Waterloo, IA: Black Hawk County

The chill is beginning to settle in, but that doesn’t mean that Team Goodvin plans on slowing down. In fact, it’s the perfect time of year to get out. Over and over throughout the day and weekend. We’re talking getting the culture bug worked out and we know just the where to go for the remedy. The Iowa Gallivant heads north to Waterloo. Tractors…..Veterans museum…An imaginarium….Simulated cow milking! And that’s just the appetizer course.

Mid-afternoon and we roll into Waterloo ready for what they have to offer. The Grout Museum District is near downtown and hosts a series of buildings including the Grout Museum of History and Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, 2 historic mansions, and our first stop of the day, Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.

The story of the Sullivan Brothers can be told by many Iowans, military historians, and veterans alike. 5 brothers who were honored to serve in the US Navy during WWII on the USS Juneau. Tragically, the Juneau was sunk during the naval battle Guadalcanal. Nearly 700 sailors were killed in action, including all 5 Sullivan brothers serving on the ship. Needless to say, the Sullivan family and the city of Waterloo were gripped by the tragedy, and modern day Waterloo is continuing to tell their story. This moment is detailed, along with interpretations of every American conflict throughout our history. If you’re looking for a true education that’s fulfilling and shows true support for our veterans and their importance, then Waterloo and this museum should be on your to-do list.

Listen to FDR’s Pearl Harbor speech.

Find any Iowan who’s served in active duty.

A plaque of each Sullivan brother lost on the Juneau.

Just a short walk across the street is another world that the Grout Museum offers. The wind was just right for interactive science exhibits.

Team Imaginarium! Katie and Nick!

A hands on pulley tutorial and workout.

Robot construction! Shouldn’t robots be doing that?

Katie and Nick (pictured above) were the perfect fit to greet Team Goodvin to the Grout’s Imaginarium. Fun, super passionate about science, and love to travel. They like travel blogs too. I directed them to a great website while we were there. We got to experience one of the most fun, educational, engaging museums that left the kids hungry for more science activities and hungry for food. Maybe a classic sandwich that could have bread that would be worth the trip to Waterloo all together. And wouldn’t know it….We found that sandwich.

By the way. I fell in love while we were in Waterloo. Yes, it was with the Cevapi sandwich. A Bosnian classic. Tender chopped country steak with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy creamy sauce. That’s not even the best part. Before assembly, the bread is dipped into a stock of veal bones and then steamed on the flat top grill. It makes for an unbelievable flavor and texture that can’t be found anywhere else in the area.  Appetites properly  satisfied, we ventured off to our next museum. Let’s just say that nothing entertains your child like a Deere. I couldn’t wait to write that!

Gigi and Leah testing out some classic models.

New lines of implements won’t design themselves!

Greeting us were Sarah and Alex.

The gift shop was loaded with merch!

Sarah, Alex, and Shirley greeted us while some of their co-workers mingled and interacted with the tourists. We spent much of the late afternoon in John Deere land, but the evening was approaching and the girls wanted to some laps around the pool. Check in time to the newly constructed Fairfield Inn and Suites was upon us.

Our suite still had that new hotel scent to it!

Located at 2134 La Porte Rd is the brand spank’n new Fairfield Inn Suites. Nestled right next to Cross Roads Mall, big box retailers and tons of restaurants.

The supper train was calling and we wanted to visit an establishment that specialized in sourcing local ingredients. It’s not only a mission for us as a family to support Iowa small farms, but something we LOVE to feature in our blog. Waterloo was home to such a place and it features one of our favorite meals. We head to Rudy’s Tacos!

Rudy’s Tacos! With new locations popping up in Iowa and Western Illinois, Rudy’s is a homegrown multi-unit concept that knows how to source locally and successfully. http://www.rudystacos.com/about.html

The famous Rudy’s decor.

If you love puppets, then you’ll love the decor at Rudy’s. If you know someone who doesn’t, you should bring them anyway for entertainment value. Sometimes a night of many tacos is all you need to be entertained. But we’re traveling and we want to do as the locals do for a bit. You like bowling alleys? You like vintage bowling alleys? Grab a polyester shirt and lucky ball and make plans to visit one of Iowa’s most iconic homes for smashing pins. It was galaxy night at Cadillac Lanes!

We had a terrific night of slumber and we still had a couple more boxes to checkoff in Waterloo. We needed lunch and the locals spoke of a place that was perfect for a Sunday afternoon. A Waterloo institution that has great food and I could catch up on some NFL games to remind myself just how much I loathe my fantasy football team. Let’s head to LJ’s neighborhood.

One more stop! It was rainy outside and we needed let some energy out. What better place than the the Phelps Youth Pavilion!

Going through the building using the hamster method.

A modern aIf love puppets then you’ll love the decor at Rudy’s. If you know someone who doesn’t, then you should bring them anyway for entertainment value. rt masterpeice.

Our trip to Waterloo was a more than a success and we discovered oodles of opportunities to experience in 2016. The locals of Waterloo were excited to hear about our weekend and couldn’t wait to tell us about we should checkout on our next visit(s). This is always welcoming conversation when traveling and shows just how much civic pride is surging in the area. Lets just say that we’ve only had a sample of what we can enjoy here in Black Hawk County. Job well done, Waterloo!

And now for a very special thank you……

Thanks for reading! -Team Goodvin