A trail with multiple connections

In Waverly, the Waverly Rail Trail begins at the Cedar River bridge downtown. It connects to 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. These connections give the trail a distinctive place between its downtown starting point and longer named routes.

The seasons also shape the trail’s character. During the annual Rail Trail Candlelight Walk, held on the second Saturday in November, more than 400 lights illuminate a one-mile route; bonfires and hot cocoa are available at the turnaround point. The Rail Trail Candlelight Ski takes place in February. Lights illuminate a 1.25-mile section for cross-country skiing and hiking. The stated distances differ: one mile for the November walk and 1.25 miles for the February section. Some parts of the Waverly Rail Trail are not plowed, allowing cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking in winter. Check the specific dates before traveling to an event.

Parks, ponds and wetlands

Bremer County Conservation manages 28 parks, wildlife areas and water recreation areas throughout Bremer County, covering almost 4,300 acres in total. At 180 acres, Cedar Bend Park is the county’s largest park. In North Woods Park, a trail more than a mile long runs through the park and Wilson Grove Wildlife Area.

At Wilson Grove Wildlife Area, visitors can fish in two ponds. A.F. Miller Preserve in North Woods offers a different natural setting: it lies in a wetland within the Little Wapsi River floodplain and is home to rare and endangered plants. The places described here range from a trail through two areas and fishing ponds to a preserve with a distinctive wetland landscape. Nature enthusiasts will find a variety of features without having to treat them as one single park experience.

The Cedar River in Waverly is also part of the area’s natural landscape: it attracts ducks, geese and bald eagles throughout the year. Wildlife watching along the river offers another contrast to the trails and designated natural areas. With its county parks, river and trail connections, Bremer County can be explored from several perspectives.

Historic sites and events in Waverly

Waverly has five historic districts officially recognized by the National Park Service. The Bremer County Historical Society Museum is housed in a hotel building built in 1862 that was later renamed Waverly House; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Waverly House. The Waverly Municipal Hydroelectric Powerhouse is also listed there. Another historic date is associated with the Ira and Asenath Sturdevant House, built between 1854 and 1856.

In 2026, the “Passport to the Past” program offers a free brochure about historic sites throughout the county, available from May 1 through October 31. It complements the individual buildings and districts with a countywide perspective on historic sites. Waverly Art Walks pair art with an event day: the annual Art Walk, held on the first Saturday in May at Kohlmann Park, features live music, food vendors and art activities for children.

Other events take place at different times of the year. “Concerts in Kohlmann” presents the Waverly Municipal Band and other local entertainment every Thursday in June and July. Waverly Oktoberfest is celebrated annually in Kohlmann Park in late September or early October and focuses on German culture. The Bremer County Fair features livestock shows, tractor events, music, rides and a combine demolition derby. When planning, you can choose from a variety of experiences: historic sites, art in the park, summer music, or an event program with agricultural and entertainment offerings.

Discover more destinations: Waverly, Ida County, Madison County, Guthrie, Grundy County, Lucas County, Woodbury, Osceola County.

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.