Discover Waterloo
16 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
George Wyth State Park
Located between Cedar Falls and Waterloo, this park offers diverse landscapes including forests, lakes, and prairies. It’s a haven for nature and outdoor photography.
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Located in Waterloo, the Cedar Valley Arboretum offers a serene environment with beautiful gardens and diverse plant life. It is ideal for nature and macro photography, capturing the intricate details of flowers and plants.
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
A nature reserve with diverse habitats including forests and wetlands, offering opportunities for capturing wildlife and natural landscapes.
McFarlane Nature Park
A 150-acre park with walking trails, creeks, and scenic meadows. Ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Grout Museum District
A collection of historic sites in Waterloo, the Grout Museum District offers opportunities for historical and architectural photography, capturing the region's heritage.
Riverview Park
Located near the Cedar River, this park offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. It's ideal for landscape and waterscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
George Wyth State Park Campground
While similar to George Wyth State Park, this area offers more intimate natural settings. Ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Hartman Reserve
Located in Cedar Falls, Hartman Reserve offers serene and winding paths through nature, providing an intimate setting for photography. The changing light in spring and early fall adds a dynamic element to images, making it suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Cedar Valley Trail
A scenic trail that runs along the Cedar River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It's ideal for nature and landscape photography, especially during the changing seasons.
Downtown Waterloo
Downtown Waterloo offers an urban setting with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. It's perfect for street and architecture photography, capturing the city's vibrant life and architectural details.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum
A museum dedicated to wrestling, offering a unique theme for architectural and indoor photography. The building's design and exhibits provide interesting composition opportunities.
Isle of Capri Casino/Basin Park
While not a traditional photography spot, the surrounding area offers opportunities for unique architectural shots and reflections from the casino's structure.
Isle Casino Waterloo
A modern casino with a sleek design, offering opportunities for night photography and architectural shots. The surrounding area can also be used to capture urban life.
Sinnissippi Greenhouse
A quaint greenhouse with a variety of plants and flowers. It's a great spot for macro and nature photography, offering a warm and vibrant atmosphere year-round.
Phelps Park
A smaller park with a pond and walking trails, offering serene natural scenes and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Young Arena
A sports arena hosting various events, offering opportunities for indoor and event photography. The exterior design also provides interesting architectural shots.