Dr suite e, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (264)
Cedar River Exchange Park
- Address: 539 Burton Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (260)
Phelps Youth Pavilion
- Address: 225 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (226)
Waterloo Center for the Arts
- Address: 225 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (225)
Waterloo Riverfront Stadium
- Address: 850 Park Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (187)
Sunrise Children’s Zoo
- Address: 250 Ansborough Ave #2134, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (139)
Tibbitts Park
- Address: 570 Cedar Bend St, Waterloo, IA 50703, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (136)
Hope Martin Memorial Park
- Address: 276-286 Fletcher Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.1 (131)
Greenbelt Lake
- Address: 900 Martin Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (102)
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
- Address: 322 Washington St, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (86)
Waterloo IA is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Waterloo IA – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
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Such an awesome stop on my road trip. Wish I wouldn’t have been so pressed for time, would have liked to be able to read everything. It is a well laid out museum. The staff was friendly. And the price is free.
Had a great visit learning about this tractor leader. Beautiful layout and clean museum. It was FREE to attend. Masks are required to visit. Left being more educated about John Deere. Goal achieved. They have engaging exhibits for kids. Simple activity but you get to punch a timecard. Had to explain that to my kids as I doubt they’ll see much of that activity in today’s modern world.
This place was soooo much fun to look around! Very well done! Super great bits of history of John Deere! So worth stopping by! Free and they have fun sections for kids to keep them engaged as well.
I wasn’t sure what to expect at this museum but I was pleasantly surprised. It is very well organized and tells the story of the John Deere company from its origins to today. It is free and open to the public. I recommend viewing the short film at the entrance to get an overview of the history. It shows to evolution of agriculture from animal power to today. We spent about an hour but you could easily spend several hours exploring this museum.
I enjoyed the museum and the tractors they had to show off.
I had expectations of rows of old tractors! ? . The history of the beginning of the company was fun to learn.
The museum staff were all super friendly and helpful!
They also have a nice gift shop!