Waverly, Iowa: Discover the Midwest’s Hidden Gem

Embark on a captivating journey through Waverly, Iowa, a fusion of small-town allure and vibrant community spirit nestled by the serene Cedar River. This is your guide to visiting Waverly, Iowa.

Things To Do in Waverly, Iowa

This is your guide to visiting Waverly, Iowa! The quintessential charm of the American Midwest unfolds as we delve into the heartland where picturesque landscapes meet a rich tapestry of history. This is Waverly, Iowa, a unique fusion of small-town allure and vivacious community spirit, nestled on the serene banks of the Cedar River.

Video Tour with Jack and Kitty of Waverly, Iowa

Visiting Waverly, Iowa: A Journey into the Heart of the American Midwest

As we traverse through Waverly, we are greeted by timeless architectural marvels – historical bridges, stunning churches – that stand majestically against a backdrop of natural beauty. Here, every warm smile of a local, every rhythm of life at a more leisurely pace, and every echo of a bygone era wraps us in an atmosphere of enchantment.

Waverly is a town where tradition meets tranquility and adventure awaits around every corner. A leisurely walk in its idyllic parks, a peek into local boutiques, or a step back in time at the Bremer County Historical Society Museum reveals there’s never a dull moment in this Midwestern treasure.

No tour of Waverly would be complete without experiencing the vibrant energy of Wartburg College. As we meander through its lush grounds, the buildings around us whisper tales of a rich academic tradition and architectural grandeur, marking this institution as a cornerstone of Waverly’s landscape.

One of Waverly’s most remarkable landmarks is the Waverly Public Library, where the written word meets nature’s wonders in the tranquil Butterfly Garden. Here, among the vibrant blossoms and fluttering wings, knowledge takes flight, and learning is rendered interactive and fun. The centerpiece of this haven, a mesmerizing koi pond, paints a picture of peace, inspiring reflection and discovery.

Where Tradition Meets Tranquility

As we navigate the bustling streets of Downtown Waverly, a vibrant gallery of public art and murals unfurls before us. Each piece serves as a testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, adding color and imagination to the urban landscape.

For the automotive enthusiasts among us, the ‘Sleeping Giant’ is a sight to behold. An imposing one-cylinder steam engine situated just off Highway 63 on Highway 3, it stands as a tribute to the city’s industrial past and the ingenuity of those who came before us.

Jimmy’s Station Museum, tucked behind Scooters Coffee in downtown Waverly, is a haven for vintage car buffs and Americana enthusiasts. The collection of gasoline signs, vintage cars, and relics transport visitors back to a bygone era, encapsulating the essence of classic Americana and the iconic American road trip.

Waverly boasts an impressive gastronomical scene, serving up a diverse mix of delicious treats. From the mouthwatering subs at Sub City in the historic train depot, to the soul-warming brews at Thinkwell, there’s something for every palate. For a casual pint and hearty fare, the Bremer Brewing Company is a must-visit, especially during summer months when the patio near the park bustles with life. The local Waverly Farmers Market offers a vibrant mix of fresh produce and homemade goods, adding a lively spirit to the culinary landscape of Waverly.

Our exploration of Waverly doesn’t end here. Join us as we embark on our next journey along the scenic Waverly Rail Trail. This picturesque bike path guides us from the heart of town into the untouched tranquility of the Iowa countryside. This is an adventure you won’t want to miss. In fact, it’s our top pick for things to do when visiting Waverly, Iowa…

Video Tour with Jack and Kitty of the Waverly Rail Trail

Unearth the hidden treasure of Waverly, Iowa as you traverse the captivating Waverly Rail Trail. Akin to a scene straight out of a storybook, the trail unfurls beneath your feet, each bend revealing an entirely new perspective of the charming countryside. The trail’s vivid landscapes, the hushed whispers of nature, and the unending surprises along the path make it Waverly’s most beloved retreat.

