Last updated: 2025-04-22
Cedar Falls offers a treasure trove of indoor activities perfect for escaping unpredictable Iowa weather. From art galleries to historic museums, visitors and locals can explore rich cultural experiences without stepping outside.
Whether you’re seeking educational exhibits, family-friendly entertainment, or quiet artistic spaces, Cedar Falls and nearby Waterloo provide diverse indoor attractions that showcase the region’s vibrant community spirit and heritage.
Discover Cedar Falls’ coolest indoor adventures now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Cedar Falls
- Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
- Grout Museum District (Waterloo)
- Cedar Falls Public Library
- Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum (Waterloo)
- Waterloo Center for the Arts (Waterloo)
- Hearst Center for the Arts
- Young Arena (Waterloo)
- Black Hawk Children's Theatre (Waterloo)
- UNI Botanical Center
- University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art
Black Hawk Children's Theatre (Waterloo)
What to Expect
Regional youth and community theater productions
Description
Black Hawk Children's Theatre offers engaging live theatrical performances for youth and families in Waterloo. Presenting a diverse season of musicals and plays, including classic adaptations like Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, and The Sound of Music. Productions range from youth-focused editions to full-scale performances featuring local talent.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Black Hawk Children's Theatre
Cedar Falls Public Library
What to Expect
Extensive Library of Things with non-traditional borrowable items
Description
A comprehensive community learning center offering diverse programs for all ages. Features storytimes for children, teen activities, book clubs, and unique resources like a Library of Things. Provides free access to books, digital resources, and engaging workshops that support lifelong learning and community connection.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Cedar Falls Public Library
Grout Museum District (Waterloo)
What to Expect
Multi-site museum complex showcasing Iowa's cultural and scientific heritage
Description
The Grout Museum District offers a comprehensive exploration of Iowa's history, science, and veterans' experiences through five distinct museum sites. Visitors can engage with interactive science exhibits at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, explore local history and veterans' stories, and discover architectural treasures like the Russell House Museum.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Grout Museum District
Hearst Center for the Arts
What to Expect
Community-driven art exploration and education programs
Description
A comprehensive arts center offering diverse visual and creative experiences through exhibitions, art classes, and community programs. Features rotating galleries showcasing local and regional artists, educational workshops for all ages, and collaborative community art initiatives like the Nature Quest program.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Hearst Center for the Arts
Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
What to Expect
Small museum showcasing vintage candy-making equipment
Description
Palmer's Old Tyme Candy Shoppe offers a nostalgic journey through candy-making history with a small museum featuring retired candy-making equipment, vintage photos, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the company's 141-year legacy and discover a variety of handcrafted chocolate confections made using traditional production techniques.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum (Waterloo)
What to Expect
Comprehensive memorial commemorating Iowa veterans' military service
Description
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum honors the service of Iowa veterans through 35+ interactive exhibits and an electronic Wall of Honor. Visitors can explore compelling military history, including the poignant story of the five Sullivan brothers who sacrificed their lives during World War II naval combat.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
UNI Botanical Center
What to Expect
Six specialized greenhouse environments showcasing global plant diversity
Description
The UNI Botanical Center houses six diverse greenhouses featuring unique plant collections, including a tropical house with 20-foot ceilings, a cactus house with desert ecosystems, and an aquatic house with koi pond. Visitors can explore rare plant species, carnivorous plants, and seasonal outdoor display gardens.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: UNI Botanical Center
University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art
What to Expect
Campus art gallery with student professional development opportunities
Description
University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art showcases contemporary and modern artwork in an educational setting. Located in the Kamerick Art Building, the gallery features diverse exhibitions that highlight innovative artists, designers, and researchers. It provides unique opportunities for student engagement through museum management experiences and community partnerships.
Where: Cedar Falls | More Info: University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art
Waterloo Center for the Arts (Waterloo)
What to Expect
World's largest public collection of Haitian Art
Description
Art museum featuring five gallery spaces showcasing Midwest, American Decorative, and International Folk Art. Highlights include the world's largest public collection of Haitian Art and rotating exhibits spanning diverse artistic traditions. The center offers art galleries, children's museum, and cultural events exploring artistic expression.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Waterloo Center for the Arts
Young Arena (Waterloo)
What to Expect
Multi-purpose ice sports community center
Description
Young Arena offers a comprehensive indoor ice skating facility in Waterloo, Iowa, featuring public skating sessions, hockey programs, and figure skating opportunities. The venue supports multiple skating communities, including youth hockey, adult hockey leagues, and recreational skaters with diverse programming and structured ice time.
Where: Waterloo | More Info: Young Arena
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