It's no secret what's going on in America when it comes to gas prices. Sadly, it's not looking like there will be a decrease in prices anytime soon. If you were planning on a getaway destination or a road trip this spring break, now might actually be the perfect time to save money on gas, and enjoy your spring break or trip right here in the Cedar Falls area. You don't want to spend an entire paycheck filling up the gas tank and then get to your destination without enough money for the fun stuff. You can stay closer to home and still have a memorable spring trip or a simple weekend getaway. Check out these unique places, right here in the Cedar Falls Area.

John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

John Deere, the farming equipment giant, has a museum here in Waterloo. The sheer size of farming equipment blows my mind and at this museum, you can get an up-close and personal look at all of these machines. You'll be able to learn the rich history of farming and learn all about the tools farmers use to help make this country go.

 

Honeybee Cottage

Just a short drive north of Cedar Falls awaits the Honeybee Cottage. This is a private cabin where you can enjoy a lake and you also have a beach to play around on, or simply sit and feel the sand in between your toes.  If a nature adventure interests you, you'd love this place. They have an abundance of animals to see and various trails for you to explore. Full kitchen, tv, wifi, a shared patio, free parking, and air conditioning can all be used at your leisure.

 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13078825?source_impression_id=p3_1646937231_G2j6%2FnLD4C0lyz5v
Airbnb courtesy of Penny
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Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Explore Nature with the Hartman Reserve Nature Center. This would be the perfect place to shut the phone off and enjoy your surroundings. You can challenge yourself or see how many trails you could complete in a weekend. For starters, there's the Shirey Lake and Lost Lake trail, N.A.T.E Trail, Hooli Hoop Trail, and the Bullfrog Bayou Trail. There a plenty more for you to explore, varying in distance and difficulty.

Photo By: Elwin Huffman - Townsquare Media
Photo By: Elwin Huffman - Townsquare Media
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Enjoy a stay in this Renovated Barn

If you don't plan on much of a spring break, you could do something as simple as staying in this renovated barn for a weekend and catching up on sleep. This is only 4 miles from the University of Northern Iowa, which makes it the perfect, cozy, weekend getaway.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43122911?source_impression_id=p3_1646935362_6JSWadvtlOu9GEK3
Air Bnb courtesy of Amanda
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https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43122911?source_impression_id=p3_1646935362_6JSWadvtlOu9GEK3
Airbnb courtesy Amanda
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https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43122911?source_impression_id=p3_1646935362_6JSWadvtlOu9GEK3
Airbnb courtesy of Amanda
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George Wyth State Park

This is another fantastic option to choose from if you're trying to save money on gas this spring break. Camping, fishing, boating, swimming (if the weather is cooperating of course) hiking or biking, using miles of paved or multi-use trails with George Wyth State Park. I know on your spring break trip, you don't even want to think of that dreaded four-letter word that starts with S. Snow, but if that's something you have to deal with there is snowshoeing and cross country skiing options as well.

 

Map of My Ride (Courtesy: Strava APP)
Map of My Ride (Courtesy: Strava APP)
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Photo By: Elwin Huffman - Townsquare Media
Photo By: Elwin Huffman - Townsquare Media
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If your tickets are already booked, hotel stay already pre-paid for, beach bag packed, and you're ready to see the ocean for spring break, I hope you have a blast! You deserve a break and you should enjoy your vacation. However, if you had to cancel your road trip plans or are afraid of how much you'd spend on gas using your rental car, there are still plenty of things to enjoy this spring, right here in the Cedar Falls Area.

 

Our Freedom Story mural - downtown Waterloo

Take a walk along the Cedar River in downtown Waterloo to view this 3,000-square-foot mural of the city's civil rights history shown abstractly through lines, shapes, and colors. Located behind the Waterloo Center for the Arts (near the Highway 63 bridge). Created by the Waterloo Youth Art Team.

Our Freedom Story mural - downtown Waterloo

Take a walk along the Cedar River in downtown Waterloo to view this 3,000-square-foot mural of the city's civil rights history shown abstractly through lines, shapes, and colors. Located behind the Waterloo Center for the Arts (near the Highway 63 bridge). Created by the Waterloo Youth Art Team.

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