Waverly Rail Trail: Discovering the Lush Heartland of Waverly, Iowa

The Rolling Prairie Trail, of which the Waverly Rail Trail is a part, stretches from Waverly to Readlyn, Iowa. A mosaic of the Waverly Rail Trail, the Denver Jefferson Trail, and the Readlyn Grump Trail, the Rolling Prairie Trail is a repurposed piece of history. Previously the Union Pacific Railroad line, the trail now dons a new avatar as it sweeps through the resplendent Iowa countryside.

Our time in Iowa was punctuated by repeated cycling trips along the Waverly Rail Trail. The enchanting experience and the pleasure of cycling this trail was such that we found ourselves returning to it again and again.

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The Lions Club gazebo, which doubles as an excellent starting point for your journey, is conveniently located behind the Kwik Star in downtown Waverly, with a small parking lot nearby. There, you’ll also find a picnic area that serves as a charming gateway to the trail. You could head toward the town, slicing through Waverly, crossing the Cedar River on a 500-foot double-wide bridge, and even passing through the quaint downtown area. Your journey will ultimately lead you to the Nestle Beverage Company factories.

Make sure you pause at Nestle to take a memorable photo with the legendary Big Red Mug. Standing at a towering six feet, the Big Red Mug is a unique symbol of Waverly, and it eagerly awaits your visit outside the Nestle plant. Originally a parade float star, it has found a permanent home at Nestle. Is it a coffee mug? We speculate that it might be a container for a luscious Nestle chocolate beverage.

While this is one possible route along the Waverly Rail Trail, we highly recommend beginning your journey in the opposite direction. Venture away from the town, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the splendor of rural Iowa, enveloped in a sea of verdant green during May’s spring bloom.

Journeying this way will lead you across seven picturesque bridges, through three underpasses, and by restrooms, picnic spots, and benches perfect for taking a breather. Continue along the trail, and you’ll find yourself in the company of a diverse range of wildlife. Our encounters ranged from wild turkeys, hawks, and eagles, to deer and their fawns. Being in farmland, expect to also spot cows, pigs, horses, sheep, chickens, and even farm cats. Not to mention the vibrant spectacle of bluebirds, cardinals, and more, which contributed to the magical ambiance.

We found weekday mornings to be the ideal time for our daily bike rides. The trail was less crowded, giving us the privilege of having this serene trail almost exclusively to ourselves.

We chanced upon a brochure of the Waverly Rail Trail outside of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce. The brochure, with its detailed map, made our cycling expeditions even more delightful.

An excursion along the Waverly Rail Trail is a family-friendly activity that’s both fun and healthy. It’s free, open year-round, and it provides an opportunity for serene contemplation along with a hearty workout. Whether you choose to walk, run, or bike, you’re welcome on this trail.

Remember the trail’s etiquette:

• Keep right when other trail users approach from the opposite direction.

• Move off the trail if you’re stopping for a picture or a water break to avoid obstructing other users.

• Announce your presence with a polite “passing” or “on your left” when overtaking others in the same direction. We want to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone on the trail.

• Keep your pets leashed and clean up after them. Many friendly, four-legged companions share the trail with you.

• Be mindful of adjacent farms and private properties. The sight of working farms is a delightful reminder of the vibrant rural life of Iowa.

Our Waverly journey marked our first trip with a primary focus on cycling, and it far exceeded our expectations. Although we’re spoiled by the stunning lake trail at our home in Winona, Minnesota, there was something profoundly enjoyable about traversing a trail set amid the lush Iowa countryside. Imagining the historical significance of the trail and the exhilarating train rides it once supported, all while passing farms and homesteads on warm spring days, was pure bliss.

Visiting Waverly, Iowa is certainly encouraged, but a journey down the Waverly Rail Trails is essential. Embark on an adventure that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the enchanting heartland of Waverly, Iowa.

Waverly, Iowa – Interview with the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director – Travel Podcast

In this interview excerpt from the Travel with Jack and Kitty Podcast, Jack interviews Travis Toliver, Executive Director of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce Main Street Program. They discuss all things wonderful about Waverly, Iowa. 

