While the weather is still nice, you might have been looking for different activities to do outside or places to explore in Waverly. There are quite a few walking paths and natural areas in Waverly with lots of local flora and fauna, so here are five to get you started! These locations are all close to Wartburg and can be reached on foot or by car.
Cedar Bend
This park is 180 acres with about four miles of hiking trail, and only 6 minutes by car from Wartburg. They also have volleyball pits, horseshoes and a playground. They offer overnight camping for $15-$20 a night. According to their website, they close the gate for vehicle access on Oct. 31, but the park can still be accessed by walking.
Here are directions for how to get to the park: Cedar Bend
Kohlmann Park and Walking Bridge
About 3 minutes by car or 17 by walking, this park is complete with a playground, a bandshell, art pieces, and multiple areas to stop and rest. There are also outdoor shelters for those who want to have a picnic or do other group activities. Up by the Nestle factory is a bridge overlooking the river and parts of the town. This area is more urban but still has beautiful sights to see.
Here are directions for how to get to the park: Kolhmann Park
South Riverside Park
About 4 minutes away by car and 24 minutes on foot, this park, like Kohlmann, has a playground and a few benches. However, it’s a little more secluded and usually less busy than Kohlmann.
There are also public art binoculars to memorialize the Green Bridge, which was taken down in 2021, according to the Waverly Newspapers. The binoculars feature pictures of what the bridge looked like when it was still there, and there are two signs detailing the history of the bridge. Along with history, South Riverside Park also has a small sandy riverbank, art pieces and a small walking bridge.
Here are directions for how to get to the park: South Riverside Park
Rail Trail
About 8 to 10 minutes away by car from Wartburg, the Waverly Rail Trail is part of the Rolling Prairie Trail system, according to the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership website. The trail not only goes through Waverly, but Denver and Readlyn as well. The trail is open to both walkers, runners, and cyclists. According to the City of Waverly, the Cedar Valley Railroad wished to abandon the line between Readlyn and Waverly in 1991. After a few years of negotiations, a recreational trail was available in 1999 for the public.
Here are directions for how to get to the park: Rail Trail
Red Cedar Park
About 7 minutes away by car, Red Cedar Park includes walking trails and a connection to Brookwood Park. The park is also located near the Waverly Soccer Complex and the dog park. According to the City of Waverly, Red Cedar Park was once a yard waste site but was reclaimed and made into a woodland savanna in 2010. In 2011, it received the Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Award in Habitat Restoration.
Here are directions for how to get to the park: Red Cedar Park
Other Parks to Check Out
If you are curious about any other parks or trails in Waverly, you can check out this link: Waverly Parks List
Many local events are hosted on the Waverly trails. In fact, one coming up soon is called “The Best Dam Run to Prevent Child Abuse.” On Sept. 27, participants will meet at the Waverly Civic Center and go through Waverly’s trail system. If you are curious about this event, you can click on this link: Best Dam Run Info
