About Cedar Falls & Waterloo
Vibrant city. Close-knit community.
Whether you want the energy of downtown life or you’d prefer the tranquility of a scenic bike trail, you’ll find it all in the northeast Iowa community of Cedar Falls. With more than 40,000 residents, it has the perfect not-too-big, not-too-small size, much like UNI. Together, Cedar Falls, the neighboring city of Waterloo and assorted surrounding small towns make up the Cedar Valley.
Thrills and spills abound at Lost Island Waterpark and Themepark in Waterloo! The Cedar Valley has a festival every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outdoor live music and events are also regular staples at Cedar Falls’ River Place Plaza. In addition to live music, you’ll find plenty of interactive fun, from axe-throwing to virtual racing and classic arcade games.
Gateway River Park in Cedar Falls is the ultimate destination for river recreation. Here you can take part in river surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more near downtown Cedar Falls’ shops, restaurants and breweries. Nearby, you can explore more than 130 miles of scenic trails and one of the best loop systems in the region.
When you’re not in the UNI-Dome or McLeod Center taking in the Panthers, there are several more options to catch a game. Find the newly-established Iowa Woo arena football team at McElroy Auditorium. If you’re a hockey or baseball fan, we’ve got that too. No matter your sport of choice, there’s always a team to cheer for in the Cedar Valley!
Thrills and spills abound at Lost Island Waterpark and Themepark in Waterloo! The Cedar Valley has a festival every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Outdoor live music and events are also regular staples at Cedar Falls’ River Place Plaza. In addition to live music, you’ll find plenty of interactive fun, from axe-throwing to virtual racing and classic arcade games.
Gateway River Park in Cedar Falls is the ultimate destination for river recreation. Here you can take part in river surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more near downtown Cedar Falls’ shops, restaurants and breweries. Nearby, you can explore more than 130 miles of scenic trails and one of the best loop systems in the region.
When you’re not in the UNI-Dome or McLeod Center taking in the Panthers, there are several more options to catch a game. Find the newly-established Iowa Woo arena football team at McElroy Auditorium. If you’re a hockey or baseball fan, we’ve got that too. No matter your sport of choice, there’s always a team to cheer for in the Cedar Valley!
Shopping
When you're on the hunt for stylish apparel, unique handmade goods or home décor that tells a story, the Cedar Valley’s shopping scene has something for everyone. Stroll through downtown Cedar Falls or College Hill to browse charming boutiques, specialty gift shops and stores featuring locally crafted products. In the fall, don’t miss Artapalooza and the annual Pear Fair, where artists, makers and vendors showcase their best work in a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.
Dining
Want a bite to eat off campus? The Cedar Valley offers a variety of new and unique dining and drink options! Enjoy gourmet burgers, specialty pizza, healthy eating and cozy coffee shops on College Hill, along with family-owned businesses and boutique cafes in and near downtown Cedar Falls. A quick trip to Waterloo unveils even more distinctive spots, including a craft-brewery created in a historic Wonder Bread factory.
