Background

Riverview Recreation Area: Waterloo's Outdoor Hub

4.2 (6)

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

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.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

Riverview OHV Park

Riverview OHV Park: A Thrilling Off-Road Adventure in Waterloo
Attraction

Gallerija 92 Bar & Grill

Gallerija 92 Bar & Grill: A Taste of Waterloo
Attraction

Crossroads Mall

Crossroads Mall: A Shopping Center in Transition

Unlock the Best of Riverview Recreation Area

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours 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.

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.

Explore the best of what Riverview Recreation Area has to offer

Mobile 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.



More about Waterloo

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

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
Attraction

Explore Cedar Falls' rich history at the First Tower Bell Historical Marker, an iconic symbol of the community's heritage and craftsmanship.

First Tower Bell in Iowa Historical Marker
Attraction

Explore 180 acres of motorsports fun at Riverview OHV Park in Waterloo, Iowa, with diverse trails, motocross tracks, and scenic riverside views.

Riverview OHV Park

Select Currency