Visit the Cedar Valley
Whether you're visiting for TEDx, a campus event, or just exploring the heart of the Cedar Valley, Cedar Falls offers a warm welcome, comfortable lodging, and unique local experiences—all just minutes from campus.
Getting around
- Free parking is available in downtown Cedar Falls and on campus during most events
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate in the area
- Bike Rentals: Access the trails with a rental from Bike Tech or Cedar Falls Tourism
Eat + Drink Like a Local
- Cup of Joe – Cozy downtown café with vintage charm
- Montage – Upscale dining with local ingredients
- Whiskey Road – Trendy spot with Iowa comfort food and great cocktails
- Scratch Cupcakery – A must-visit for dessert lovers
- SingleSpeed Brewing – Craft brews and community vibe in a restored building
Things To Do While You're Here
- Explore the Cedar Valley Trails – Biking, walking, and nature.
- Cedar Falls Downtown District – Boutiques, art, food, and local events.
- UNI Campus Tour – Explore one of Iowa’s most beautiful university campuses.
Where to stay
We’re proud to partner with Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls as our official lodging sponsor. Located just a short drive from campus, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, free parking, and easy access to local shops and dining. It's where our TEDxUNI speakers stay—and a great option for your visit, too.
University of Northern Iowa
This TEDx event is hosted at UNI, a public university in Cedar Falls, Iowa. UNI offers more than 90 majors across five colleges and enrolls over 9,000 students.
Cedar Falls
The City of Cedar Falls is located in Black Hawk County, in the State of Iowa. Originally named “Sturgis Falls” after its first settler, William Sturgis, it was later renamed after the river that flows through the city. Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa, one of Iowa’s three state universities.
Waterloo
Located in the Upper Midwest, Waterloo is the major metro of the Cedar Valley Region of Northeast Iowa. As the Black Hawk County Seat, Waterloo is the hub for government, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, employment, and retail for the region with a labor force draw of over 300,000.
