Iowa's Charming Riverside City With Mountain Biking, Trails, And Boutique Shopping Is A Nature Lover's Dream

Bordering the Mississippi River, the eastern part of the Corn State is home to long-flourishing cities and towns. This includes the lively city of Davenport, which is one of America's most affordable retirement destinations, and Burlington, a family-friendly city full of charming attractions. For those visiting Iowa who are longing for a riverside holiday spot where they can be close to nature and do some boutique shopping, Bremer County's Waverly is an essential stop. It's also a place where history buffs can get their fill. Several properties like the Bremer County Courthouse, Old Main at Wartburg College, and the Waverly Municipal Hydroelectric Powerhouse are on the National Historic Register.

Just like Mount Vernon, the underrated Iowa town with outdoor adventure and wildlife, Waverly sits along the Cedar River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic riverside parks, like Pelikan Park and Kohlmann Park, where they can canoe, kayak, or fish. With Cedar Rapids (Iowa's second-most populous city) just an hour and 20 minutes away by car, Waverly makes for a convenient and worthwhile trip. Spending a night or two in Waverly is a good idea to know the city intimately. Modern and contemporary options for comfort, namely Cobblestone Inn & Suites and Super 8 by Wyndham, have amenities such as free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and fitness facilities.

Cyclists and hikers alike will find ample reason to explore both the downtown rail corridors and the forested footpaths just outside the city limits. The Waverly Rail Trail stretches roughly seven miles, cutting a path between urban storefronts and quiet Iowa farmland. It's wide and paved, making it ideal for beginners, families, or long-distance riders looking to link up with the Rolling Prairie Trail System, which connects several nearby towns and counties. Visitors can start their ride at 1st Street NW. The trail crosses eight bridges before ending at U.S. Highway 63. Along the route, visitors will find benches, seasonal planters, and stretches of shade that make the ride even more enjoyable. In winter, certain sections are intentionally left snow-covered to support fat tire biking and snowshoeing.

For a more rugged experience, head just southeast of town to the Ingawanis Woodlands Trail System. Elevation and technical features are the main appeal here. This wooded loop includes more than seven miles of dirt-packed trails designed for mountain biking, trail running, and winter sports, like snowshoeing. Riders can test their endurance on segments, such as No Name and Numbers. The former offers 4.4 miles of varied terrain and steady elevation changes, and the latter packs technical features into a shorter 1.7-mile route with tight turns and quick climbs. The system is clearly marked and maintained, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors Waverly has to offer.

The shopping scene in Waverly centers around East Bremer Avenue, the city's historic commercial district. This walkable street offers a mix of locally owned stores, charming storefronts, and picturesque riverfront access — it's an easy area to explore on foot. There's also free public parking for everyone's convenience.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to stop at CrawDaddy Outdoors, home to Iowa's largest selection of kayaks for sale or rent. The shop also carries specialty gear for camping, hiking, and backpacking. For retail and dining in one stop, Wild Carrot is a boutique gift shop with a cozy café. Shoppers can browse BPA-free cookware, gourmet baking mixes, and grab lunch featuring sandwiches, soups, and house-made cakes. It's easy to spend an afternoon browsing in Waverly. Nearby, Tenenbaum's Jewelry has a huge collection of fine jewelry and precious stones, while Root draws in skincare lovers with handcrafted, vegan beauty products and small-batch essential oils blended on-site.

Other shops include Fiberworks Needlework Shop for quilting and cross-stitch supplies, Love & Lace for everything flowers, and Thompson Shoes, which carries a range of footwear brands. Those hunting for vintage and repurposed finds can stop by Trinkets & Togs. It proudly proclaims itself as Northeast Iowa's "biggest little thrift store." It's also managed by a nonprofit supporting persons with disabilities and the elderly, so you'll be helping out the community by becoming a customer. With its huge variety of stores, downtown Waverly delivers a boutique shopping experience that's both inviting and memorable.