The Downtown is Quintessential Americana…I call it “Norman Rockwell Settings”

Jack: We’re about to chat with Travis Toliver who is in his ninth year serving as Executive Director for the Waverly Chamber of Commerce and the Waverly Main Street Program in beautiful Waverly, Iowa. Travis has spent almost twenty years in the hospitality industry. He’s on a mission to use his unique skill set to help better the Waverly business community. I should also mention, that in prepping for today’s interview I was excited to find out that Travis appears as the “Voice of God”, serving as narrator for Wartburg College’s annual advent production, “Christmas with Wartburg”. So, without any further adieu, the “Voice of God” himself…or maybe, more appropriately for today’s chat, the Voice of Waverly…Mr. Travis Toliver. 

Welcome to the show, Travis! I’m a bit nervous talking directly with “God”…so, go easy on me!

Travis: Oh, you’re forgiven, Jack. It’s okay.

Jack: I’ve been waiting for God to forgive me, and I don’t even have any of that to see a priest!

Travis: That’s right. Yeah, we took care of you right here in Waverly. No problem.

Jack: You know, Kitty and I just got back from spending about three and a half weeks in Waverly. We wanted to go somewhere peaceful and quiet. I needed to get some work done and Kitty’s a composer, so she wanted somewhere quiet too. Away from the hustle and bustle of a city like Cedar Falls or Waterloo. I’m sure if folks from New York City or L.A. are reading this, they’re probably confused about wanting somewhere quieter than Waterloo! But, the point is, we loved our time in Waverly. It was perfect for us.

Travis: Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And I’m glad you were here and found some respite as well as some time to be able to focus on your work. That’s awesome.

Jack: Absolutely. Now, tell me about your work in Waverly. What do you do? It sounds like you’re a big part of the community there.

Travis: Well, I try to be. So serving as the Executive Director for the Waverly Chamber of Commerce, which is an 87 year old organization here in our community, along with being part of the Main Street Program for our community as well. We do tourism efforts on behalf of the city. We do a lot of community events to unite our community together. We do a lot of networking events to unite all of our business members together through the Chamber of Commerce. We also do economic development through historic preservation, through the Main Street Program.

So we do quite a bit here in this office of four people. I have two part time staff and then myself and another full time staff member. But between the four of us, we get a lot accomplished throughout the year.

Jack: Wow, you are busy! And now, your office is right on Main Street there in town, correct? The one that’s on the main drag? I was walking past there really early one morning and I grabbed a couple of tourism brochures and city guides. It’s nice that you have tourist resources and things for folks traveling through.

Travis: Absolutely, yeah. So we’re the visitor center for Waverly. And you’re correct, our offices are right here on Bremer Avenue, which is our main street, it’s also State Highway 3. So we have that distinction as well. But yes, we have a great location here in downtown. We’re right in the heart of everything. And I’m glad you used that kiosk. It’s definitely meant for folks to be able to access information 24 hours a day, even when we’re not in the office. We certainly have a lot of resources for visitors to Waverly – things like maps, info on trails and parks and whatnot.

We provide them with everything and anything that they need.

Jack: Totally. I mean, I picked up the general guide to the city and then we also picked up a map for the bike trail – which was awesome. I loved having that map. We are from Winona, Minnesota, and there’s a great lake trail here, but boy the bike trail – “rail trail” I think you call it – your bike trail is just incredible!

Travis: Yeah, it truly is. By the way, Winona is a great place. I know the chamber director up there. She’s fantastic. Minnesota’s beautiful, beautiful country as well.

Jack: Yeah. I love it. I mean, it’s home. I’ve lived all over, but I’m happy to call Minnesota home. Now you mentioned historical preservation. Isn’t there a theater on the main drag that you guys are working on? Is that your organization?

Waverly: A Charming Approach to Main Street

Travis: Yes, we do have a wonderful historic theater in our downtown and we were blessed enough to have a developer that came in to purchase the theater when it was struggling back a few years ago, probably about five or six years ago.

He has committed a lot of resources to revive that building. So, yes, it’s a part of the main street approach, right? To revitalize downtown buildings, give them more taxable value so that they’re more of an asset to a community economically. And then, of course, providing businesses and services and whatnot to the community at large. It was called the Waverly Palace Theater, I think it was built back in the 1919 or 20 something like that.

