Things To Do
in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is a picturesque city located in the state of Iowa, United States. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Cedar River and nearby parks. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, museums, and a bustling downtown area.
Cedar Falls is also home to the University of Northern Iowa, bringing a youthful energy to the community.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Cedar Falls at Birdland Park. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the scenic trails and take in the natural beauty.
Head over to the Cedar Falls Public Library for a quick read or to discover local history exhibits. Grab lunch at a nearby café to refuel for the afternoon adventures.
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant followed by a relaxing evening stroll along the Cedar River.
Begin your day by hiking the trails at Hartman Reserve Nature Center, where you can enjoy wildlife sightings. Bring your binoculars to catch glimpses of various bird species.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the Hartman Reserve picnic area. After lunch, wind down with some light birdwatching or visit the center’s educational exhibits.
Savor dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant and reflect on the sights you experienced throughout the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages.
- Access to quality education with local universities.
- Plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and trails.
- Low crime rates, contributing to a safe environment.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Harsh winters with significant snowfall.
- Job market may be more competitive for specialized fields.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Small-town feel may not appeal to everyone.
Best Activities in Cedar Falls
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore scenic trails and natural areas in Hartman Reserve Nature Center, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
Enjoy biking along the extensive network of trails in Cedar Falls, which provide beautiful views of the countryside and connect various parks and natural areas.
Experience paddling adventures on the Cedar River, whether it's for leisurely floats or more challenging river excursions for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cedar Falls with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cedar Falls
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views of the Cedar River and beautiful natural landscapes, perfect for photography.
Features walking trails and stunning views of the water, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Boasts panoramic vistas of the Cedar River and surrounding areas, ideal for capturing breathtaking photos.
Food in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Iowa classic, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich features a tender and crispy pork patty served on a bun with traditional fixings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. You can savor this dish at iconic spots such as Newton's Paradise Cafe and Beck's Taproom Grill.
Must-Try!
Midwestern-style pizza is a must-try, featuring a thin crust, generous toppings, and a square cut. Top places to sample this include Tony's Pizzaria and Toad's Bar & Grill.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cedar Falls better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Cedar Falls Farmers Market is a bustling hub for locally grown produce, artisanal products, and street food delights. Visitors can relish diverse offerings ranging from gourmet tacos to homemade baked goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Cedar Falls, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close or invading their privacy.
It is customary to greet strangers with a smile and a polite 'hello' or 'good morning' as a sign of respect and friendliness.
Cedar Falls embraces diversity, and it is essential to show respect for people from different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cedar Falls with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cedar Falls
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Cedar Falls, United States, and is usually expected at restaurants, bars, hotels, and for services such as hairdressing and taxi rides. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
In Cedar Falls, United States, cash, debit cards, and credit cards are widely accepted for payments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular. Checks are less common and are typically used for specific transactions such as bill payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cedar Falls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Cedar Falls because the weather is mild and the waterfalls are at their peak flow due to snowmelt.
Ideal for outdoor activities and hiking with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Great for experiencing the colorful foliage and enjoying pleasant temperatures.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but the weather can be cold and snowy.
Cedar Falls at Night
Hiking in Cedar Falls
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail offering beautiful views of Cedar Falls and the surrounding forest, suitable for hikers of all levels.
A family-friendly park with a variety of trails that highlight the natural beauty and waterfalls in the area.
This trail offers a moderately challenging hike with stunning views of the Cedar River and diverse flora and fauna.
A less-traveled path that provides a peaceful hiking experience through wooded areas and alongside streams.
An extensive trail that runs along the Cedar River, perfect for both walking and biking, featuring picturesque landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cedar Falls through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cedar Falls by plane.
The largest airport in Iowa, located about 125 miles southwest of Cedar Falls, offering numerous domestic flights and some international options.
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, approximately 150 miles to the west, this airport serves as a major hub for various airlines, with numerous domestic and international flights.
One of the busiest airports in the world, located about 300 miles northeast of Cedar Falls, providing extensive international flight options.
Located around 250 miles north of Cedar Falls, this airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, serving as a major hub in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority racial demographic in Cedar Falls, primarily of European descent.
A significant demographic group representing individuals of African descent.
Includes individuals with origins in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
A group that includes individuals of Spanish or Latin American origin.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial categories.
Indigenous peoples of North America.
Individuals with origins in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
The Soul of Cedar Falls
Discover the essence of Cedar Falls through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Cedar Falls with local high school teams and a strong community following, especially during the fall season.
Widely played at both school and recreational levels, basketball enjoys popularity throughout the year in Cedar Falls.
Growing in popularity, soccer is played by various age groups and is supported by local clubs and schools.
A favorite sport, especially among high school athletes, with strong participation in both competitive and recreational play.
Popular in schools, track and field events attract many participants each spring, showcasing local talent at various meets.
A strong tradition in Cedar Falls, wrestling is supported at both the high school and youth levels with several competitive teams.
An essential part of local high school athletics, cross country running sees many participants and community support.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cedar Falls.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cedar Falls has a wide range of restaurants and eateries offering delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Pita Pit and Whiskey Road are popular for their varied and appetizing vegetarian and vegan options.
For those seeking gluten-free choices, Cedar Falls has numerous eateries that are accommodating to this dietary restriction. Places like Scratch Cupcakery and Urban Pie offer delectable gluten-free treats.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cedar Falls with these cultural adventures.
