Summertime comes alive in Waterloo where band concerts are held at the courthouse square every Tuesday, June through August. Throughout the summer, fun is the main theme at several community picnics.

In June, Waterloo honors its Sister City of Porta Westfalica, Germany, with the popular Porta Westfalica fest that features authentic ethnic food, music, and dancing. Waterloo is an enthusiastic participant in the Sister Cities partnership program, and many GermansVisit Waterloo for the celebration.

The last week in July ushers in the exciting sights and sounds of the Monroe County Fair, with live entertainment, homemade foods, contests, games and attractions.

When in Waterloo, don’t forget to check out Bellefontaine, the site of the community’s original settlement on the south side of town. Also of interest is the Peterstown House on North Main Street. This historic 150 year-old landmark building was once a coach stop on the Kaskaskia trail. The Waterloo Cinema, on Plaza Dr., is an 8-plex movie theater showing new releases.

There are also many major attractions within a half-hour drive of Waterloo in the Greater Metropolitan St. Louis area: the world famous Gateway Arch and Westward Expansion Museum; St. Louis professional sporting events; the Muny Opera; the Fox Theatre; Union Station; the St. Louis Zoo; the Powell Symphony Hall; Grant’s Farm; and literally hundreds of other fascinating diversions.

 

 

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To enjoy a pleasant stay in the Waterloo area, check out The Sunset Motel, located on Market Street, or the Senator Rickert Residence Bed and Breakfast, located at 216 E. Third St., 1/2 block east of the courthouse. Both offer the best accommodations and the hospitality that Waterloo is renowned for.

There are plenty of fine eateries and dining establishments in Waterloo with aVariety of tasty delights sure to please every appetite.

 

 

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The lush countryside surrounding Waterloo is home to many beautiful lakes and parks. Lake Baldwin, about 20 miles southeast of Waterloo off Illinois Route 15 in Randolph County, provides excellent fishing and lodging. Anglers can strike large hauls of jumbo channel catfish, big flathead, white bass, hybrid striped bass and crappie.

Lake Kincaid, about 70 miles south of Waterloo near Murphysboro, is a 2,750-acre lake that offers hiking, hunting, camping backpacking, and swimming. There are also two marinas andVarious motels nearby.

The state’s second largest inland reservoir is at Rend Lake, 65 miles east of Waterloo near Mt.Vernon, with some of the best fishing, hiking and horseback riding. There are also organized pheasant and deer hunts plus an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts.

Lake Carlyle, located about 60 miles northeast of Waterloo, has some of the finest channel catfishing in Illinois as well as bullheads, giant flatheads, bass, bluegill and walleye. Spacious campgrounds, marinas, and local motels accent the Lake Carlyle experience.

Once the seat of French government in the Illinois Country, Fort de Chartres Historic Site, about 20 miles south of Waterloo, now offers guided tours of the 1720’s-era French fort museum, restored buildings and historical demonstrations.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, 30 miles south of town, features the Pierre Menard Home overlooking the Mississippi River and Kaskaskia Island.

Traveling along the Mississippi RiverVia the Great River Road - a series of U.S. state and county roads - leads one into gently rolling hills and throughout the riverValley, past quiet towns and beautifulVistas. The road is designated by green and white signs and accessedVia Route 3, which goes through the heart of Waterloo.

 

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City Government is comprised of a mayor, eight aldermen, city clerk and treasurer, all elected at large to four-year terms. The City Council meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 100 W. Fourth St., and are open to the public.

The 30-memberVolunteer Waterloo City Fire Department provides fire protection within the city. The Waterloo Police Department employs full-time officers and maintains a fleet of squad cars. The Waterloo city coordinator organizes the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA).

The Waterloo Water Department supplies the city with treated water purchased through American Water Co., and the sewer treatment plant is also operated by the City. Waterloo owns a power plant on the west side of town and provides electric service within city limits. Harrisonville Telephone Company provides basic residential and commercial service plus custom features, with local internet access available as well.

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Waterloo features a wideVariety of residential living arrangements. Agricultural production is a mainstay of the local economy resulting in rural subdivisions and "minifarm" tracts throughout the area. The surrounding countryside has picturesque rolling farmland and some of the bestViews in the State of Illinois.

Within the city are new subdivisions with concrete streets, curbs, and gutters. There are also many traditional neighborhoods throughout the city with well-maintained streets and alleys. Extensive renovation of many turn-of-the-century homes has been completed recently to accentuate their beauty and craftsmanship. The average home price in Waterloo is approximately $89,000, and there are a wideVariety of home prices to choose from in the area.

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The public education system in Waterloo is second to none as the needs of students are given the highest priority. Community Unit School District #5 oversees the administration of Waterloo High School, Waterloo Junior High, and Waterloo Middle School. Elementary schools within the city include W.J. Zahnow, and SS. Peter and Paul Grade School. Gibault Catholic High School, and Community Christian School offer excellent programs as well. Preschoolers in Waterloo can participate at the Carrot Patch Day Care Center, Child’s World Preschool, and Immanuel Lutheran Preschool. Educational, business and research materials are readily available at the Morrison-Talbott Library, 215 Park St., which is open Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.