Comprised of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, the Cedar Valley area offers a perfect blend of family fun, historic charm and fantastic flavors. Check out this itinerary for your Cedar Valley travel inspiration!
Day One: Experience the Farm Life
Do: John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Start the day off learning about the American company that grew to become a global leader in agricultural equipment at the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum. Dive into hands-on displays that feature tractors and engines, rare artifacts, antique machinery and more.
Do: Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy
For more exciting hands-on farm fun, head to Hansen’s Farm Fresh Dairy in nearby Hudson. Join a tour to learn about the processes of the dairy farm and production, milk a cow, bottle feed calves and even pet and feed the farm’s kangaroos!
Eat: Whiskey Road Tavern & Grill
After working up an appetite on the farm, indulge in a delicious meal and late-night fun at Whiskey Road Tavern & Grill, which is located on Cedar Falls' Main Street. Enjoy an American fusion dish accompanied by a selection from over 100 whiskey options and more great drinks.
Stay: Black Hawk Hotel
Walk down the street and check in to the Black Hawk Hotel to rest, relax and enjoy a piece of Iowa history. This locally owned boutique hotel is the second longest continuously operating hotel in the country! Its 28 guest rooms offer a perfect balance between historic charm and local amenities. The hotel is also surrounded by downtown Cedar Falls’ shops, restaurants and recreation.
Day Two: Fun for the Whole Family
Eat: Barn Happy
Grab breakfast, brunch or lunch at Barn Happy, part tearoom, café and gift shop. Kickstart the day with a fresh-brewed coffee and made-from-scratch pastries and quiche or prepare for the afternoon with their soups and sandwiches. After eating, shop Iowa produce and goods, or head up to the loft to discover an assortment of antiques and gently used furniture.
Do: Ice House Museum
Learn about the unique industry of ice cutting at the Ice House Museum. Built to hold 16 million pounds of ice, this is the only museum in the U.S. that tells the story of ice harvesting in an original ice house. The 1921 round structure features tools once used to cut ice from the Cedar River, exhibits explaining the international ice cutting industry and how the once-common business transformed our culture and daily lives.
Do: Palmer's Family Fun
Next, burn off some energy at Palmer’s Family Fun. Play 36 holes of mini golf or show off some skills at the driving range, challenge the family to a race on the go karts or laser and archery tag arenas or enjoy the jumping pillow and batting cages.
Eat: Scratch Cupcakery
Finally, stop by Scratch Cupcakery's Waterloo or Cedar Falls locations and revel in their colorful cupcake collection that features over 350 flavors. Or try their giant cookies, edible cookie dough, cakes, cupcake shakes, fruit smoothies or fresh-squeezed lemonade.
