How to Beat the Heat in Waterloo: City Opening Cooling Stations

The summers in Iowa have a reputation for being hot... humid... and sometimes miserable as a result. While it's been a rainier and slightly cooler summer, it looks like that's all about to change.

As a result of these hot temperatures, it is important to be able to escape the heat. Waterloo is making it easy for its residents and workers in the city to do just that!

NOAA - National Weather Service (Waterloo, weekend of 7/12/2024)

Where to beat the heat in Waterloo

Because of the hotter temps, the City of Waterloo is designating cooling stations to help residents beat the heat. Most are well-known and easily accessed landmarks in the city.

Get our free mobile app

Here are the locations you can go to escape the hot weather, and the hours of operation - please note some have a cost for admission:

Byrnes Pool: 801 Campbell Avenue, $5 daily admission (ages two and older), $2 (under age two). Open swim daily: Mon.-Fri. 1:00-4:30 p.m. & 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sat. 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., Sun 1:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Mark’s Park Spray Pad: West Third Street at the Cedar River, no cost, open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. for ages 12 and under.

SportsPlex Pool: 300 Jefferson Street, $8 public open swim hours: Mon. & Wed. 1:00 - 3:45 p.m., Tues. & Thurs. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Sat. 12:30-2:30 p.m., Sun. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Waterloo Center for Arts, 225 Commercial Street, Tues.-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Waterloo Regional Airport, 2790 Livingston Lane, daily 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (no cost)

Waterloo Public Library, 415 Commercial Street, open Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. (no cost)

Young Arena: 125 Commercial St., Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., drinking fountains and seating available.

Another great way to beat the heat!
Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash

Those with any additional questions or concerns are encouraged to call Waterloo Fire Rescue at (319) 291-4460. Stay cool!

Hungry? Here are some dives in Iowa and our neighboring states worth a look!

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

Need more ideas?

New Restaurants That Have Opened in Eastern Iowa in 2024

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

Source: How to Beat the Heat in Waterloo: City Opening Cooling Stations

Filed Under: nl, Waterloo

Categories: Articles, Iowa News