Waterloo makes working, playing and relaxing a celebration, no matter the attraction or venue.
If Paige Nieman, director of convention sales at the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, could describe Waterloo in one word, it would be “fresh.”
“Waterloo is the perfect balance between a small town and a bigger city,” Nieman said. “It’s very diverse. Our community is an exciting mix of cultures and backgrounds, families and single professionals, and lots of activities.”
Summertime brings many favorite festivals to Waterloo. Friday’Loo features live music in Lincoln Park every other Friday night. Other highlights are the Cedar Valley Jaycees’ Greater Waterloo Open golf tournament and the Iowa Irish Fest. And summer fun is available day and night at the Lost Island Waterpark, Iowa’s largest water park with slides, go-karts and zip lines.
Year-round attractions include the Cedar Valley Trails, with 106 miles of hard surface trails that wind through both nature and downtown Waterloo. The historic downtown and Main Street Waterloo area is brimming with art and history. There are eight museums in a one-mile radius, as well as the Waterloo Community Playhouse and the Waterloo Center for the Arts. The John Deere Tractor Assembly Operations and Engine Works gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the famous brand puts its machines together.
Other off-site venues include the Grout Museum of History and Science; the Young Arena; the Waterloo Center for the Arts; the Waterloo Boat House, with views of the Cedar River; the Cedar Valley SportsPlex; the Electric Park Ballroom; and the Sky Event Center. The RiverLoop Ampitheatre, Arts Mall, and Mark’s Park have ample outdoor space on the Cedar River and are adjacent to the Waterloo Center for the Arts.
Spotlight on Waterloo
Primary meeting facilities:
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
Other meeting properties:
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, National Cattle Congress, Hawkeye Community College
Largest meeting space:
National Cattle Congress at 98,000 square feet
Total hotel rooms:
1,346
CVB website:
