Discover the most popular places to visit in Waterloo
Lost Island Waterpark
8.0/10 (115 reviews)
Iowa's largest waterpark offers a tropical escape with thrilling slides and a lazy river surrounded by island-inspired decor. Reserve a private cabana for shade and personalized service between adventures.
Young Arena
8.2/10 (89 reviews)
Young Arena thrills visitors with its Olympic-sized ice rink and the electrifying atmosphere of Waterloo Black Hawks hockey games. Dress warmly and arrive early for the best experience during the fall-to-spring season.
Isle Casino Waterloo
7.8/10 (224 reviews)
This 37,000-square-foot entertainment venue offers 800+ slot machines, table games, and a Caesars Sportsbook. After gaming, retreat to modern hotel rooms or unwind in the indoor pool while planning tomorrow's adventures.
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
7.8/10 (88 reviews)
Learn about the events happening at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center during your trip to Waterloo. Discover the beautiful waterfalls and casinos in this family-friendly area.
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
8.6/10 (40 reviews)
This iconic museum celebrates John Deere's agricultural innovation at the site of their first tractor factory. Explore vintage machinery and test your strength with hands-on exhibits that bring farming history to life.
Lost Island Theme Park
Explore five elemental realms at this immersive Iowa theme park, each with distinct attractions and theming. VOLKANU and thrilling coasters await amid meticulously designed landscapes that transport you to another world.
Waterloo Center for the Arts
7.4/10 (60 reviews)
Home to the world's largest public collection of Haitian art, this cultural center celebrates diverse artistic expressions. Explore rotating exhibitions and enjoy the scenic riverside setting.
Grout Museum of History
8.2/10 (43 reviews)
Explore regional history and gaze at the stars in Northeast Iowa's only public planetarium. The museum's genealogical library offers a deep dive into local family histories for curious visitors.
Waterloo Hotel Deals
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo - A Caesars Rewards Destination
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Waterloo break. However, a range of factors like the length of stay, the season and your choice of hotel will determine how much your vacation to Waterloo costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Waterloo?
If you'd like to score a cheap Waterloo vacation package, consider traveling in February, November and December. You'll typically find better rates on hotels and airfares during these quieter months — ideal for travelers wishing to save money.
How many days is enough for Waterloo?
You can easily explore all the leading sights in Waterloo within a few days, including the popular Grout Museum of History. If you want an extended Waterloo vacation, check out which kind of activities and excursions are available nearby.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Waterloo?
Popular for its camping, fishing and family-friendly attractions, a Waterloo vacation has something for everyone. Be sure to check out key sights like Waterloo Center for the Arts and Grout Museum of History, and consider renting some wheels for day trips to experience even more.
How to find the best Waterloo package deals?
Start your search for a Waterloo package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then add some filters, like "Property type" and "Amenities," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and discover offers that come with huge savings. If you don't find the perfect Waterloo package deal straight away, just tweak your dates and search again. Keep in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Waterloo escape off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Waterloo vacation as a package?
Expedia vacation packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your hotel, flight and car rental into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll typically get a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still have the freedom to create a personalized Waterloo vacation by choosing your preferred accommodation type, airline and car class.
When to book a vacation package to Waterloo?
If you're considering an impromptu Waterloo getaway, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find incredible deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Waterloo vacation packages?
Set off on your perfect trip to Waterloo with help from Expedia's Book Now, Pay Later vacations. No need to scrimp and save or wait for your next payday — we've partnered with online lender Affirm to give you more flexibility with your finances. Our vacation packages with payment plans let you spread the total cost over 3, 6 or 12 months. With no late payment fees or extra charges, it's a breeze to stick to your budget and snap up cheap deals before they sell out.
Waterloo, Iowa, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and entertainment options. Enjoy the thrills of a local water park, explore educational attractions, and indulge in shopping at various centers. For an enriching experience, consider sightseeing tours that highlight the city’s charm, as well as outdoor adventures that provide recreational opportunities for all ages.
Shopping
The nearest shopping destination is College Square Mall, located 5 miles away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out Crossroads Mall, about 15 miles away, featuring more retail choices and dining experiences for a full day of shopping.
Recreation
South Hills Golf Course offers a relaxing outdoor experience with its beautifully maintained greens and scenic views, perfect for a day of golfing. For a tranquil retreat, visit Big Woods Lake Recreation Area, where you can unwind amidst nature. Families will enjoy the fun at Falls Aquatic Center, featuring pools and activities for all ages.
Adventure
At Lost Island Waterpark, you can enjoy thrilling water slides and a lazy river, perfect for family fun and adventure. Palmer's Family Fun offers an arcadeAdventureZone filled with games for all ages, while The Heart Of Darkness provides an immersive gaming experience that promises excitement for the whole family.
Nightlife
Waterloo's nightlife is vibrant, featuring lively bars like The Electric Park Ballroom for live music and The Copper Bar for craft cocktails. For a relaxed vibe, visit The Brown Bottle, where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and great food. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Find the best attractions in and around Waterloo
Waterloo, Iowa, is an ideal destination for family-friendly and entertainment-focused vacations. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including modern universities, arenas, and event venues. The city offers a diverse range of activities that cater to travelers seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, making it a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy a dynamic getaway.
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich agricultural heritage at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum. This unique museum showcases the evolution of farming technology, featuring vintage tractors and engines that tell the story of American agriculture.
University of Northern Iowa: Located a short drive from Waterloo, the University of Northern Iowa is a vibrant campus known for its beautiful architecture and dynamic atmosphere. Explore the university's arts, culture, and educational offerings, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Young Arena: Experience family-friendly entertainment at Young Arena, where you can enjoy various events, including hockey games and community activities. This lively venue is a hub of excitement for locals and visitors alike.
Best time to go to Waterloo
The best time to visit Waterloo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Waterloo falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Waterloo falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Waterloo
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Waterloo.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.