Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Year Listed: 2010
Situated in a picturesque bend in the Cedar River, Cedar Falls, Iowa offers an impressive mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural activities, from eclectic shopping experiences along its historic Main Street to the many recreational opportunities in the surrounding forests, lakes and prairie preserves. Cedar Falls' Main Street is a national model, a winner of the Great American Main Street Award that hums with activity nearly round the clock. In addition to its retail offerings, the historic downtown has been certified by the state of Iowa as an "Arts and Cultural District."
Cultural Heritage
Cedar Falls has an abundance of historic charm and character and much of the city has been lovingly preserved by locals throughout the years. A self-guided walking tour of Main Street reveals several examples of public and private buildings – including a historic theater with live performances, a National Register historic hotel, and a circa 1874 bank-turned-bakery and restaurant that has been in operation since 1948 – that have been restored to their original glory or adapted as Cedar Falls looks to its future. Additionally, five museums stand in the downtown district and offer visitors a glimpse into life in this river city at the turn of the century.
Recreation
Active vacationers will enjoy the city's ample recreational opportunities; walking and biking enthusiasts can explore the city's historic downtown on foot, or venture out into the surrounding area for a hike or a kayak excursion on the Cedar River. Biking opportunities abound in and around Cedar Falls – the only town in Iowa dubbed a "Bike Friendly City" by the American League of cyclists – with a remarkable 80 miles of off-road paved trails winding around the city's outskirts. And in winter, many of those same paths are transformed into cross-country ski trails.
Going Green in Cedar Falls
The City of Cedar Falls is a progressive town with multiple efforts toward sustainability. The city benefits from being the home of the University of Northern Iowa, which hosts the State of Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education. From responsible food systems to energy conservation and renewability, Cedar Falls acts as a demonstration laboratory for many of their programs. Economic development organizations banded together in 2009 to sponsor a Cedar Valley Green Certified Business program that provides a pathway for businesses to assess their green practices and plan for a steady change towards a more sustainable future.
Don't Miss:
To plan your trip and learn more about Cedar Falls, visit Cedar Falls Downtown or Cedar Falls Tourism.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by Wendy at: March 4, 2010
I lived for a summer on Main Street in downtown Cedar Falls while attending UNI and loved being able to walk to the events, the library, and quick access to the bike trails. It's still my favorite place I have lived and I have lived in 6 states.
Submitted by Greg at: February 28, 2010
Cedar Falls is a great place to live. And if you can't live here, come visit. Year round, there's always something going on, either downtown, at the university, or in the community. This weekend downtown merchants hosted WOW (Women's Outrageous Weekend), the nationally ranked Panthers (25th) played basketball and a collegiate indoor track meet were at the university, there was a play downtown at the community supported Oster-Regent Theatre. We've got it all. Nature, great schools, nice neighborhoods, good food, and great people who really care.
Submitted by sue at: February 27, 2010
Always fun!! Must stop by Twin Oaks, SWAK, Cup of Joe, Barn Happy,etc!! Filled with great people... and right now.. Lots of snow! Can't miss Sturgis Falls, the College Hill Fest and much more-- also in neighboring Waterloo... a must go- Calico Hen House!! Great store with tremendous staff!!
Submitted by Marty at: February 26, 2010
Trails, shopping, cultural activities, sports and fine dining is what I remember about Cedar Falls, Iowa. Great place to travel to.
Submitted by Shirls at: February 26, 2010
Clean, friendly, compassionate town with a great University - UNI - Go Panthers !!!!
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 26, 2010
A great down town. JJ
Submitted by jerry at: February 25, 2010
I raised 4 kids here as a single dad, and feel it was the right place to be. Our neighborhood was tight, and I could count on anyone to help out when we needed it. We lived close to downtown, and the kids could safely walk or bike to the library or to Cup of Joe to meet friends. The bike trails were one of our favorite Saturday morning destinations in nice weather. We'd take our time and stop often to watch the wildlife right here on the edge of town. All of the kids went to UNI and have moved away, successful and happy, with families of their own. But they come back regularly at the holidays and for summer vacations. I'd like to move into one of the local retirement centers, but I'll keep the extra beds for the holidays, and the extra bikes in the garage, for just a few more yers. Yes. This was a great place for my kids to grow up. And it's a great place for me to live out my retirement. Come visit. We did. And we stayed.
Submitted by DWD at: February 25, 2010
Best small town in America!
Submitted by Aileen at: February 24, 2010
Cedar Falls is a great place to live and work! Cedar Falls Woman's Club,is located within the Downtown Historic District, and is a Historic Victorian Home, and we welcome bus tours. Call (319) 266-1431 for reservations for your group for dessert and coffee. We have a dining room, with stage if you want entertainment, that would seat 100. Other civic organizations meet regularly at the clubhouse. so dates need to be reserved.
Submitted by Jay at: February 23, 2010
You might call downtown Cedar Falls diverse. There are beautiful old buildings and comfortable new ones. There is the public library, and there are used books. There is new furniture and accessories, and there are antiques. You can get burritos at Panchos and tapas at The Stuffed Olive. There is fine dining and diner food. There are offices, shopping and dining by day, and entertainment, drinks and barfood by night. For entertainment you can go to Jokers for comedy or the Oster-Regent for a finely crafted play. There are apartment dwellers, and there is the beautifully restored and appointed historic Blackhawk Hotel. There are bike trails along the river, with kayaks on the river. There are autos on the streets, and semis delivering grain to the elevators just north of downtown, with an occasional train "just passin' through". You want it ... we got it. My son and his significant other were here for an extended visit over Christmas after living on both coasts and overseas of the last 10 years. They were pleasantly surprised at what was available downtown, and within easy walking distance. Come on over and visit us ... you will feel at home!
Submitted by Reno at: February 23, 2010
Downtown is a lot of fun.
Submitted by Mary Ann at: February 23, 2010
The bike trails are fabulous. Pick up a bike trails brochure and ride for miles!
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 22, 2010
Love them UNI panthers
Submitted by donnarob at: February 22, 2010
Great place! We love staying at the historic BlackHawk when we visit family or go to see the Panthers play! Wonderful especially in the summer and fall!
Submitted by frownie at: February 22, 2010
Wonderful renovation in downtown.
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 21, 2010
Cedar Falls has wonderful shopping centers,and a great college The University of Northern Iowa, and also excellent restaurants,museums, and art galleries.
Submitted by mike at: February 21, 2010
this is quality living. safe streets, top-notch secondary education, a vibrant downtown business community, The University of Northern Iowa, a gem of a smaller state school, with a highly-respected teacher education program. Excellent restaurants, museums, art galleries.
Submitted by Al at: February 21, 2010
Enjoy great homemade pie and a Maid-Rite sandwich at the Maid-Rite Shop or a wonderful dinner at Montage! Then take in a live theater preformance at the historic Oster Regent theater, downtown Cedar Falls is a gem!
Submitted by Kathy at: February 21, 2010
Good food. Good entertainment. Good shopping. Good living. Good parking. Good services. Good atmosphere. Good people who care. Add it all up and you get a GREAT downtown.
Submitted by Joe at: February 21, 2010
Downtown Cedar Falls has it all. You can find fine dining at Montage, sushi at SoHo, tenderloins at The Pump Haus, or Maid-Rites at the Maid-Rite. There's martinis and tapas at The Stuffed Olive or beers and bar food at Toads. And there's more ... you can eat out every night of the week and try something new each time.