It will house two state of the art theaters on the bottom level with a restaurant concept on the river side, and then upstairs they will have eight living units with a common space. So we’re really excited to see that project moving forward. Just recently I had some updates from the developer and it’s really looking like things are coming along.

They’re shooting for an end date of – hopefully – the end of the year. Fingers crossed.

Jack: That’s great news!

Travis: We’ve been without a movie theater in our community for awhile and so we’re really excited to see things happening over there. I’m excited to see what it’s going to do to our downtown again, for sure.

Jack: And is it a movie theater or will it be used for live events?

Travis: Yeah, so it’s a little bit of both. There’s going to be one main movie theater that is going to be on the ground floor. And then the second theater could show some movies or it could be used for live events. I think it’s going to be kind of a multipurpose venue on that stage.

And then, of course, is the restaurant concept as well. And so that’s a new thing with theaters now: you can order food and bring it into the theater, to your seat. And so we’re really excited to see how that resonates with our residents and our visitors.

Jack: Definitely. It doesn’t really matter how bad a movie is as long as you have a burger and fries with it! You can sit through anything!

Travis: Exactly. Exactly. Yeah. And if it’s wrapped in bacon, it’s always good.

Jack: So, you know, you’re talking to a converted vegan here. My wife made us go vegan, so now I spend most of my days dreaming of bacon and hamburgers.

Travis: Oh, that’s awesome.

Jack: It’s something. Now, getting back to Waverly. Is it the Cedar River that flows right through town? It’s just gorgeous. I mean, we had a little picnic out on the on the riverfront by the park there. And it’s really, really pretty. It’s just a really cute town. The actual downtown is quintessential Americana. It’s how you picture a downtown.

Travis: Absolutely. Yeah. I call it “Norman Rockwell settings”. You know, we have a lot of those in our community. We have a vibrant downtown with a lot of great businesses, mom and pop shops, and nationally branded names too.

Yeah the river is very interesting because some people see it as a deterrent because of flooding issues and whatnot. And others, like me, really see it as an asset and it just really makes things beautiful. So I think a lot about how we can capitalize on the asset? What more can we do with the river to help enhance our community?

So, you know, in the summertime every Thursday night – and you’re certainly invited if you’re going to be here too – every Thursday night in Coleman Park, which is right along the river, there are municipal band concerts. Every Thursday. And it’s just so picturesque. You’ve got the band, you’ve got the crowd, you’ve got people out on the river kayaking or on their jet skis or whatever.

Jack: Yeah!

Travis: It’s just a beautiful sight. We hand out popcorn and lemonade to everybody for free. And it’s just a really wonderful evening, again, to unite the community and to bring that quality of life that people enjoy living here. It’s just a very high quality of life here in Waverly.

Jack: Yeah, it really is. So, are you from Waverly, originally?

Travis: I am not.

Jack: Okay. What brought you to town?

Travis: What brought me to town was my wife. She found her dream job at Wartburg College. She’s a professor of music there. She directs two of the five choirs and teaches choral music education. And so that is what brought me here.

My past background, obviously, like you mentioned in your introduction, is hospitality. I ran luxury hotels for a living for almost 20 years. And then when I came to Waverly, I decided I really wanted a change of careers. And so the chamber position has really been like a second career choice for me, and I’ve absolutely loved it. I basically fell in love with the town and realized that my position is really the number one salesperson for the community.

Jack: Well, you’ve certainly sold me on the community.

Travis: Ha, thank you. I’ve just really embraced the community. And thankfully, the community has embraced me and my family. And I just love any opportunity to be able to tell people about Waverly and what life is like here.

You Can’t Really Talk About Waverly Without Mentioning Wartburg College

Jack: Now, you can’t really talk about Waverly without mentioning Wartburg College. How has Wartburg influenced the city? You know, I gotta say, when we first were thinking of coming to town, I was concerned it was going to be a crazy college town. That there were going to be parties every Friday and Saturday night, and we never saw one! It’s pretty quiet for a college town. It’s pretty chill and pretty quiet. I mean, there’s definitely a kind of a fun, creative, quirky side. But, you know, I was surprised at how Norman Rockwell-esque it really is. So tell me a little bit about Wartburg and how that school has played an influence on the city of Waverly. 

