Waterloo, Iowa
Waterloo is a big city situated in Black Hawk County, along both sides of the Cedar River in the northeastern part of the US State of Iowa. With its countless amenities and tourist attractions, Waterloo—one of the most populated cities in Iowa—makes for the perfect vacation destination. With its vast network of trails, vibrant arts area, and dozens of locally owned restaurants, sports arenas, and entertainment options, Waterloo delivers a distinctive experience that gets better with each visit.
Geography And Climate Of Waterloo
Waterloo is the largest and most populous city in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is bordered by Cedar Falls from the west, Hudson from the southwest, and Evansdale from the southeast. The highways that pass through the city include U.S. Highways 20, 218, and 63, with approximately 198 signalized intersections. Waterloo covers a total area of 164.29 sq. km, of which 159.53 sq. km is occupied by land, and 4.76 sq. km is covered by water.
According to the Köppen climate classification, Waterloo experiences a humid continental climate characterized by warm-humid summers and dry-cold winters. The average annual temperature is 8.8°C, with July and January recording the highest (23.1C) and lowest (-7.5°C) average temperatures, respectively. On average, Waterloo gets 878.8mm of precipitation yearly, with June and January reporting the highest (127mm) and lowest (20.3mm) numbers, respectively. The rainy period lasts from February to December, while the snowy period lasts from November to March.
History Of Waterloo
Prairie Rapids Crossing used to be the name of Waterloo. On the eastern banks of the Cedar River, George and Mary Melrose Hanna and their children established the first settlement in 1845. The first passenger train arrived in 1861, and the city became formally incorporated in 1868. From 1895 until 1915, the city saw a tremendous increase in population. Manufacturing enterprises, rail transportation businesses, and wholesale businesses were thriving during the time. Waterloo gained popularity as "The Factory City of Iowa." The city also housed illustrious businesses like Rath Packing, Galloway Company, and Litchfield Manufacturing.
The Population And Economy Of Waterloo
As per the US Census, Waterloo has a population of 67,314 residents, where 50.4% are females and 49.6% are males. The city's racial makeup is 69.5% white (non-Hispanic/Latino), 17.4% African-American or Black, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.3% Asian. The remaining are distributed among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, and mixed races. English is spoken by 87.4% of the population. The rest speak Indo-European languages (5.6%), Spanish (4.8%), Asian and Pacific Islander languages (1.7%), and other foreign languages (0.5%). Only 34.9% of the population in Waterloo are naturalized US citizens. Veterans make up 6.9% of Waterloo's population, of which 91% are males, and 9% are females.
As per the same Census, the employment rate in Waterloo is 61.1%, with a poverty rate of 17.5%. The homeownership rate is 59.9%, where the median gross rental cost is $776 per month, with a median household income of $46,942. According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, the unemployment rate in Waterloo is 5.6%. The job market in Waterloo has grown by 0.3% in the last few years. Compared to the US average of 33.5%, future job growth is expected to be 19.9% during the next ten years.
Attractions In Waterloo
RiverLoop Amphitheater
This spectacular outdoor performing arts complex is the focal point of Waterloo's waterfront. The Riverloop Amphitheater's seating area boasts a stunning view across the Cedar River from the slope of the levee, and the stage is positioned below along the River loop. The adjacent Expo Plaza complements the amphitheater and can accommodate audiences of up to 600 individuals. This location hosts the Cinema on the Cedar Movie Nights, which features family-friendly films, as well as the Outdoor Concert Series during the summer. Public access to both series is free.
John Deere Tractor And Engine Museum
The Waterloo Gasoline Engine Business, famous for its Waterloo Boy tractors, was acquired by John Deere, a company well-known for its agricultural machinery, in 1918. The company continues to be the city's major employer, producing tractors, engines, and components in cutting-edge facilities that are accessible for guided tours. On the site of the former Waterloo Tractor Works, which later served as John Deere's first tractor plant, the company erected a new museum in 2014. With equipment from the company's illustrious past, the interior features a beautifully presented timeline of the business, its technology, and Iowa agriculture in general. The museum includes a wealth of fascinating historical snippets as well as child-friendly interactive displays to hold their attention.
Waterloo Riverloop Bike Trail
The ease with which one can ride or walk through Waterloo and Cedar Falls is unique. The Cedar River banks are particularly accessible, and there are dozens of miles of multi-use trails that reach every portion of the metro region. The Riverloop, which runs more than 16 miles between downtown Waterloo and downtown Cedar Falls, provides service to the riverfront industrial district of Waterloo. You can take shortcuts whenever you need, thanks to the three easy river crossings. On the former route of the Illinois Central Railroad, which closed in the 1970s, you can connect the 52-mile Cedar Valley Nature Trail in the southeast of the city, which extends all the way to Hiawatha.
Waterloo City has it all for you, whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife or a peaceful getaway in nature reserves. In this exciting downtown neighborhood, there is something for everyone, from water and theme parks to acclaimed museums and family entertainment venues. The numerous museums offer a wealth of information and attractions that combine learning and fun. This energetic neighborhood will undoubtedly leave you with priceless memories and unique encounters.
