George Wyth State Park, Waterloo Travel Guide

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Escape to nature in the heart of Iowa: George Wyth State Park offers lakes, trails, camping, and abundant wildlife near Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

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George Wyth State Park

George Wyth State Park, nestled between Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa, offers a natural escape with diverse outdoor activities. Named after businessman George Wyth, the park features lakes, trails, and abundant wildlife, providing a refreshing sanctuary near city life.

A brief summary to George Wyth State Park

3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, US
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Monday 4 am-10:30 pm
Tuesday 4 am-10:30 pm
Wednesday 4 am-10:30 pm
Thursday 4 am-10:30 pm
Friday 4 am-10:30 pm
Saturday 4 am-10:30 pm
Sunday 4 am-10:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring George Wyth State Park.

Bring binoculars for birdwatching; over 200 species have been spotted in the park.
Reserve campsites and picnic shelters in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the Cedar Valley Trails, connected to the park, for extensive biking and hiking opportunities.
Check the Iowa DNR website for beach advisories and park alerts before visiting.

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Explore George Wyth State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near George Wyth State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

George Wyth State Park is located off Highway 218, near Waterloo and Cedar Falls. From Highway 218, take the Broadway Street/Waterloo Airport exit and follow the signs. Parking is available near George Wyth Lake and the picnic shelter, with overflow parking in the campground.
Public Transport

While direct public transportation to George Wyth State Park is limited, you can take a local bus to a nearby point in Waterloo or Cedar Falls and then use a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the park. Taxi/ride-share from Waterloo or Cedar Falls to the park typically costs around $15-$25.

Discover more about George Wyth State Park

George Wyth State Park, an 'urban wildlife sanctuary,' provides a natural retreat from the surrounding cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Dedicated in 1940 as Josh Higgins Parkway and renamed in 1956 after Cedar Falls businessman and conservationist George Wyth, the park has evolved into a diverse recreational area.The park boasts four lakes: Brinker Lake, for power boating; George Wyth Lake, a no-wake lake with a swimming beach and accessible fishing pier; Fisher Lake, a natural oxbow lake; and Alice Wyth Lake, for electric motors only. Anglers can enjoy fishing for crappie, bluegill, walleye, and catfish.Over 10 miles of trails wind through the park, including paved multi-purpose trails for biking, walking, and inline skating, and soft trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. These trails connect to a 100-mile network linking Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Birdwatchers can spot over 200 species, and white-tailed deer are frequently seen.The park offers a large campground with electric and non-electric sites, modern restrooms, and showers. Picnic shelters and a day-use lodge are available for reservation, accommodating family gatherings and events. Visitors can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats for water activities.George Wyth State Park hosts annual events like the Polar Plunge, Fools Run 5K, Accel Triathlon, and Park to Park ½ marathon. With its blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, the park serves as a valuable resource for the local community and visitors alike.