Travis: Absolutely. Well, Wartburg College is a four year liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the ELCA.

I like to tell people that Wartburg likes to set the cultural tone to our community. So we have wonderful things like “Christmas with Wartburg” and other music concerts and events, athletic events and different things that happen on campus. They really kind of set the cultural tone for folks that live here. Music and athletics are one of the two more popular things that attracts students to Wartburg.

Wartburg has an internationally renowned music department. Their choirs are internationally known, as is their band. They’re bringing up an orchestra department right now, so there’s a lot of great cultural things that Wartburg provides that not other towns our size are able to do. 

So it’s been a really great partnership with the college. The college is actually in Waverly because of the Waverly citizens.

You know, Wartburg has moved around throughout its history. It’s been at several different locations. But the last time it was here and then left, it really left a hole in the community. And so when church leaders were coming back to Waverly to have a conference, the town actually got together and cleaned up the campus and made it the location for the church conference.

Through that event, Waverly convinced church leaders to bring Wartburg back to town. So it was really the town – they got together and made sure that Wartburg would have its final home here in Waverly. So it’s been a very unique relationship with the college and one that we really value quite a bit. Obviously, it enhances our community and makes things very vibrant, especially on the cultural end of things.

Jack: Absolutely. And how big is the actual student population? 

Travis: I believe it’s around 1,600. They have a wonderful international program as well. So we got a lot of diversity on campus, which helps to enhance our community, culturally anyway, to be able to be exposed to a lot of different cultures from around the world.

Jack: Very cool. Now, what stands out about the community to you?

Travis: You know, for me, it’s about how welcoming it is. You know, being  an outsider myself, not having grown up here in Waverly, I was really surprised at how welcoming Wartburg and Waverly both are to folks that have not lived here before.

And certainly, you know, sometimes it’s hard in a stereotypical rural, small town, to break into different circles. But it seems like we really have a lot of opportunities for folks to break into different types of circles through volunteerism, through different kinds of events, and different kinds of organizations. It’s very welcoming to folks when they first move here. In fact, I just met some new neighbors last night.

They were moving in next door to my wife and I. And I was just telling them the same thing, about how easy it is to get plugged in to the community. Beyond that, it’s really a high quality of life. We have a really high standard of quality of life here in Waverly through our parks and – like you mentioned – our trails.

The community takes a lot of pride in that. Everybody is benefiting from these assets. So that’s why you’ll find a park in every neighborhood and wonderful cozy coffee shops here and there. It’s just always about what we can do to better enhance the community. And so that quality of life really speaks out to people that move here.

There’s a Lot of Kodak Moments Out There Waiting to Take Your Breath Away

Jack: Yeah, it’s very clean, too. I was so surprised. I mean, there’s so much pride of ownership in Waverly. I grew up in Minneapolis and, you know, there’s parts of the city that – well, at least the part I grew up in – well, it wasn’t so clean. So it’s amazing to me how, like you said, how nice Waverly is. More than anything, I really love your bike trail. It’s basically an old converted rail line that kind of cuts through farmland. I mean, you take it out of town and within two minutes you’re in the middle of this glorious farm area. It’s just a perfect trail. I mean, it’s not a ton of hills. It’s, you know, it’s got a few, but all levels and abilities can enjoy the Waverly bike trail system. Tell me a little bit about the trail.

Travis: You know, like the river, it’s one of our recreational assets that we really capitalize on. And so, you’re right, it used to be an old rail line for trains. In fact, I think when they retired it used to be a dinner train that used to run along it for a while. And then finally when they retired that, they converted the line into what we call the rail trail now.

It’s a paved path for several miles. And it connects up with two different communities on the East side of us, both Readlyn and Denver. It’s a great opportunity to go out with your bikes or just go walking. People use it for all kinds of different recreational activities. But you’re right. I mean, a couple of minutes on the bike and all of a sudden you’re out of town and you’re in the middle of, you know, beautiful farmland. There’s a lot of Kodak moments out there waiting to take your breath away.

