Waverly — Population: 8,968
Waverly is a peaceful hamlet located in northeast Iowa on what was once a portion
of the Winnebago Native American Reservation. The beautiful Cedar River pinpoints
the center of town and is a natural host to the Main Street shopping areas on Bremer
Avenue. The rebirth of downtown Waverly has been a product of hard work, dedication
and enthusiasm by local residents and Waverly Chamber-Main Street. Main Street Waverly
was founded in 1989 and merged with the Waverly Chamber of Commerce in 1994.
Over the years, Waverly has grown with the establishment of Wartburg College and
the introduction of rail transportation. Scenic rolling hills and warmhearted people,
proud of sharing their Iowa heritage, make Waverly the perfect place to stop for
rest, relaxation and home-style hospitality. Visit Waverly!
Waverly Area Development Group
112 W. Bremer Avenue, Suite A
Waverly, Iowa 50677
phone: 319/352-4526
fax: 319/352-0136
e-mail: waverly@wl-p.net
Town History
Waverly is located on what was once a portion of the Winnebago Native American Reservation.
Originally, the community was to be called Harmon or Harmonville after the town's
founder William P. Harmon. Yet, during the town's incorporation celebration in 1859,
the speaker, an avid fan of Scott's Waverly novels, made the mistake of calling
the town Waverly. The name was recorded and the town became known as Waverly, which
is the county seat of Bremer County.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Bremer County Historical Museum
- Old Main at Wartburg College
Annual Events
- March and October - Waverly Midwest Draft Horse Sale - Over 20,000
interested buyers from throughout the United States attend this biannual event.
- June/July - Concerts at the Courthouse - Every Thursday evening,
free entertainment is staged at the Bremer County Courthouse.
- December - Christmas Greetings - Live window displays act out holiday
scenes while costumed characters stroll and greet passersby.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For information about available downtown commercial property and low interest loan
programs for downtown Waverly business and property owners, contact Waverly Area
Development Group at 319/352-4526.
Local Links
Waverly