WEEKENDER BLOG

Cedar Falls recently hosted the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine for a visit. Check out this packed itinerary they followed that included bicycling and beyond!

Before your trip:

1. Book a Hotel at https://www.cedarfallstourism.org/places-to-stay/hotels-motels/

2. Download the Cedar Valley Trails Interactive Map and start exploring the Cedar Valley Trails!

3. Plan stops along the Cedar Falls Beer Trail. If you enjoy local breweries or unique taprooms, this is a trail for you.  https://www.cedarfallstourism.org/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/beer-trail/

• The trail can be broken up into several days with only seven stops.
• Four locations (SingleSpeed Brewing, Second State Brewing, The Brass Tap, and George’s Local) are walkable in the Downtown District.
• Two locations (Mulligans and Lark Brewing) are on the bike trail.
• The Octopus is located in the College Hill District is on Share the Road streets, The Hearst Center for the Arts is along the route, has a lovely sculpture garden and you can turn your passport in to receive your swag.
• Trail is an eight mile loop from downtown Cedar Falls

Thursday/Day 1:

Activity

Stroll through the Cedar Falls Downtown District, note the many public art sculptures, and start filling your beer trail passport.

Dinner

Brown Bottle Cedar Falls, is a mainstay in the community featuring Italian dishes. If the weather allows, consider dining on the patio.

Nightcap

Bar Winslow within The Black Hawk Hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere to end the day.


 

Friday/Day 2:

Breakfast

If you love crepes a stop at Tata Yaya is a must. Seeking freshly roasted coffee and a light breakfast, stop by Cottonwood Canyon “The House”.

Activity

George Wyth State Park Single Track Soft Trails - The soft trails are located a short distance from downtown, just off the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail. The Cedar Valley Association of Soft Trails group (http://www.cvast.org/) has marked the trails from easy to moderate. One tip: Prison Break is best ridden from east to west starting on the dike by George Wyth Lake, where the trail drops down from the dike is where the bluebells will be prolific, if in bloom, typically in mid-May. 

Lunch

Starbeck’s Smokehouse on University Avenue was named Iowa's Best Pulled Pork Sandwich in 2022 (and check out Scratch Cupcakery next door!)

Activity

Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 657 Reserve Drive, Cedar Falls

Open weekdays 8-4:30, hiking trails always open. The upper part of the reserve is located on a ridge above the Cedar River valley with ravines and stairs to enjoy great hiking in the woods.

Ice Cream

Cedar City Creamery, north on Main Street on bike trail. From Dole Whips to decadent ice cream sundaes, you can’t go wrong! 

Dinner

Dine at Concept Kitchen which can be found within Second State Brewery on State Street in the Downtown District. 

Nightcap

The Ragged Edge Art Bar and Gallery, 504 Bluff St. Eclectic, casual vibe in the Downtown District.


 

Saturday/Day 3:

Breakfast

Brunch at Whiskey Road will hit the spot! Don't miss the delicious dessert donuts!

Activities:

Cedar Falls Farmer’s Market 
Hours 8:30am-Noon; Overman Park, Downtown Cedar Falls

Eddie Bowles Historical Tour 
Download the App to follow a two-mile trail of sites in and around downtown Cedar Falls that played a significant role in the life of blues guitarist Eddie Bowles.

Hearst Center for the Arts 

View local and regional art exhibitions, catch a performance, or stroll leisurely through the beautiful sculpture garden. When complete, turn in your Beer Trail Passport here for a prize! 

Lunch

The Brass Tap, Mulligans, or Lark Brewing are suggested if you are working to fill your Cedar Falls Beer Trail passport.

Activities

Check for Cedar Valley Cyclists rides at https://cedarvalleycyclists.org/event-calendar/. 

Events at River Place Plaza happen throughout the warmer months at this great new gathering place in downtown Cedar Falls. It is a hub of activity!

Dinner

Enjoy an evening on the patio at George’s Local at 4th and Main Street.

Nightcap

SingleSpeed Brewing Co is known for their IPA and Sour beers. The Cedar Falls Taproom is where they debut their new brews!


 

Sunday/Day 4:

Hotel check out.

Stop at Cup of Joe on Main Street for a quick cup of coffee.

Special Trail Notes:

Cedar Valley Trails connect to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail which is a 67-mile trail connecting Evansdale to Cedar Rapids/Ely. Both are part of the 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail with the northernmost point located in George Wyth State Park. 

The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is also part of the 3,700+ mile Great American Rail-Trail linking Washington State to Washington D.C. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy highlighted the Cedar Valley Nature Trail in a blog post.

Cedar Valley Trails Partnership is a nonprofit organization advocating for the continued expansion and safe year-round use of the recreation trails. Their website provides descriptions of the different types of trails, loops, and locations. To learn more visit https://cedarvalleytrails.org/.