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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.

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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.

A brief summary to Riverview Recreation Area

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.
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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.

Unlock the Best of Riverview Recreation Area

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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.

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