Jack: I mean, we’ve seen deer and turkeys and I mean, I can’t even remember all the critters we’ve run into. Sheep, cows, horses? I mean, it’s everything. All of Old MacDonald’s farm is on the bike trail, right?

Travis: Right. Well, I like to tell people Old MacDonald actually did live in Waverly, at least in Iowa anyway. 

There’s a lot of great wildlife out there to capture on camera. And especially for bird enthusiasts, there’s a lot of different breeds of birds out there as well. So, you know, get your binoculars out and enjoy some of those birds there, too.

Jack: Absolutely. So, my next question is: your top three you can’t miss if you’re going to Waverly. What do you recommend folks do? 

Travis: Well, gosh, that’s a long list. And where do I begin? But, you know, I’m probably going to generalize it and say, the first thing would be – visit all of our shops, all of our wonderful shopping, both in our downtown and in our South 4th Street retail district.

There’s some wonderful shopping to be had here. And that’s really one of the key assets: that we have businesses from, you know, mom and pop shops, like I mentioned before, to big industrial brand names, manufacturers and whatnot that call Waverly home. And so we’re really proud of that distinction to have such a wide variety of businesses.

So yeah, I’d go visit all our shops, certainly try to recreation along the river in some way or the rail trail. That’s always a distinct feature that we like to try to throw people at. And then of course, if you get a chance of experiencing any kind of event – concert or game or something like that on the Wartburg campus, that’s great.

If you’re here visiting, be sure to visit the campus. It is actually very beautiful during the summertime. It is a beautiful, beautiful campus. So if you just want to get away, if you want to utilize the quad – it is kind of like your own personal park for the day. It’s a really great place to visit.

They’ve got adirondack chairs out there that you can just sit in and relax, read or do whatever you need to do. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful space. So I would encourage people to go see that as well.

We’ve got a wonderful Veterans Post as well. We’ve actually got a very unique Veterans Post here in Waverly. It’s the first complex that has combined all the Veteran organizations together under one roof, to unite them all together and make it a common space for patriots of any kind.

So that’s got a great restaurant and bar, but it’s also a wonderful event space. And sometimes they have events that are located right next to the river. It’s a great space. Of course, all of our parks and everything, I could go on and on. I know that was more than three, but oh, I could talk forever about Waverly.

Jack: You guys have a great library too. The butterfly garden has a little koi pond out there.

Travis: Yeah, it’s awesome. Our library is one of the crown jewels in our community and offers such a wide array of programming for not only kids, but for teens and adults as well. And they’re in the process of getting ready for an expansion project. So we’re really excited to see that help enhance their space. But as far as public libraries go, in a community our size, we really see our public library as pretty awesome.

Be Sure to Take a Selfie With the Big Red Cup at the Nestlé Factory

Jack: Absolutely. So, this is one of the things we love doing, especially on our blog. I’m big on quirky roadside attractions and stuff, and I know you’re probably going to mention the Big Red Cup, and if you’re not going to mention the Big Red Cup, you guys have a Big Red Cup, you know that, right?

Travis: Oh, yeah, we have a Big Red Cup. Haha. 

Jack: When Kitty told me we were going to Waverly I told her I wanted to do an entire vlog about the Big Red Cup. She said there was no way I could make an entire five minute video about a Big Red Cup interesting, and she was right. She usually is. I didn’t make a video about it, but I did take a selfie with the Big Red Cup. 

Travis: That’s hilarious. Yes, the Big Red Cup sits outside of Nestlé. We’re very proud to have Nestlé in Waverly. You know almost anything that’s powder based that Nestlé makes is made right here in Waverly. So I give them credit for making the town smell really good. One day it smells like vanilla…the next day it smells like chocolate…the next day it smells like Nespresso. So it’s wonderful, wonderful to have them here. And wonderful that they smell the town up so nicely for us.

Jack: So have you taken a selfie with the Big Red Cup?

Travis: I have. When we first moved here, we lived near campus, which of course you know is, near the rail trail that the Big Red Cup is on. So, yes, I found myself in front of the Big Red Cup taking a picture.

