 |
|
|
 |
Experience the best of Iowa in the Heart of the Saints!
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Iowa, along the Avenue of the Saints highway, the Heart of the Saints features the best Iowa has to offer. The communities of Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Amana Colonies, Coralville and Iowa City welcome you! From north to south you will discover cultural attractions, historical interests, gorgeous landscapes, fabulous entertainment and dining experiences and much more. No need to travel far while visiting the Heart of the Saints; each friendly community is no more than forty-five minutes away. Whether you're looking for metropolitan flare or quiet county roads, The Heart of the Saints has it all.
http://www.cedarfallstourism.org
The northernmost community along the Heart of the Saints is Cedar Falls. Iowa's Tourism Community of 2005 offers a variety of things to see and do. Enjoy the Cultural and Entertainment District of downtown Cedar Falls for public art displays, the historic Black Hawk Hotel, fine dining and nightlife, galleries, theaters and working artisans. The newly constructed Main Street has been declared a National Great American Main Street. 2005 marks the 30th anniversary of the Sturgis Falls Celebration, held every June, just north of downtown, along the Cedar River. Cedar Falls is home to The University of Northern Iowa (UNI). UNI's Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center is the Cedar Valley's premier performance venue and home to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony. Discover why Cedar Falls is considered the "Gateway to the Trails"; with nearly 80 miles of free, year-round paved recreational trails connecting Cedar Falls and Waterloo, you can take pleasure in wooded trails and fantastic scenery. Stop by the new Visitor Center, an enhanced trailhead, located near the intersection of Highway 20 and the Avenue of the Saints for trail information, restrooms, gift shop, and Eastern Iowa Tourism information.
» Back to top
http://www.waterloocvb.org
Next door to Cedar Falls is Waterloo, home of John Deere Tractor Operations. Visitors can enjoy a trolley ride through the manufacturing plant and view the complete assembly of a John Deere tractor. Fun for all ages can be discovered at Lost Island, Iowa's largest outdoor water park featuring eight major waterslides, a lazy river, wave lagoon, plus miniature golf and the fastest go-kart track in the Midwest. Make a stop at the nationally accredited Grout Museum of History & Science for outstanding exhibits reflecting the areas history. The museum's "Remembering Those Who Served" features a tribute to Waterloo's Five Sullivan Brothers who gave their lives together when their ship, the U.S.S. Juneau, sank during a WWII attack. The Waterloo Center for the Arts, located along the banks of the scenic Cedar River, features Midwest artists and the nation's largest public collection of Haitian Art. Waterloo is also headquarters to the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, whose tours trace America's agricultural roots throughout 32 Iowa counties. Enjoy city-wide events at My Waterloo Days, the city's largest festival, featuring hot air balloons, downtown parade, fireworks, cultural village, bicycle races, and top notch musical entertainment.
» Back to top
http://www.cedar-rapids.com
Travel southward just forty-five minutes on the Avenue of the Saints to Cedar Rapids, home of the largest cereal mill in the world, Quaker Oats. Visit the studio of famed Iowa artist Grant Wood. Wood's original American Gothic painting returns to Cedar Rapids in 2005 and will be on display from September through December at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. While in Cedar Rapids check out city hall, the jail and county court house, all located on Mays Island on the Cedar River. This is the only city government in the world located on an island within the city. Just a few blocks south of Mays Island experience Czech Village for ethnic gift and specialty shops and restaurants. Try delicious authentic baked Czech treats and sample the finest meats at Polehna's Meat Market. Include a stop at the nation's largest National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library. Unwind and have fun in The City of Five Seasons! Citizens say the fifth season is enough time to enjoy a relaxed, easy going pace to life!
» Back to top
http://www.amanacolonies.com/
Just 19 miles south of Cedar Rapids on U.S. Highway 151 you'll encounter the historic Amana Colonies, celebrating 150 years of German heritage. As a National Historic Landmark, the seven German villages are home to many historical sites, furniture and clock making shops, wineries, bakeries and Iowa's only woolen mill. Experience a bit of Bavaria at the many annual festivals held in the Colonies. 2005 marks the 40th anniversary of the Midwest's favorite fall festival, Oktoberfest. Be entertained at Iowa's premiere professional theater, The Old Creamery Theatre Company or shop the many specialty shops for exceptional gifts. Experience the legendary food of the Amana Colonies where hearty and delicious German and American meals are served family-style in unique, romantic settings. The Colonies are also home to the state's oldest microbrewery, known for its award-winning ales and Old-Time Root Beer. During a visit to the Amana Colonies in late July to mid-August you'll be greeted by a beautiful view of lily blooms afloat on Lily Lake. Families will adore Wasserbahn Water Park and Resort located at Exit 225, I-80. Visitor information is available at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center, located in a newly renovated 1943 corn crib, in the village of Amana.
» Back to top
http://www.iowacitycoralville.org
The southern most stop along the Heart of the Saints is the communities of Iowa City and Coralville. You'll soon understand why the area is considered the "Athens of the Midwest." So abundant with cultural and entertainment venues, the cities were the first in the state recognized with two Cultural and Entertainment Districts. Old Capitol Cultural District and Iowa River Cultural District are filled with a multitude of galleries, theatres, musical performances, fine restaurants and summer festivals. Iowa City is home to the state's first capitol, a National Historic Landmark, located on the Pentacrest of the University of Iowa campus. The Pedestrian Mall, downtown Iowa City, abounds with unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the largest university-owned teaching hospital in the United States, offers one of the largest collections of art and houses a Medical Museum on the eighth floor. Coralville Lake offers 4900 acres of outdoor opportunities, from camping and hiking to watersports and fishing. Travel back in time at Devonian Fossil Gorge, created by the flood of 1993, the devastating flood ripped away roads, trees and topsoil revealing the 375-million-year-old fossilized Devonian ocean. All ages will enjoy this outdoor science laboratory. If shopping is your fancy, shop til you drop at the Coral Ridge Mall, Iowa's 2nd largest mall! Coral Ridge Mall offers more than 100 shops, 10-screen movie theatre, the Iowa Children's Museum, NHL Ice area, and Carousel.
» Back to top
|
|
|
|
|
 |
