We all know those communities that we’re familiar with, but never spend time being a tourist in! Thankfully, after a weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa, we’ve changed that!
I’ve spent my entire life traveling the one hour from our home area to Cedar Falls for shopping purposes, but never spent any time exploring the rest of the community. So, recently, when our friends at Cedar Falls Tourism invited us to spend a weekend exploring, we jumped at the opportunity! And what we found was a pure delight!
Thank you to Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitor’s Bureau and the Black Hawk Hotel for hosting us during our stay. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Getting There
Getting to Cedar Falls is very easy thanks to its location along Highways 20 and 218. If driving isn’t for you, then you’ll find the Waterloo Regional Airport super handy!
If you’re traveling by car….
Des Moines, Iowa – 1 hour, 54 minute drive time
Minneapolis, Minnesota – 3 hours, 8 minute drive time
Chicago, Illinois – 4 hours, 24 minute drive time
Kansas City, Missouri – 4 hours, 35 minute drive time
Stay at the Black Hawk Hotel
When visiting Cedar Falls for an overnight trip or weekend, there are several options for lodging, but in our mind, there is really only one place to stay and that is the historic Black Hawk Hotel. This historic hotel has been part of downtown Cedar Falls since 1858 when it was a stagecoach hotel and tavern. Known then as Winslow House, it’s overcome many changes, owners, and renovations, but it still maintains the history and quaintness. You can choose between a more traditional room or splurge on a spa suite like the one we were treated to on our visit! These suites are spacious, have a 2 person jacuzzi, and many other amazing amenities like in-floor heat! Plus, you’ll find plush bathrobes in the antique armoires, which make it easy to get cozy!
If that isn’t enough, downstairs, you’ll find a light continental breakfast of pastries & fresh fruit along with tea and coffee. At night, you can enjoy a handcrafted and poured cocktail at Bar Winslow or stop next door at the Carter House, which features homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, breads, wine, and more! They can even create a customized charcuterie board for you to enjoy in the lobby or in your room!
Book A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa
The Black Hawk Hotel also features private hotel parking, and being located among Cedar Falls’ thriving downtown means everything you might want is in walking distance!
Eat at Montage
Located just about one block from the Black Hawk Hotel, you’ll find Montage. This restaurant offers a fun modern vibe, but yet maintains some of the history of the building! We arrived on a busy Friday night about 7PM, but were still able to be seated promptly! (They do accept reservations!) A well thought out cocktail & martini menu is the beginning of a delicious menu! Salads, pasta, steaks & chops, fish & seafood, and even burgers grace their menu! T chose a classic pork chop meal while I picked their Shrimp Skewers in Peanut Slaw & Asian Slaw! I also got to add a side, which I picked the goat cheese risotto and oh my was it delicious!
Of course, I had to finish with Crème Brule too and it did not disappoint! Our meals were delicious, we left full, and if you enjoy an Old Fashioned…..you must try their Iowa Old Fashioned made with Cedar Ridge Bourbon & Rye! It was one of the very best Old Fashion’s I’ve ever had! I also commend them for their well labeled menu complete with gluten-free notations! It makes it so easy to select a meal without tons of special requests!
Grab a Nightcap at Second State Brewing
After supper, walk around the block to Second State Brewing! This super low-key local brewery has just enough offerings (beer, wine, & cider) along with a super laid back vibe. You can enjoy the view of the street from their bar or even grab one of their card games available for use and settle in! This brewery is the perfect spot to try different brews as their flights are the most affordable we’ve ever experienced at just $5! Their brews are constantly changing but we loved their Peach Blonde! It was super smooth without having an overpowering peach flavor!
Click HERE to get the Ultimate Guide to the Best Iowa Breweries (and Cideries)
Enjoy Coffee at Sarah’s Espresso Café
Who doesn’t love a classic coffee shop?! Well, lucky for you, Cedar Falls offers 2 of them on their main-street! We checked out Cup of Joe during our first visit (they have gluten free baked goods) and decided to try out Sarah’s Espresso Café during this visit and were not disappointed.
Don’t walk by Sarah’s as you won’t notice a fancy coffee shop store front, in fact, what you’ll find is a coffee shop in front of a bar (or the best that we could tell), but what you’ll also find is delicious coffee and wonderful hot breakfast options!
From their expansive coffee (and tea) menu, I ordered an iced coffee with half & half and a flavor shot and it was quite possibly the most balanced iced coffee I’ve ever had! Not too much cream, not too sweet, it was perfectly flavored. T picked their breakfast wrap with bacon while I was excited to see gluten-free egg bites on their menu! I added a side order of hash-browns and it was the perfect breakfast! We both thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast. I spent the entire time trying to figure out what was in the egg bites! You know they are good then!
Snag the “Must Have” Guide to Coffee Shops in Iowa!
Enjoy Downtown Shopping
There are several things to do in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area, but if you’re looking for a low-key weekend, you need to enjoy time browsing the shops of the downtown. From women’s clothing stores to jewelry, stores with items for the kiddos, and home décor…you’ll find a little bit of everything! While browsing the downtown area, make sure to check out the street art along the way! Also, just a block off main street is an area where Cedar Falls typically has live music and events during the summer! One of my personal favorites was “Here’s Whats Poppin’ Gourmet Popcorn” as I’m a lover of all things popcorn! Get the Peanut Butter Cup popcorn and thank me later! 😉
Have Lunch at Pablo’s Mexican Grill
During your weekend in Cedar Falls, you’ll need a delicious lunch and that’s when you head to Pablo’s Mexican Grill! This locally owned joint is incredibly informal but offers fresh tacos, burritos, & salads. We both opted for tacos (they offer gluten-free corn tortillas and are incredibly careful when preparing them). T tried the trio (one chicken, pork, & steak) and I picked 2 steak and 1 chicken. I also enjoyed their seasonal salsa of pineapple/lime and it was DELICIOUS on the chicken taco! Enjoy a small side of tortilla chips with your tacos and you’ll be satisfied and refueled for more exploring!
Tour the Victorian House Museum
Every good weekend trip is well-rounded so don’t miss touring the Victorian House Museum during your weekend in Cedar Falls! Located just a couple blocks from downtown, you’ll find this FREE attraction which is part of the Cedar Falls Historic Society. The tour is self-led, but there are pamphlets available and also display signs throughout the house, which explain the history of the house. The house is pretty and the plaques well done. Plus, they have a rotating display area off the house, which is currently featuring a display on the Ice House. There is also a train display in the basement and small area for kids to play! It’s a great way to spend some time! During the summer months you can enjoy other great museums as well!
Book a Winter Weekend Getaway in Iowa!
Start Planning Your Weekend in Cedar Falls
Between good food, a downtown full of shops, a community with history, and a unique and delightful historic hotel, a weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a great trip to make! Check out Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitor’s Bureau’s website to help in planning your trip!
