Hidden Gems of Waverly, Iowa

By Chelsea Petersen, Executive Director, Waverly Chamber of Commerce & Main Street

Waverly, Iowa has a way of surprising people.

Visitors often arrive for a tournament, a college visit, or a quick stop along Highway 218. What they discover is a vibrant community full of unexpected experiences, historic charm, outdoor adventure, and locally owned businesses that give Waverly its unmistakable character.

As the county seat of Bremer County, Waverly serves as both the civic and cultural hub for the region. But beyond the courthouse and city hall, there are countless hidden gems that make our community special.

Here are just a few worth discovering.

Wartburg College: The Heartbeat of Waverly

One of the things that makes Waverly unique is its strong connection to Wartburg College.

This nationally respected liberal arts college brings arts, athletics, music, and global perspectives into our community every day. From concerts and theatre performances to nationally competitive athletic programs, Wartburg adds energy and opportunity to life in Waverly.

The beautiful campus is just a short walk from downtown, and its students, faculty, and alumni help create the vibrant “college town” atmosphere that defines our community.

Outdoor Adventure Right in Town

Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn just how much there is to do outdoors in Waverly.

The Cedar River winds through our community, providing scenic trails, kayaking opportunities, and beautiful riverfront parks. If you’re looking to get out on the water, CrawDaddy Outdoors in downtown Waverly is a great place to start. The locally owned outdoor shop connects visitors and locals alike to paddling, river adventures, and outdoor gear across northeast Iowa.

Disc golf enthusiasts can head to Brookwood Park, where an 18-hole course offers a fun challenge for beginners and seasoned players alike.

Golfers also enjoy having two 18-hole golf courses right here in Waverly, offering beautiful tree-lined fairways and welcoming clubhouses.

And for those who enjoy motorsports and outdoor recreation, Newy’s Moto reflects another side of Waverly’s adventurous spirit, serving riders and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the region.

With more than 20 parks and miles of recreational trails, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring Waverly outside.

Historic Downtown: Where Local Businesses Shine

Waverly’s historic downtown along Bremer Avenue is full of locally owned businesses that make the community feel welcoming and vibrant.

The Palace Theatre

There’s something magical about catching a movie at the historic Palace Theatre. This beautifully restored downtown theater blends nostalgia with modern comfort, creating a unique moviegoing experience that you simply won’t find at a big multiplex.

Bremer Brewing Company

If you’re looking for a place where locals gather, you’ll likely find it at Bremer Brewing Company. What started as a home-brewing hobby has grown into a thriving craft brewery where friends meet, stories are shared, and new beers are always on tap.

Get Roasted Coffee Co. & thinkwell.

Morning in Waverly often begins with coffee downtown. Get Roasted Coffee Co. has become a favorite meeting place for everything from casual conversations to early-morning work sessions.

Just a few doors away, thinkwell. focuses on the art of roasting coffee in small batches, sourcing unique beans from around the world and bringing a craft approach to every cup.

Shopping & Dining

Downtown Waverly offers a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences.

You’ll find The Prairie Bee, a beautifully curated antique shop where visitors can discover vintage treasures, timeless décor, and one-of-a-kind finds that make every visit a little different.

For something truly special, Tenenbaum’s Jewelry has earned a reputation as a destination jeweler, attracting customers from across the region with its exceptional selection and trusted service.

When it’s time to eat, restaurants like Wild Carrot highlight Waverly’s growing food scene with fresh ingredients and creative menus. In fact, Wild Carrot earned recognition in 2025 for serving the Best Omelette, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

And for a longtime local favorite, Z’s Pizza & Diner continues to be a go-to stop for families, students, and anyone craving a classic slice.

Manufacturing You Can Smell (Literally)

Waverly is also home to companies whose impact reaches far beyond our city limits.

If you’ve ever driven through town and wondered why the air smells like chocolate, you’re probably near the Nestlé plant, one of Waverly’s largest employers. Locals often joke that some days the whole town smells like a candy factory.