Jack: Okay, that’s awesome. I love me some Big Red Cup selfies. So, for us foodies, is there anything you’d recommend? I know you’ve got some amazing restaurants and, like you said, there are some local mom and pops…and then there’s pretty much every chain restaurant you could want. But, tell me, food-wise, are there any restaurant suggestions or any things? I know you guys have a good farmers market.

Travis: Yeah, a great farmers market. I believe it’s every Tuesday and Saturday during the summer. Down on South Riverside Park.

As far as food goes, we have such an array of food here, but it seems like we have more pizza than one would expect in a town of this size. So Z’s Pizza and Diner is a great place. If you’re looking for great burgers, you know Sasquatch Jack’s or The Other Place – both are fantastic places for those. The Other Place has great pizza as well. You know if you’re in the mood for beer we do have a brewery here in town on Bremer, and their food is fantastic too. It really compliments all the wonderful beer that you’re drinking.

Jack: There’s a little patio right out there with a view of the Cedar River?

Travis: Yeah, overlooks the river. You’re right. We’ve got some restaurants down on South Fourth Street that have patios as well.

You’re not going to starve if you come to Waverly, because we’ve got an immense amount of food to try.

Jack: Oh, that’s awesome. As far as things to keep the kids happy, what are some experiences for the family?

Travis: The Wellness Center over at Warburg has plenty of summer programs happening. We also have bounce houses at some of our concerts and Kohlmann events that happen in June and July. All the churches do some kind of Vacation Bible School, so that’s great. But I think the one thing consistently throughout the community that’s really wonderful for kids is just all the different parks that we have, all the different playgrounds that they can go play on.

My kids actually refer to them by the colors of the playgrounds. So you’ve got the purple park and the orange park and the yellow park and so on. It’s great to be able to utilize those playgrounds, but at the same time, you know, to be able to see those neighborhoods as well and interact with your neighbors, maybe not necessarily in your own community, but in other neighborhoods as well.

So kids have plenty to do in Waverly, that’s for sure.

Jack: Yeah. Well, we’re wrapping it up. I’ve got two more questions to ask. Using only three words, describe Waverly…in three words.

Travis: Welcoming, vibrant and great people.

Jack: Now, my final questions, using only three words…describe Iowa. And explain why us Minnesotans need to come down and visit Iowa. Three words for Iowa.

Travis: Underestimated, beautiful and – again – great people. 

Speaking of great people, watch the full interview or listen to the podcast as Jack asks Travis to preview his role as the “Voice of God”, from Wartburg’s annual Christmas production. It’s pretty inspiring and definitely worth watching. Skip to around 25:20 (but you really should watch the whole video hehe).

Iowa: So Much More Than a Very Small and Rural Place on a Map

Jack: If folks are looking for fun things to do in Iowa, or just a fun spot to stop in, I really recommend Waverly. I am consistently surprised by how wonderful Iowa is. You know, people talk about the Midwest and they just immediately think of Chicago or Minneapolis. But there’s so much fun stuff to do in gems like the town of Waverly, Iowa.

Like I said, we’ve spent three and a half weeks in Waverly and we did something – a day trip or an in town attraction or something pretty much every day of the week – while we were in Waverly. So I really appreciate you talking about Waverly. I know you are busy, Travis, so it means a lot to have some of your time today.

Travis: Well thank you for visiting our community and certainly our state and I appreciate you taking the time out to speak with me and I’m sure to others as well about how great things are here in Waverly, but also in Iowa as well. It is a fantastic state. There’s a lot of things going on that I don’t think folks outside this area know about. When I communicate back home to my parents about things that are going on – not only in my community but throughout the state – they’re always surprised and they live in a much larger city.

They live in Las Vegas. And so I think like the rest of the world, they kind of see Iowa as a very small and rural place on the map. They’re always surprised at all the great things that I’m talking about. So good things are happening here.

Jack: Absolutely. Some of my favorite singer-songwriters are from Iowa. There’s a guy named Greg Brown and another one called Dave Moore. Those two guys are – I think they’re in Iowa City – they are the best. There’s so much great art and music and creativity and just a vibrancy in Iowa. I think it’s very surprising when people come through. All right. Well, thanks so much.

Travis: Thanks for having me on. I appreciate it.

Jack: Have a super day!