Waterloo (pop. 69,000) was settled on both sides of the Cedar River, with more than 150 factories throughout the city. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail runs along the abandoned Illinois Central Gulf railroad.
The Lost Island Waterpark near Waterloo is a jungle-themed park centered around a Polynesian village. Water rides and tube rides, tree houses, a wave pool and miniature golf are featured.
Address: Lost Island Waterpark, 2225 East Shaulis Road, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States
Phone: 1 (319) 233-8414, Fax: 1 (319) 236-6101
The Bluedorn Science Imaginarium in Waterloo is an interactive science center that provides fun hands-on exhibits demonstrating how science affects everyday life. Visitors unravel the mysteries of motion with scientific experiments: Roll-A-Ball, Bernoulli Ball, and the hammer table. Science demonstrations include such topics as Creepy Crawlies, Combustion, Chemistry, Magic of Science, Snakes Alive, Kitchen Science, and Super Cold.
The Grout Museum of History & Science in Waterloo offers history collections with a focus on the period from 1833, when Iowa was opened for settlement, to the present. The Maytag Car, 1915 Waterloo Boy, Rath Packing Company whistle and Pioneer Hall Mural help visitors envision and understand bygone eras.
Hours:
9am-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
Tips: Combination admission available to Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House and Grout Museum.
Russell Rensselaer House Museum is nestled in the heart of northeast Iowa, noted for its American mid-Victorian architecture. The brick house was completed in 1861, and is one of the oldest homes in Black Hawk County. Visitors can tour the authentic Victorian interior, featuring original family belongings or wander through the Victorian gardens that surround the home.
Hours:
April 1 to May 31: 1pm-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon
June 1 to August 31: 9am-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Sun, Mon
September 1 to October 31: 1pm-5pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Sun, Mon, Sun, Mon
Tips: Combination admission available to Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House and Grout Museum.