Another well-known company with deep Waverly roots is Rada Cutlery. What began as a small knife-making business after World War II has grown into one of the most successful American kitchen knife manufacturers, with products sold across the country.

These companies are a reminder that Waverly blends small-town charm with global reach.

More Hidden Gems to Discover

Of course, those are only the beginning.

Visitors exploring Waverly often discover scenic river views in Kohlmann Park, community programming and beautiful spaces at the Waverly Public Library, and art installations and murals scattered throughout downtown.

Throughout the year, Waverly also comes alive with community events like Art Walk, Ridiculous Days, and Christmas Greetings on Main, celebrations that bring neighbors, visitors, and local businesses together.

What truly makes Waverly special are the entrepreneurs, business owners, volunteers, and community partners who invest their time, talent, and passion into this place every day.

Come Discover Waverly

Waverly may not always be the biggest dot on the map, but it’s full of experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, attending an event at Wartburg College, or simply passing through northeast Iowa, we invite you to explore the hidden gems that make Waverly special.

You just might find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave.

 

A Voice of the Valley: Simon Campbell

“What we didn’t expect was how quickly this community would make us feel like we belonged here and that we had something to give.”

Hi, my name is Simon Campbell, and this is why I Live the Valley.

Live the Valley. Voice of the Valley Simon Campbell

My family moved to the Cedar Valley in 2022. My wife and I, along with our two young daughters, were stepping into a new season, drawn here by two things: an opportunity to serve at Prairie Lakes Church and a desire to live closer to family. We have siblings who had already landed in the area, and we wanted our girls to grow up enjoying their cousins, aunts, and uncles as a part of everyday life.

We moved here to be closer to family. What we didn’t expect was how quickly this community would make us feel like we belonged here and that we had something to give.

The Cedar Valley is the kind of place that invites you into the story right away. It draws you in and gives you a sense of ownership and impact early. We weren’t treated like outsiders trying to find our place. Any way we looked to get involved through church, school organizations, community events, or local initiatives – our contribution was welcomed. There’s something powerful about living in a place where your presence matters right away.

I love that I get to work for a church that carries that same spirit.

Prairie Lakes Church exists to be a “no matter” church: no matter who you are, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or what’s been done to you – God loves you, and you can look for him at Prairie Lakes. And that’s not just something we say, it’s something we live by. You can feel that the moment you walk through the doors. As a multi-site church of seven campuses, we’re committed not only to serving this region but to covering the state with churches, creating communities where people can look for God no matter what. 

It’s not lost on me that the heartbeat behind that mission feels very Cedar Valley. Outward-facing. Community-minded. Willing to invest beyond itself.

Outside of work, we’ve fallen in love with the everyday rhythms of life here. We live near the downtown district in Cedar Falls, and on summer evenings, we often just step outside and go wherever the live music takes us. It feels like there’s always something happening: festivals, markets, concerts – tons of great reasons to get out and try something new. The downtown districts in both Cedar Falls and Waterloo create spaces where people actually linger. You’re increasingly greeted by familiar faces, invited into conversations, and you really start to feel known.

We love being outdoors, too. Having a state park woven right into the midst of our community makes it feel like you’re only ever a few steps away from nature at any time. We’ve loved exploring the extensive trail systems from behind strollers, then scooters, and now family bike rides. I even commute to work by bike in the warmer months. We fish the local waters, rotate playing at all the parks, and take full advantage of the green spaces that make this area feel both connected and wide open at the same time.

One of the unexpected joys for me has been doing some content creation work to support Live the Valley. There’s something special about capturing the heart of a community while you’re still learning to become part of it yourself. Through the lens, I’ve seen firsthand the culture and commitment to community that define this place. 

We came here for family and an opportunity, but we’ve thrived because this place invites you to belong, to contribute, and to build something meaningful. Our experience has cultivated a quiet sense of pride that makes us eager to answer the question, “Where are you guys living now?”

The Cedar Valley isn’t just where we moved.

It’s where we’re planting roots.

And that’s why I Live the Valley.

Simon Campbell