National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Cedar Falls, Iowa, to its 2010 List of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
First Year that Public Will Vote for Fan Favorite Destination
Posted February 3, 2010 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Cedar Falls, Iowa, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Cedar Falls, nominated by the local Community Main Street, was selected for its eclectic retail and cultural offerings, its elegantly preserved Main Street and its many recreational opportunities available in the surrounding lake, river and wooded areas. In the month of February, Cedar Falls will be participating in the first-ever public online voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.
For 10 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.
"Thanks to its caring, preservation-minded residents, Cedar Falls has an abundance of historic charm and character," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Its award-winning Main Street is a national model for economic revitalization, while its full range of cultural and recreational opportunities offers something for travelers of any age."
Situated in a picturesque bend of the Cedar River, the Cedar Falls Downtown District offers an impressive mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. From specialty shopping and casual to elegant dining along its historic Main Street to the many outdoor trail activities in the surrounding forests, lakes and prairie preserves, Cedar Falls offers great opportunities for visitors and residents alike. In 2002, the district was a recipient of the coveted Great American Main Street Award given by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The district hosts an energetic blend of daytime commerce, evening entertainment and excellent lodging that keeps it humming with activity nearly around the clock. In addition to its shopping and dining, the historic downtown has been certified by the state of Iowa as an "Arts and Cultural District," thanks in part to the five museums located in the neighborhood, the multiple cultural and entertainment venues, and the area's commitment to public art and live performance art.
Active vacationers will enjoy ample recreational opportunities. Cedar Falls was named the first "Bike-Friendly City" in Iowa by the American League of Cyclists. Walking enthusiasts can explore the city's historic district on foot, venture out into the surrounding nature parks and preserves for a hike, or take to the water with boating on the Cedar River and nearby Big Woods Lake.
Highlights
- Black Hawk Hotel, a charming, historic, prairie hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Oster-Regent Theatre, a century-old, lovingly restored, and actively used theater also listed in the National Register of Historic Places
- Several museums located in downtown Cedar Falls tell the story of the community's past, including the Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum, George Wyth House and Viking Pump Museum, Behrens-Rapp Station, and the Little Red Schoolhouse
- For something off the beaten track, check out the "coolest" museum in Iowa – the Ice House Museum, that cleverly depicts the story of early life on the Cedar River.
- After your "cool" museum visit, warm up with a hot beverage from "Cup of Joe," the local's favorite espresso bar or any of the district's restaurants, casual to elegant.
- Cedar Falls was named the first "Bike-Friendly City" in Iowa by the American League of Cyclists. With over 80 miles of paved recreational trails winding through forests, prairie preserves, around lakes and long the river's greenbelt.
- Reflecting the city's commitment to locally produced food, Cedar Falls' Farmers' Market is part of the national "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" movement with many downtown restaurants featuring locally produced foods.
- Community Festivals include Sturgis Falls on the last weekend of June, Artapalooza on Main the second Saturday September, "Movies Under the Moon," Holiday Hoopla, and many other community events throughout the year
- University of Northern Iowa hosts 14,000 students and provides the Cedar Falls community with a host of opportunities including the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts center, the UNI Museum and much more
For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they like for their favorite city or town on this year's list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. No purchase necessary. Offer void where prohibited. Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year's destinations, and to begin voting!
To download high resolution images and video of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.
The 2010 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from kayaking on the Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic brick buildings that line St. Louis' cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the "Gateway to the West."
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America, cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving businesses of Fort Collins' Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for "Main Street, USA" at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become "America's Space Capital."
The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road celebrates the region's rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town's character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. www.PreservationNation.org
