Background

Riverview Recreation Area: Waterloo's Outdoor Hub

Explore nature and recreation at Waterloo's Riverview Recreation Area, offering trails, water access, and an OHV park for outdoor enthusiasts.

★★★★★4.2 (6)

Riverview Recreation Area in Waterloo, Iowa, is a 350-acre park offering a diverse range of outdoor activities. Once a sand pit with a troubled past, it has been transformed into a popular destination for recreation, featuring trails, water access, and an OHV park.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Riverview Recreation Area

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
E Mitchell Ave, Waterloo, Iowa, 50702, US

Explore places near Riverview Recreation Area

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Riverview Recreation Area

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Driving

    Riverview Recreation Area is easily accessible from U.S. Highway 218/Interstate 380. Exit onto Mitchell Avenue and head east; the recreation area will be on your right in less than a mile. Several parking lots are available within the park, including dedicated trailer parking. Parking is free. Limited parking may be available during peak times.

    Public Transport

    The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MET) provides bus service in Waterloo. Check MET Transit routes and schedules for the nearest bus stop to Riverview Recreation Area. A single ride fare is $1.50. Transfers are free and valid for one hour.

    Walking

    If you are in downtown Waterloo, you can access Riverview Recreation Area via the Riverview Recreation Area Trail. The trail connects to the 218 Trail via 6th Street, offering a scenic route along the Cedar River. The walk from downtown is approximately 2 miles.

    Local tips

    Bring your ATV or dirt bike to experience the dedicated OHV park within the recreation area.
    Enjoy a walk or bike ride along the scenic trails that wind through the park and along the Cedar River.
    Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park's picnic areas, and take advantage of the playground if you have children.

    Discover more about Riverview Recreation Area

    Riverview Recreation Area is a revitalized space in Waterloo, Iowa, offering a blend of recreational opportunities. The park's transformation from a sand pit with a history of unsupervised activities into a well-maintained recreation area demonstrates the city's commitment to providing diverse spaces for outdoor enjoyment.The park features scenic trails for walking, running, and biking, providing a refreshing escape from city life. Anglers can enjoy fishing along the river, and the park also includes a unique Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) park with motocross tracks and ATV trails. This combination of passive and active recreation makes Riverview a destination for a wide range of interests.Recent improvements include parking area upgrades with trailer parking, pollinator plantings, and shade trees. The park is open year-round, offering seasonal activities and experiences.
    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:John Deere B (1944).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Waterloo

    Explore Waterloo, Iowa: A city where history meets modern attractions, offering museums, nature trails, and family-friendly fun along the picturesque Cedar River.

    Tell me more about Waterloo

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.