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Cedar Falls

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Cedar Falls

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Though often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Waterloo, time and again national publications have named Cedar Falls, Iowa a "best small place to live." Cedar Falls' 36,000 residents are committed to preserving the character of their town. To that end, the quaint business district has been completely revitalized, winning Cedar Falls an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Five of the town's most historically important buildings are owned and operated as museums by the Cedar Falls Historical Society. But Cedar Falls doesn't just look back into the past. The presence of the University of Northern Iowa draws artists and intellectuals from around the state and the world. Frequent concerts, art exhibitions and lectures are a regular part of life for Cedar Fallsians. But development of the mind AND the body is important to the folks in Cedar Falls, and the town maintains 30 miles of nature trails that residents and visitors can use for biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. An additional 60+ miles of trails are shared with nearby Waterloo. No wonder then that Cedar Falls is nicknamed "Gateway to the Trails."

Cedar Falls Facts

Fact 1: Cedar Falls is home to the oldest concert band in the State of Iowa. Founded in 1891, the Cedar Falls Municipal Band still practices in their historic hall, the last remaining municipal band hall in the state. The 45-piece ensemble presents free outdoor concerts June through August.

Fact 2: The University of Northern Iowa's museum was established in 1892. Today, the museum's collection of biology, history and anthropology exhibits is the largest in Northeast Iowa.

Fact 3: Many architectural experts identify Waterloo's Rensselaer Russell house as the finest example of Italianate architecture in the state of Iowa.

Fact 4: The city of Cedar Falls has a population of roughly 36,500 residents. This number swells by about 12,000 when the University of Northern Iowa is in session.

Fact 5: January is the coldest month in Cedar Falls. The average daily high is a mere 25 degrees and the average daily low is a chilly 6 degrees. January is also the driest month, with precipitation averaging less than 1 inch. July is the hottest month of the year. Families flock to local pools and lakes since the average daily high is 85 degrees and the daily lows is a balmy 62 degrees. June is Cedar Falls dampest month—spring showers drop almost 5 inches of precipitation on the city.

Fact 6: The area encompassing Cedar Falls Iowa and Waterloo Iowa, all the way to Cedar Rapids, is sometimes referred to as the "Cedar Valley."

Fact 7: The 52-mile Cedar Valley Nature Trail connects Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids. The trail is built on an old railroad bed. Any pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are welcome. The trail is handicapped accessible for its entire length.

Fact 8: Author Bess Street Aldrich was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ms. Aldrich is known for her wholesome stories about pioneers living on the Midwestern prairies.

Fact 9: Who is this mysterious "UNI" that visitors to Cedar Falls keep hearing about? Actually, UNI is an abbreviation for the University of Northern Iowa, located in downtown Cedar Falls. Visitors to the city will also notice plenty of purple—team color for the UNI Panthers.

Fact 10: Cedar Falls, Iowa is located in largely rural Black Hawk County, in the northeastern quadrant of the state.