Bremer County: Nature, Trails and History

In Bremer County, nature experiences range from wetlands and fishing ponds to trails that pass through several named areas. Waverly adds historic sites and events throughout the year. You can shape your trip around whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, learn about local history or plan around an event date.

Parks, River Landscapes and Trails

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

A.F. Miller Preserve in North Woods is a wetland within the Little Wapsi River floodplain and is home to rare and endangered plants. The Cedar River in Waverly offers another connection with nature: it attracts ducks, geese and bald eagles year-round. These places showcase different aspects of the landscape—from wetlands and protected plants to the birds found along the river.

Trail Connections and Winter Events

The Waverly Rail Trail starts at the Cedar River bridge in downtown Waverly and connects with the Denver-Jefferson Trail and the Readlyn-Grump Trail. In the wider region around Bremer County, it is also part of the Rolling Prairie Trail from Readlyn to Hampton. At South Riverside Park, a winding paved trail connects Waverly’s Downtown Loop with Crestwood Park.

Winter activities on the Rail Trail vary in type and distance. The Rail Trail Candlelight Ski takes place in February, when lights illuminate a 1.25-mile section for cross-country skiing and hiking. At 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. Some sections of the Waverly Rail Trail are not plowed in winter to allow for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking.

Events Throughout the Year

Waverly’s Art Walk takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Kohlmann Park. The program includes live music, food vendors and art activities for children, as well as displays of original artwork. Concerts in Kohlmann features the Waverly Municipal Band and other local entertainment every Thursday in June and July. The Waverly Oktoberfest celebrates German culture annually in late September or early October at Kohlmann Park.

The Bremer County Fair features livestock shows, tractor events, music, rides and a combine demolition derby. For recurring events, it’s a good idea to check the dates before your trip. This lets you plan around the specific events that interest you.

Historic Sites in Waverly and the County

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

The free Passport to the Past brochure guides visitors to historic sites throughout the county. For 2026, the stated dates run from May 1 to October 31. If you’d like to include this program in your trip plans, check the dates in advance. The historic sites range from individual buildings in Waverly to places throughout the county.

You can tailor your search to the experiences that matter most for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Waverly, Carroll, Scott, Cherokee County, Howard County, Clinton County, Page County, Linn.

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.