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Explore Cedar Falls: Outdoor Adventure Meets Urban Discovery

From scenic trails and river surfing to paddling, breweries, local dining, and live entertainment, Cedar Falls makes it easy to combine outdoor adventure with small-town charm. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, discover the parks, trails, lakes, and local favorites that make Cedar Falls one of Iowa's best destinations for active travelers.

Whether you're planning an active weekend or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, Cedar Falls blends outdoor recreation, local food, shopping, entertainment, and small-town charm into one easy-to-navigate destination.


With more than 130 miles of connected trails, a nationally recognized river park, locally owned restaurants, breweries, unique boutiques, and year-round entertainment, it's easy to spend a weekend discovering something new around every corner.


Easy Drive From

  • Des Moines: 2 hours

  • Iowa City: 1 hour

  • Minneapolis: 3.5 hours

  • Madison: 3 hours

  • Omaha: 4 hours

  • Chicago: 5 hours



Couple walking hand in hand along the street infront of the Historic Black Hawk Hotel
The Black Hawk Hotel and Bar Winslow

Stay in the Heart of the Action


Choose accommodations that let you park once and spend the rest of your visit exploring on foot or by bike.


Downtown offers boutique charm at the historic Black Hawk Hotel, complete with its hidden speakeasy lounge, while the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown provides modern comforts, river views, and an indoor pool just steps from restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.


Group of people river surfing on boogie boards with a sunset and downtown Cedar Falls cityscape in the background

Experience Gateway River Park


Gateway River Park has quickly become one of Iowa's most exciting outdoor destinations.


Spend the day kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding, fishing, or experience one of the Midwest's fastest-growing adventures: river surfing. Whether you're bringing your own equipment or renting from local outfitters, the Cedar River offers experiences for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.


The surrounding Downtown District makes it easy to transition from the river to a local brewery, riverside patio, or evening entertainment.


Two people on bicycles on a hard surface trail smiling

Explore More Than 130 Miles of Trails


Cedar Falls is Iowa's first designated Trails Town and offers over 130 miles of paved recreational trails connecting parks, lakes, neighborhoods, and attractions.


Whether you're looking for a casual family ride or a longer cycling adventure, the trail system provides scenic routes throughout the community. Local cyclists also enjoy easy access to the American Discovery Trail and the Great American Rail-Trail.


Along the way you'll discover parks, breweries, coffee shops, shopping districts, and public art that make every ride a little different.


Couple and a dog sitting on a paddleboard relaxing on Big Woods Lake in Cedar Falls

Paddle Lakes, Rivers, and Nature Preserves


Water lovers have plenty of options beyond the river.


Big Woods Lake offers calm paddling, fishing, and shoreline recreation, while nearby George Wyth State Park and Hartman Reserve Nature Center provide peaceful escapes into nature.


For a bigger adventure, explore the Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail, a network connecting lakes, waterways, and portions of the Cedar River through forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.


Group of people playing disc golf at Big Woods Lake Disc Golf Course in Cedar Falls Iowa

Play a Round of Disc Golf


Did you know Cedar Falls is home to Iowa's very first disc golf course?


Today visitors can choose from multiple courses ranging from beginner-friendly layouts to more challenging wooded designs, making disc golf a fun addition to any outdoor adventure.


@Urban Pie
@Urban Pie

Refuel With Local Flavor


Exploring works up an appetite, and Cedar Falls delivers.


Grab handcrafted pizza, burgers, Mexican cuisine, coffee, craft beer, or chef-inspired dining at locally owned restaurants throughout Downtown and beyond.


Beer lovers can also experience the Cedar Falls Beer Trail, featuring local breweries and pubs where visitors can earn rewards while sampling some of Iowa's best craft beer.


No matter your taste, you'll find plenty of locally owned spots serving fresh ingredients and welcoming hospitality.


Shop Local


Downtown Cedar Falls is filled with locally owned boutiques, bookstores, outdoor outfitters, specialty retailers, and unique gift shops.


Spend an afternoon browsing clothing, home décor, vinyl records, books, sporting goods, and locally made products while enjoying one of Iowa's most walkable downtown districts.


Entertainment After the Adventure



Couple sitting on an outdoor patio in the evening with firepit behind them
@Georges Local

Adventure doesn't stop when the sun goes down.


Relax around a fire pit at George's Local, enjoy fine dining, catch a live performance at the Cedar Falls Community Theatre or Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, cheer on the UNI Panthers, test your skills at axe throwing, experience indoor sim racing, or finish the evening with live music on College Hill.


Family-Friendly Attractions


Families will find plenty to explore throughout Cedar Falls.


Cool off with ice cream along the river, visit the unique Ice House Museum, spend time at parks and playgrounds, or simply enjoy walking the riverfront and trails together.


The combination of outdoor recreation and nearby restaurants, attractions, and shopping makes Cedar Falls an easy destination for visitors of all ages.


Year-Round Adventure


Outdoor adventures pair naturally with live performances, college athletics, festivals, shopping, and locally owned dining, creating a destination where active days easily become memorable evenings.


Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or passing through on a longer Iowa road trip, Cedar Falls makes it easy to mix outdoor adventure with authentic local experiences.



Places Featured

Modern Hampton Inn hotel against a blue sky
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Hampton Inn

Historic hotel on Main Street with brick siding, black awning and sign with words Black Hawk Hotel above awning.
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The Black Hawk Hotel

Drone image of University of Northern Iowa college campus with streets and grass in the foreground and a brick and glass performing arts building in the background
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Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

Exterior black sign that says Historic Cedar Falls in foreground and a brick circular building in background with a sign that says Welcome Cedar Falls Ice House Museum
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Ice House Museum

Daytime exterior of a main street streetscape sidewalk. A piece of public are of a man in front of an old time camera, flowers in pots on sidewalk and a theatre marque lit up.
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Oster Regent Theatre

Exterior drone image of the cedar river with a bridge in the foreground, water features in the middle and a bridge in the background
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Gateway River Park

Restaurant sign that says Montage in white lettering with blue outline
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Montage

exterior brick building with blue facade and a green vertical business sign that says Cup of Joe going into a large coffee cup
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Cup of Joe

red and black sign on a brick wall with a graphic of a black octopus and the letters OCTOPUS.
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Octopus

Exterior brick building with the business on top of the building that says Second State Brewing
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Second State Brewing Co

Exterior image of a blue treble clef public art piece in the foreground and a building in the background with the restaurant name on the building. Patton in red lettering
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Patton Bar & Diner

Exterior of a building with large red sign above the windows with the runner's flat in large white letters. Decals on the windows say Walking, Fitness and clothing is visible inside the store.
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The Runner's Flat

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Big Woods Lake Campground & Recreation Area

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