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Snowden House: A Victorian Gem in Waterloo

Experience Victorian elegance at the Snowden House, a beautifully restored Italianate home in Waterloo, perfect for events and celebrations.

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The Snowden House, built in 1881, is a beautifully preserved example of Victorian Italianate architecture in Waterloo, Iowa. Originally the home of pharmacist William Snowden, it later became the Waterloo Women's Club in 1922 and is now part of the Grout Museum District, available for events and rentals.

A brief summary to Snowden House

Local tips

  • Consider renting the Snowden House for a unique and elegant venue for weddings, receptions, or other special events.
  • Explore the exterior architecture, noting the intricate details of the Victorian Italianate style.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in the Grout Museum District, such as the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum or the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Waterloo Public Library, walk south on Park Avenue for approximately 0.5 miles, then turn right onto Washington Street. Continue for 0.3 miles, and the Snowden House will be at 306 Washington Street. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take a Cedar Valley Transit bus to a stop on Washington Street. From there, walk south to 306 Washington Street. A single ride fare is approximately $1.50.

  • Driving

    From downtown Cedar Falls, take University Avenue (IA-58) south towards Waterloo. Turn left onto Washington Street and continue for about 1 mile to 306 Washington Street. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. Metered parking costs approximately $0.25 per hour.

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Discover more about Snowden House

The Snowden House, located at 306 Washington St in Waterloo, Iowa, is a significant architectural and historical landmark. Constructed in 1881 for William Snowden, a local pharmacist, the house exemplifies Victorian Italianate design, showcasing the elegance and ornate details characteristic of the era. The two-story brick structure features a hip roof, a shallow gable with a blind oculus on the main facade, and bracketed eaves. A full-length front porch, adorned with thin wooden posts and decorative arching stickwork, adds to its charm. The segmentally arched windows, capped with hood molds, further enhance the building's architectural appeal. Initially known as the Snowden Summer Home because the family preferred to reside above Snowden's pharmacy during the winter months due to heating difficulties, the house soon became a cultural hub. With three daughters, the Snowden House was a gathering place for young people, fostering a love for music and the arts. In 1922, the Waterloo Women's Club acquired the Snowden House, using it as their headquarters. A fire in 1955 led to a complete interior rebuild, modernizing the space while preserving its historic exterior. The Snowden House Foundation owned the property from 1984 until it joined the Grout Museum District in 1997. Today, the Snowden House is available for rent and hosts weddings, receptions, meetings, and other community events. Its inclusion in the Grout Museum District ensures its preservation and accessibility for future generations.

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