Waterloo IA

Waterloo, IA – Nestled along the banks of the Cedar River, Waterloo blends small-town charm with rich history and a strong sense of community. Home to family-friendly neighborhoods, scenic parks, and a growing arts and culture scene, this Midwestern gem offers a welcoming vibe and a bustling spirit. Whether you're exploring its industrial roots, attending local festivals, or enjoying outdoor adventures, Waterloo invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

• Population: ~67,000
• Weather: Four seasons; snowy winters, mild springs, warm summers (60-85°F), crisp falls.
• Places To Visit: John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, Lost Island Waterpark, Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, RiverLoop Amphitheatre, Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.
• Top Activities: Biking the Cedar Valley Trails, tubing on the Cedar River, exploring the Grout Museum District, enjoying downtown art shows, and catching live music during My Waterloo Days.
• Famous Food: Breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, Midwest-style barbecue, hearty homemade pies, and comfort foods from local diners.

Waterloo, Iowa is a thriving city in the Midwest with a strong industrial base and a growing healthcare and education sector. The local economy is supported by major employers in manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and medical services. Here are the top 5 jobs currently in demand in Waterloo.

Waterloo, IA offers fantastic spaces where students can relax, unwind, and enjoy a good time. Whether you're looking to grab delicious food, hang outdoors, or spend quality time with friends, Waterloo has plenty of chill spots just waiting for you.

Cedar Valley SportsPlex – A favorite among students, this spot is ideal for swimming, basketball, group workouts, or simply hanging out with friends. It's a great place to unwind after classes or exams.

Lost Island Waterpark – When the weather gets warm, head over here with your group. Water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers—it's the perfect way to cool down and enjoy Iowa summers.

Downtown Waterloo – Full of cozy coffee shops, quirky boutiques, and tasty restaurants, downtown is a great place to take breaks with friends or explore on your own. Check out local favorites like Cottonwood Canyon for some coffee and conversation.

George Wyth State Park – For students needing fresh air, this park offers beautiful trails, picnic spots, and a lovely lake view. You can hike, bike, kayak, or simply lay out a blanket and chill.

CROSSROADS Mall Area – Whether you want to shop, catch a new movie, or indulge in tasty snacks, Crossroads has you covered. Spend an afternoon exploring stores with friends or unwinding in their comfy theater seats.

The Waterloo Center for the Arts – Check out unique art exhibits, live performances, and community events held at this cool downtown spot. It's perfect for students looking to enjoy local art and culture.

Singlespeed Brewing Co. – Popular among younger crowds, Singlespeed offers comfy spaces, delicious craft beers, great food, and a fun atmosphere. It's the ideal spot for catching up with friends or just relaxing after a busy day studying.

Waterloo, Iowa, is a hub for higher education in the Cedar Valley region, offering students opportunities in liberal arts, applied sciences, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades through its public and private institutions.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Waterloo

University of Northern Iowa (UNI) – Located nearby in Cedar Falls, UNI is a well-respected public university known for strong programs in education, business, and environmental sciences. It offers a welcoming campus, vibrant student life, and a commitment to academic excellence.

Hawkeye Community College – Based in Waterloo, Hawkeye is a leading community college that provides over 50 programs in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and liberal arts. It also offers seamless transfer options to four-year universities.

Waterloo Career Center (WCC) – A unique public institution part of the Waterloo Community School District, the WCC prepares high school students for college and careers through hands-on programs in healthcare, IT, and trades.

Kirkwood Community College (Regional Center in Waterloo) – While headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood’s Waterloo Regional Center supports local students with access to college courses in allied health, business, and skilled trades.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (Online and Satellite Access) – Though not based in Waterloo, this network supports learners regionally through online learning and occasional local programming in business, healthcare, and general education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Waterloo

Upper Iowa University – Waterloo Center – This private university offers flexible degree programs in business, psychology, and criminal justice. Designed for non-traditional students, the center supports both in-person and online learning formats.

Kaplan University – Cedar Falls Campus (formerly in Waterloo) – Though now integrated into Purdue University Global, Kaplan once played a vital role in adult education within Waterloo, offering degrees in nursing, criminal justice, and information technology.

Morningside University (Online Programs Access) – Based in Sioux City but serving Waterloo through its strong online platform, Morningside provides accredited graduate and undergraduate programs in education and nursing.

