Cedar Valley offering wide variety of summer activities

As our lawns begin to green with the spring rain and our gardens begin to bask in the coming summer sun, it’s a beautiful time to head outside and take in your community. If you are unsure of what to do in the current spring months or if you’re beginning to think about your summer vacation, this is the article for you. In this article we will be going over fun spring and summer local events and or activities to try this year. So, before we reach the harsh cold of winter, let’s enjoy the coming warm months with these fun things to do right here in the Cedar Valley.

1. White Water Rafting and or Other Water Activities

To kick off this list, why not experiment with some white water kayaking in downtown Cedar Falls? Back in 2017, Cedar Falls began working on a Cedar River Recreation Project in order to attract more people to downtown Cedar Falls. For this project, the Cedar River would be reconstructed to allow for people to enjoy more water activities. The reconstruction includes in-stream riverbank improvements, more places to fish, a series of six jetties and places in which water-bound residents and or visitors can park their watercraft and check out downtown Cedar Falls. The ribbon cutting event will be on June 7. If you want to learn more about the events and activities surrounding the newly modified river, head to the gateway parks main page.

2. Downtown Cedar Falls Farmers Market

While you’re in downtown Cedar Falls, you should really check out the farmers’ market. If you don’t already know, starting in May and going all the way to October if you head to Overman Park near downtown Cedar Falls on Saturday mornings (8:30 to noon), you will find the Cedar Falls farmers’ market. Live musicians and performers will frequently be seen in Overman during the farmers’ market. Additionally, some of the vendors are recognizable from some shops downtown while others are small businesses, farmers or other entrepreneurs from the Cedar Valley. Finally, food trucks will also often be available during your time in the farmers market, so stop and get some street food while you are there.

3. Lost Island Theme Park; the Fire Runner

For thrill seekers and theme park enthusiasts, the Lost Island Theme Park has announced a new ride that will be available for the 2025 season. The ride will be Iowa’s first single rail roller coaster called the Fire Runner. Including many twists and turns, Lost Island ensures it will be “a smooth, high-speed experience,” so make sure to check it out when the ride officially opens this year.

4. Cedar Falls and Waterloo Special and Yearly Events

Residents in Cedar Falls and Waterloo routinely celebrate special events that are the heart of the community. If you are unsure when these events occur, Cedar Falls and Waterloo each have tourism websites that let you view the time in which these events occur each year. In addition to these yearly events, they also list singular special events. From the Fourth Street Cruise and the Great Race in Waterloo to Sturgis Falls and the Cedar Fall Municipal Band here in Cedar Falls, there are plenty of local events to choose from to give yourself a full summer. 

5. Sturgis Falls

Although this goes along with the previous entry on this list, the complete list wouldn’t feel finished if we didn’t include Sturgis Falls and its events. Held on June 27-29, Sturgis Falls is a huge celebration recognizing and connecting with our community. Food stands and live musicians gather in Overman Park and near the Cedar Falls Ice House for a great show. Across the Cedar River, rides and carnival games are set up for those looking for some fun. Additionally vendors are set up near the end of the park along with an adult area for alcoholic drinks and even more live music. Along with all these events occurring over the three days, other events such as the Sturgis 5k/10k are available for those who like to run. However, if you would prefer a bike ride, you can also participate in the Tour de Sturgis Falls Ride, which involves a 25-mile bike route. Overall, if you’re looking for a good time, remember to go to Sturgis Falls this summer.

Regardless of what you decide to do this spring and coming summer, remember to take time to enjoy it before we come back to school.