Cedar Falls, Iowa

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a charming city located in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. With a population of 40,713 as of the 2020 census, Cedar Falls is a bustling city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Cedar Falls has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the many treasures of this enchanting destination and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

History:
Cedar Falls was first settled in March 1845 by brothers-in-law William Sturgis and Erasmus D. Adams. Initially, the city was named Sturgis Falls. The city was called Sturgis Falls until it was merged with Cedar City (another city on the other side of the Cedar River), creating Cedar Falls. The city’s founders are honored each year with a week-long community-wide celebration named in their honor – the Sturgis Falls Celebration. Because of the availability of water power, Cedar Falls developed as a milling and industrial center prior to the Civil War. The establishment of the Civil War Soldiers Orphans Home in Cedar Falls changed the direction in which the city developed when, following the war, it became the first building on the campus of the Iowa State Normal School (now the University of Northern Iowa).

Geography:
Cedar Falls is located at 42°31′24″N 92°26′45″W (42.523520, −92.446402). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.61 square miles (76.69 km2), of which 28.75 square miles (74.46 km2) is land and 0.86 square miles (2.23 km2) is water. Natural forest, prairie, and wetland areas are found within the city limits at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center.

Demographics:
Cedar Falls is part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area. As of the census of 2020, there were 40,713 people, and 15,254 households. The population density was 1,401.8 inhabitants per square mile (541.2 inhabitants/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.2% White, 1.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.5% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

Arts and Culture:
In 1986, the City of Cedar Falls established the Cedar Falls Art and Culture Board, which oversees the operation of the city’s Cultural Division and the James & Meryl Hearst Center for the Arts. The Cedar Falls Public Library is housed in the Adele Whitenach Davis building located at 524 Main Street. The 47,000 square foot (4,400 m2) structure, designed by Struxture