Allen College – A highly respected private health sciences college located in Waterloo. Allen College specializes in nursing, radiography, and healthcare leadership, offering a student-centered focus and clinical partnerships with UnityPoint Health.

Wartburg College (Nearby in Waverly) – Just a short drive from Waterloo, Wartburg is a distinguished liberal arts college with strong programs in music, biology, business administration, and education. The college is grounded in Lutheran traditions and global engagement.

Waterloo, IA is home to several high schools that offer strong academic programs and supportive learning environments. These schools help students succeed by focusing on college readiness, career preparation, and personal growth. Whether you're looking for public or private options, Waterloo provides great choices for high school education.

Top Public High Schools In Waterloo, IA

• West High School – One of the largest in Waterloo, West High offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities to support student development.
• East High School – Known for its strong athletics programs and supportive teachers, East High also provides career and technical education options for students interested in hands-on learning.
• Expo Alternative Learning Center – A great option for students who thrive in a non-traditional environment. Expo offers personalized learning and smaller class sizes to meet individual student needs.
• Waterloo Career Center – Though not a traditional high school, this resource is partnered with area schools to provide specialized programs in health sciences, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.
• Cedar Falls High School – Located nearby, this school serves many Waterloo families and is recognized for its academic excellence, with multiple college-level courses and a high graduation rate.

Top Private High Schools In Waterloo, IA

• Columbus Catholic High School – Offers a faith-based education with a strong academic foundation. Small class sizes and a close-knit community support student achievement.
• Valley Lutheran School – Provides a Christ-centered education focused on both academic and spiritual growth. Known for its dedicated faculty and welcoming environment.
• St. Patrick Catholic School (Cedar Falls) – A nearby option for families seeking Catholic education, offering a well-rounded program and strong moral foundation.
• Don Bosco High School (Gilbertville) – Just a short drive from Waterloo, Don Bosco is celebrated for both academic success and values-based teaching.
• Isaiah Christian Academy – A small private school with an emphasis on biblical values and personalized learning for students in grades K-12, including high school.

Waterloo, Iowa, is a proud city with a deep appreciation for sports, but it does not have any major league professional sports teams like those found in larger cities. However, it is home to several minor league and semi-professional teams that bring excitement and community spirit to local fans.

🏒 Hockey – Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)

• Waterloo Black Hawks – One of the most prominent sports teams in Waterloo, the Black Hawks play in the United States Hockey League (USHL)Young Arena, drawing passionate fans all season long.

⚾ Baseball – Waterloo Bucks (Northwoods League)

🏈 Football – Semi-Pro and Local Football

⚽ Soccer – Local & Amateur Soccer Teams

🏀 Basketball – College and Community Support

Waterloo, Iowa is a city rich with history, culture, and a strong sense of community. Known for its industrial heritage and scenic beauty along the Cedar River, Waterloo has many surprising and fun facts hidden within its Midwestern charm. Here are 10 fun facts about this proud city:

1. Birthplace of the Tractor – The first production tractor with four rubber tires was built in Waterloo in 1934 by John Deere.
2. A Twin City – Waterloo and Cedar Falls, just seven miles apart, are considered twin cities and share many regional services and events.
3. Five Sullivan Brothers – Waterloo is the hometown of the Sullivan brothers, five siblings who famously died together in World War II. Their story inspired changes in U.S. military policies.
4. Home to Lost Island Waterpark – Waterloo is home to Iowa’s largest waterpark, which was named one of the top 10 waterparks in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.
5. Diverse Population – Waterloo has one of the highest African American populations in Iowa, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene and deep historical roots.
6. Railroad Legacy – The city was once a major hub for the Illinois Central Railroad, which played a key role in Waterloo’s growth in the early 20th century.
7. Grout Museum District – This museum complex in Waterloo features science, history, and military exhibits, including the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.
8. Cedar River Beauty – The peaceful Cedar River runs through the heart of the city, offering scenic views, bike trails, and water activities.
9. John Deere Museum – Waterloo has a museum dedicated to the history of John Deere tractors and the company’s deep roots in the region.
10. Annual Irish Fest – Every year, downtown Waterloo hosts one of the largest Irish heritage festivals in the Midwest, drawing thousands of visitors.