Bus Tickets to Waterloo, IA

Waterloo, located on the Cedar River in northern Iowa, is the seat of Black Hawk County. The city is a hub for government, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education and employment. With a robust labor force and roots in early industrialization, Waterloo is known for its manufacturing success and notable historical figures. Waterloo is home to Hawkeye Community College, Allen College and Upper Iowa University. The population of 68,000 is diverse, with 45 different languages spoken in local schools. Waterloo has a close connection with neighboring Cedar Falls, and the two form a “twin cities” metro area known as the Cedar Valley. 

The History:

Waterloo was first settled in 1945, gaining a post office and official name in 1851. It was named after the battle in which British troops defeated Napolean in 1815. The location on the Cedar River was ideal for early water energy production. The energy powered sawmills and flour mills, establishing Waterloo as an industrial leader. Notably, the city developed simultaneously on both sides of the river, forming two distinct areas: the East and the West. The intense rivalry between these two communities drove innovation and development. As a result, the town quickly grew as a hub for railroad services and regional trade.  

Furthermore, Waterloo is home to the iconic John Deere Tractor Company. The company purchased the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company for $2.1 million in 1918. Less than a decade later, John Deere voted to invest over $3 million in Waterloo manufacturing facilities to increase production of farming technology. This big-name involvement further drove the city’s industrial success. To this day, the Waterloo Tractor Operations is still John Deere’s largest global manufacturing complex. 

Waterloo is home to several notable figures in arts and history, most notably the five Sullivan brothers. The brothers fought and died in World War II and are now recognized as national heroes. Waterloo’s Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is named in their honor. Waterloo also has a museum dedicated to Dan Gable, an Olympic champion widely considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Additionally, U.S. First Lady Lou Henry Hoover, 1950s film star Julie Adams and comedian Adam DeVine are from Waterloo. 

What to do:

Apart from the city’s rich history and famous names, Waterloo offers many popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. The Grout Museum District is home to the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, the Grout Museum of History and Science, the Rensselaer Russell House Museum and the historic Snowden House – with many other museums all within walking distance.  

One of Waterloo’s biggest draws is the Lost Island Themepark and Waterpark, which USA Today named as the #2 best waterpark in the country. With roller coasters, water slides, go-karts, wave pools and more, the park is perfect for a day of family fun. The website has an events calendar and rates for park passes. 

Waterloo is also an ideal destination for those who enjoy the outdoors! The Cedar Valley Trails offer over 100 miles of trails for walking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. They even offer water trails for canoes and kayaks, including the 47-mile Cedar River Water Trail and the Cedar Valley Paddlers’ Trail to portage between a chain of lakes.  

Also along the Cedar River is the Riverloop Amphitheater, a unique outdoor theater adjacent to the Waterloo Center for the Arts. The Amphitheater hosts live music, movies and more – ideal for families or arts enthusiasts of all ages! 

A few miles northwest of Waterloo, travelers can enjoy the many outdoorsy offerings of George Wyth State Park. The park has hiking and biking trails, four lakes for boating and fishing, birdwatching areas, a swimming beach, reservable campsites and more. Locals and travelers alike can be immersed in nature just miles from the city! 

Ready to go?

You can book your ticket to Waterloo on our website! Routes leave from Chicago, Minneapolis and cities around Iowa.