Ice House Museum, Waterloo Travel Guide

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Explore the fascinating history of ice harvesting at the Ice House Museum, a unique and historic landmark in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

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Ice House Museum

The Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a unique attraction housed in a 1921 round building that once stored tons of ice harvested from the Cedar River. Today, it's the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to the history of ice harvesting, showcasing the tools and stories of this once-vital industry.

A brief summary to Ice House Museum

121 Center St, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50613, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ice House Museum.

The museum is only open seasonally, from May to mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly.
Admission is $5 for adults, but children 12 and under are free.
The museum accepts only cash or check for admission. However, tickets can be purchased online with a credit card.
Consider combining your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions in Sturgis Park, such as the Little Red Schoolhouse and the Behrens-Rapp Visitor Information Center.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

George Wyth State Park

Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

Phelps Youth Pavilion

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area

Explore Ice House Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ice House Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Ice House Museum is located at 121 Center St in downtown Cedar Falls. From most points in the downtown area, it's easily accessible on foot. From Main Street, walk west towards the Cedar River. Cross the river and continue to Center Street. The museum will be on your left in Sturgis Park. Walking time from Main Street is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Cedar Falls is served by Met Transit, which provides bus service throughout the city and neighboring Waterloo. Check the Met Transit website for routes and schedules to the Ice House Museum. The nearest bus stop is likely located on or near Main Street, a short walk from the museum. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 121 Center St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. The museum is located in Sturgis Park, near the Cedar River. Parking is available in the downtown area, with a mix of free and metered options. Free parking is available for 2-4 hours. Metered parking costs $0.10-$0.25 per hour. Parking enforcement hours are Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Discover more about Ice House Museum

Step back in time at the Ice House Museum, a captivating piece of Cedar Falls history. This unusual round structure, built in 1921, stands as a testament to the days when ice harvesting was a major industry. Before the advent of electric refrigeration, ice was essential for preserving food, and the Ice House played a crucial role in this process.The museum is located on the site of former ice houses dating back to 1858, when William Sturgis, Black Hawk County's first permanent settler, built his cabin there. Hugh Smith, owner of the Cedar Falls Ice and Fuel Company, constructed the current building after a fire destroyed the previous wooden ice house in October 1921. The round design, measuring 100 feet in diameter and 30 feet high, was intentional; its shape with fewer corners helped to minimize air leakage and maintain a consistent temperature. The building could hold between 6,000 and 8,000 tons of ice.Inside, you'll discover the tools and techniques used to cut and store ice from the nearby Cedar River. Learn how these massive blocks of ice, some weighing up to 200 pounds, were packed in sawdust to keep them frozen for up to 12 months. The museum's exhibits also explore the broader impact of the ice industry on food preservation, commerce, and daily life.The Ice House Museum is more than just a historical artifact; it's a community treasure that has been saved from demolition and lovingly restored. Despite challenges like the devastating flood of 2008, the museum continues to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.