Trails, river views & downtown dining!
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Cedar Valley Lakes Trail at Gateway River Park
With just over 40,000 locals, Cedar Falls lets you kayak in the river or bicycle trails in the morning, sip craft beer in the afternoon, and wind down with entertainment at night!
Cedar Falls is just a short drive from several Midwest cities:
- Des Moines, IA: 2 hours
- Iowa City, IA: 1 hour
- Minneapolis, MN: 3.5 hours
- Omaha, NE: 4 hours
- Chicago, IL: 5 hours
- Madison, WI: 3 hours
- Norfolk, NE: 4.5 hours
Flying in? The Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is just 5 minutes away, offering direct flights from Chicago, with additional choices from the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), just 45 minutes away.
Where to Stay: Book a hotel in Cedar Falls’ Downtown District, where everything’s walkable or bikeable. Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel, a historic boutique with a speakeasy lounge, or the modern Hampton Inn, offering river views and an indoor pool. For a romantic getaway just 10 minutes from downtown, try the Glamping Tent at Three Pines Farm, named one of Iowa’s Best Romantic Getaways by Midwest Living.
Ready to plan your trip? Here’s how to spend one or two unforgettable days in Cedar Falls:
@TataYaya
24 Hours
Morning: Start your day with coffee and crepes at Tata Yaya, where outdoor seating makes for a perfect morning in the Downtown District.
@CedarFallsFarmersMarket
If it’s Saturday, don’t miss the Cedar Falls Farmers Market, where you can browse fresh produce and handmade goods.
@GatewayRiverPark
Afterward, head to Gateway River Park for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or even river surfing—gear rentals are available at CrawDaddy Outdoors, UNI Recreation, or Cooks Outdoors (just be sure to call ahead - options vary).
Lunch: Relax on the patio with a local craft beer at Second State Brewing (only in Cedar Falls), then create your own burger for lunch at Wilbo Burgers, Brats and Beers.
After lunch, explore Cedar Falls’ historic Downtown District for a bit of shopping. Check out the books and gifts at The Nook indie bookstore, records at Vinyl Cup, or boutique clothing at LBL or Grizzly Rose Co.
Afternoon: Hop on a bike and hit the trails! Cedar Falls is Iowa’s first designated Trail Town, with 130 miles of scenic paths. Don’t worry about getting lost—there are over 140 wayfinding signs to keep you on track.
Evening: Unwind with a martini at The Stuffed Olive, followed by dinner by the firepit at George’s Local or on the rooftop at Montage.
For after-dinner fun, dance the night away at Shelly O’Shea’s Irish Pub, try axe throwing at Hurling Hatchet or let off some steam in a whole new way at Shatter Space’s rage room.
48 Hours
Extend your journey with a second day to pack in even more adventures!
Morning: Start with coffee at Cup of Joe before heading to Big Woods Lake for kayaking or a peaceful paddle. Looking for a little friendly competition? Play a round of disc golf at one of Cedar Falls’ courses or hit up the local pickleball courts for some fast-paced fun.
@UrbanPie
Lunch: Try a wood-fired pizza at Urban Pie or Tony’s La Pizzeria, or enjoy a beer and hearty meal at Singlespeed Brewery. Beer lovers can also follow the Cedar Falls Beer Trail Passport, visiting breweries and pubs while earning swag.
Afternoon: Take a stroll along the river at Gateway River Park or dive into history at the Ice House Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to ice harvesting. Don’t forget to treat yourself to ice cream at Cedar City Creamery.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a show at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, or live music at The Octopus on College Hill (stop for an early dinner at Zury's Taco Bar).
Year-Round Events @Downtown District
Festivals and Events
Cedar Falls is packed with live music and events year-round! Don’t miss ARTapalooza, The Downtown District Street Party, or Lost Woods Music Festival. See the Annual Events Calendar