Top Things to Do in Waterloo, Iowa
This former manufacturing town (population: 66,600) is a destination for history buffs. But families with youngsters will find plenty to fill a weekend, too.
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What to do
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium Build a robot. Make a hot-air balloon rise. Learn how cold it is on Pluto. There's plenty of science to explore here. groutmuseumdistrict.org
Galleria de Paco You won't have to crane your neck as much as you would looking at the original, and Paco Rosic's version of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel is worth checking out. pacorosic.com
John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum Kids will love climbing up a tractor. Tours can be self-guided or led by staff. deere.com
Lost Island Water Park Ride a water coaster or hang out in the wave pool. Mini golf and go-karts are available for those who don't want to get wet. thelostisland.com
Rensselaer Russell House Museum Take a step back to the Victorian Era on a guided tour of this restored 1861 house. groutmuseumdistrict.org
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum See the stories of America's wars through the lens of Iowans, such as the five Sullivan brothers who died when their ship was torpedoed in World War II. groutmuseumdistrict.org
Waterloo Center for the Arts Go beyond Grant Wood's art by exploring this compact museum's collection of Haitian art, one the United State's largest. The Phelps Youth Pavilion's activities inspire creativity in kids. waterloocenterforthearts.org
Where to eat
The Brown Bottle In the historical Russell Lamson Building since 1974, this eatery is known for its pasta and extensive wine list. (319) 232-3014; brownbottlewaterloo.com
Laughing Tree Cafe Linger over locally sourced meals-many made-from-scratch-inside the Waterloo Center for the Arts. laughingtreetea.com
Newton's Paradise Cafe This busy corner cafe serves comfort food in an 1870s building in the heart of the business district. newtonscafe.com
Singlespeed Brewing Company Excellent beers and some of the area's best eats, such as Iowa flatbread with sweet corn, are produced in a former Wonder Bread factory. singlespeedbrewing.com
Where to stay
Isle Casino and Hotel The large rooms are modern and comfortable, and it's convenient to the Lost Island Waterpark and the Crossroads Center mall. islewaterloo.com