Is This the Most Underrated City in Iowa? Travel Experts Say Yes!

A travel website called Islands released an interesting article claiming that a city right here in the Cedar Valley is one of the most "underrated" cities in the entire state.

And that city? It's Waterloo!

Why Travel Experts Say Waterloo Is Iowa’s Most Underrated City

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This Eastern Iowa city located in Black Hawk County is home to 66,606 residents, according to the most recent census.

The travel website described Waterloo as a "culturally vibrant and artistic Midwestern hub."

There were several specific aspects about the city that caused these travel experts to give it this title.

Experience Culture at the Waterloo Center for the Arts

Located at 225 Commercial Street in Waterloo, this museum is a highlight for both tourists and locals.

The exhibits on display at the Waterloo Center for the Arts vary from Midwest Art to the largest public collection of Haitian Art in the world.

Also, the museum is everyone's favorite price: free! You can drop in and check out the exhibits Tuesday through Sunday.

It's no surprise that this attraction got a shout out in the original article.

Where to Eat in Waterloo: Must-Visit Restaurants

One thing all Iowans love is a good and hearty meal! We all know that the city of Waterloo is chuck full of great restaurants and foodie spots.

Islands specifically mentioned two local favorites: Chapala Family Mexican Restaurant and Newton's Paradise Cafe.

What other restaurants in Waterloo are must visit spots for travelers?

Explore the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

Did you know that the John Deere museum is considered the best thing to do in Waterloo on Tripadvisor?

This high rating played a huge role in the museum getting a shout out from these travel experts.

Just like the Waterloo Center for the Arts, the John Deere Museum is also free to the public. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Step Back in Time at the Grout Museum District

Another local spot that was namedropped was the Grout Museum District. The area includes the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, the Grout Museum of History & Science, and the Carl A. & Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.

Check out all of the upcoming events going on at the Grout Museum District here!

Waterloo’s Best Family-Friendly Attractions

No surprise here on this one! Lost Island is one of the best waterparks in the Midwest.

With the construction of the theme park a few years ago, now there's a little something for everybody.

These Are the Real Reasons Waterloo Is So Awesome

While I'm happy that the city of Waterloo is finally getting its flowers, there are a few other reasons as to why it is such a great and underrated place.

Iowa Irish Fest: The Midwest’s Ultimate Irish Celebration

During the first full weekend in August, blocks of Downtown Waterloo are shut down to celebrate the biggest Irish cultural events in the Midwest: Iowa Irish Fest.

It is brimming with Irish music, food, and whiskey..

A WHOLE LOTTA WHISKEY! The city welcomes in travelers from all across the country for this festival.

This year, the event is scheduled for August 1st through the 3rd. You can check out more information on how to get tickets to the event, right here!

Waterloo’s Urban Farmers Market: A Local Favorite

From May until October, the RiverLoop Expo Plaza is the place to be on Saturday mornings.

This Farmers Market has a great mix of fresh produce, baked good, and local wares for you to check out! More than forty vendors come together to make this happen.

Fun fact! I never went to a Farmers Market before I moved out to Iowa, so this was the very first one I got to check out!

Best Biking Trails in Waterloo: 50+ Miles to Explore

Like most places in the state of Iowa, Waterloo is a great place for bicyclists.

It makes sense that in 2021, RAGRBRAI riders rode into the city and spent an overnight spot in the Cedar Valley.

According to the Waterloo Leisure Services website, the city is home to 50 miles of paved trails and 1.5 miles of compacted aggregate surface trails.

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