Bremer County: Nature, Trails and History

Bremer County combines expansive natural areas with historic sites and a diverse calendar of events. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment for a stay with varied interests will find opportunities here for active days, peaceful nature observation and cultural discoveries. Waverly in particular brings together many of the experiences described.

Nature Among Parks, Water and Wetlands

Bremer County Conservation manages 28 parks, wildlife areas and water recreation areas throughout Bremer County, covering a total of nearly 4,300 acres. At 180 acres, Cedar Bend Park is the largest park in the county. This allows you to plan your trip according to different preferences: You can focus your stay more on landscapes and wildlife observation or combine nature experiences with the cultural offerings in Waverly.

In North Woods Park, a trail more than one mile long runs through the park and the Wilson Grove Wildlife Area. The Wilson Grove Wildlife Area also has two ponds where visitors can fish. A.F. Miller Preserve in North Woods is located in a wetland within the floodplain of the Little Wapsi River and is home to rare and endangered plants. Those who enjoy experiencing different types of nature can include these places as different focal points in their plans without limiting the trip to a single activity.

The Cedar River also shapes Waverly. It attracts ducks, geese and bald eagles year-round.

Trails for Active Days

The Waverly Rail Trail begins at the Cedar River bridge in downtown Waverly and connects with the Denver-Jefferson Trail and the Readlyn-Grump Trail. In the wider Bremer County area, it is also part of the Rolling Prairie Trail from Readlyn to Hampton. Some sections of the Waverly Rail Trail are not cleared in winter, allowing activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. The Rail Trail Candlelight Ski takes place there in February; lights illuminate a 1.25-mile section of the trail for cross-country skiing and hiking.

The Rail Trail Candlelight Walk on the second Saturday in November offers a different seasonal atmosphere. More than 400 lights illuminate a one-mile route, while campfires and hot cocoa are provided at the turnaround point. South Riverside Park has a winding paved trail connected to Waverly's Downtown Loop and Crestwood Park. Depending on when you travel, you can therefore make summer events, winter activities or trails for more leisurely exploration the focus when choosing your holiday apartment.

Historic Waverly and Lively Events

Waverly has five historic districts officially recognized by the National Park Service. The Bremer County Historical Society Museum is located in a hotel building constructed in 1862 that was later renamed Waverly House. As Waverly House, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Waverly Municipal Hydroelectric Powerhouse is also listed. The Ira and Asenath Sturdevant House was built between 1854 and 1856.

The “Passport to the Past” program uses a free brochure to guide visitors to historic sites throughout the county in the wider Bremer County area. For families, this can be a varied addition to park and trail experiences, as it also offers a way to explore the area through historical themes. The Waverly Art Walk takes place at Kohlmann Park on the first Saturday in May, featuring live music, food vendor stalls, original artwork and art activities for children. “Concerts in Kohlmann” presents the Waverly Municipal Band and other local entertainment every Thursday in June and July.

Other regular events add their own distinctive highlights: Waverly Oktoberfest is a celebration of German culture held annually at Kohlmann Park in late September or early October. The Bremer County Fair includes livestock shows, tractor events, music, rides and a combine demolition derby. When planning your trip, check the date of the event you want to attend and choose your accommodation according to whether nature, culture or a specific event should be the main focus.

Choose Waverly and Other Destinations

If you would like to combine several of the cultural and nature experiences mentioned above, you can use Waverly as a search term when planning your accommodation. For further trip planning, you can also visit Cherokee County, Louisa County, Hamilton County, Black Hawk, Jackson, Cass County and Dickinson County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Iowa.