Cedar Falls, IA

Tourist Park

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2.395(based on 19 reviews)
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12 0
knobby325
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 8.7 years 323 played 248 reviews
3.00 star(s)

The historic Steady Ed in Iowa 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 30, 2021 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-The History, see below
-Concrete tee pads, decent size
-Decent signage
-Flow is good
-Good course for beginners
-Quick play
-Nice views of the Cedar River
-Good parking, 9 hole loops, ease of getting to 1 / from 9 and 18

Cons:

-No elevation
-Mostly short holes, pros will be bored
-Not much vegetation to work around, pros will be bored
-Baskets are Mach IIs that can be a little tough to see
-Area can flood (right near the Cedar River)
-Course can be extremely busy on nice days

Other Thoughts:

Tourist Park DGC is located just north of downtown Cedar Falls, IA. This is the oldest course in Iowa and designed by the "father of disc golf", "Steady Ed" Headrick. Originally installed in 1978, I'm assuming the concrete pads and tee signage has been upgraded over the years. This is great place for beginners with fairly short holes, quick play, and 9 hole loops. Pros will be bored here with some trees to work around, but no elevation and mostly straightforward shots. Still a place to work on mid-range and putter shots. I see from other reviews that there are leagues here and I have driven past with a basically full course on a nice afternoon, so it can be busy. Baskets are Mach IIs, which can be a little tough to see at times, but were all catching nicely. Not much for benches or trashcans on the course, but with the fast play, not much need for a seat. The rating is bumped up for me by the history. There are only 32 remaining courses on DGCR listed as Headrick courses, the earliest in 1976. This one in 1978 makes it an early one and a fun piece of history. If you want more challenge, Big Woods is just a stone's throw away. I have enjoyed my rounds here (even if the last one was exceptionally windy). Swing through for the history and enjoy. I will play again.
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3 2
Mhageman4
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 9.9 years 42 played 41 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Short and crowded 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 4, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

There are 18 tee pads, 18 signs, and 18 baskets all labeled.

All tee signs showed distance.

Park made good use of trees to make shots more difficult (all holes were under 300 ft).

Cons:

All holes were under 300ft.

Many holes play on top of one another.

Although each tee has a 'map' on it, you can see three or four holes that are within ten yards of each other and you aren't certain which basket you need to aim for from the tee pad.

Can get crowded quickly (and crowded here means a lot of 'FORE')

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course for beginners with the holes being a shorter distance. It really feels like they tried to cram 18 baskets into an area that could really only handle 9 baskets...

There are so many holes where you would play on top of one another on multiple holes (for example, people playing on hole 4, 7, and 11 would all be in the same general area...)

If there are just one or two groups playing you are okay, but otherwise it is a headache. Also, finding which exact basket to aim to was frustrating.
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1 0
spaur99
Experience: 17 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice course for beginners 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 15, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Concrete tee pads
-Signs on each hole
-Good use of small area
-Good for beginners as holes are short
-Quick course to play

Cons:

-Flat, no elevation change
-Holes are short in distance
-Only Par 3's
-Each hole is similar
-Baskets are close to each other, difficult to determine what basket you are throwing at for players not familiar with the course
-Would be easy to hit another player
-No hole long enough to 'rip' a drive
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2 0
FredHJ12
Experience: 12.6 years 18 played 18 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Nice, Short Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 10, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Nice parking area, big sign near the beginning of the course
-Nice tee pads
-Signs that are there are helpful
-Ace runs
-In a small park, but excellent use of the space
-Very beginner friendly course
-Easy to leave if on time constraints, holes 9 and 18 both end up near the parking area
-The park seemed to be well maintained
-Won't lose a disc here
-Nothing but positive experiences with the locals here

Cons:

-Baskets are mostly okay, but a bit iffy
-Most shots here are very similar, not too many unique holes
-No elevation change
-Not much distance variation between most holes, mostly around 200 feet, give or take a few
-Park was pretty cramped and an errant disc throw could go onto another fairway
-Navigation for a first-timer may be a bit difficult than it should be, not too big of an issue though

Other Thoughts:

This is a very cool place to disc golf at since it is the oldest in Iowa, I believe. This would be an excellent place for someone new to the game to play at. Fairly short holes with obstacles, but nothing too challenging. For an experienced player, I would still stop by due to historic element of the park, but don't expect too much out of the course. Fairly standard town park without too much variation, but a good location to work on some different shots and maybe sink an ace or two.
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1 0
Chris_cldg
Experience: 17 years 19 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 23, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Another hometown favorite. Short, fun course to work on your mid game.

- oldest course in Iowa
- good use of small space
- teepads in good condition
- located right on the cedar river
- lots of local involvement
- nice small shelter
- plenty of parking usually

There is also a free Tuesday night doubles league throughout the whole season

Cons:

- constant flooding, toward the beginning of the season, leaves lots of dead patches throughout the summer
- all short holes
- baskets need upgraded
- can get pretty crowded during the summer
- trash accumulates occasionally
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4 0
namar
Experience: 26.8 years 46 played 8 reviews
2.50 star(s)

ace runs galore 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 24, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course should be renamed Leave Your Drivers At Home Park, because there's maybe two baskets out of 18 that can't be hit with a routine putter or Buzzz drive, and even those can be had with a better-than-average toss. Good place to work that midrange game, and the course plays short and fast. Gas station is right across the river, and Main Street Cedar Falls is maybe 1/2 mile away and has lots of food/drink options.

Cons:

Litter and routine flooding means no barefoot rounds, and it can get pretty crowded. The layout is pretty boring, and due to the proximity of other holes it isn't very beginner-friendly as one could easily hyzer or griplock a drive right at another group.

Other Thoughts:

This course is perfect for night rounds. There are a couple streetlights out on the course that are usually on, and I have a dozen or so led lights that hang in the baskets. Since the course is so compact it's easy and quick to light it up, and because the fairways are pretty wide open you don't have to worry about your throwing lanes in the dark.

--update - I played a reverse round here yesterday, which is perfect for winter disc. The format is: throw from #1 pad to #17 basket, then #18 pad to #16 basket, #17 pad to #15 basket, etc. It made for a pretty crazy layout (18-16 is maybe 100ft, other holes are 400ft), which is sweet since this course is pretty dang short and boring in normal play. The reverse path will be my round of choice from now on, crowd-permitting of course.
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1 9
TwhDiscs
Experience: 11.8 years 3 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Good Short Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 5, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Hard to say, look at my other thoughts.

Cons:

Hard to say, look at my other thoughts.

Other Thoughts:

This is a nice free course for those who live in the area. Most of the holes are the same, though. Open fairways and some trees scattered about. Only one section that really has some woods. The course gets flooded every year, so its all dirt, next to no grass. It is really hard to find where you are going. Their's no signage what so ever, so its a guessing game. If I wasn't with my cousins, their's no way I would of figured it out. The real challenge is not to over through it. I would definitely play it again. Its not a must-play, but its a good short course that offers small challenges, mostly getting around the trees.
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3 3
zreiter
Experience: 22.8 years 332 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Lost in the open 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 5, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Can see baskets from all teepads.

Quick play.

Cons:

Fairly monotonous, most of the hole are the same. i.e. short hole straight holes with a couple of trees in the way.

Used only a roc on this course, and did fine on my first try.

Difficult to find your way around on your first time. Lack of signs doesn't help, but also the course is so crammed together, and baskets poorly marked, that you are not always sure which basket you are going to.

Other Thoughts:

When finding your way the first time, it helps to notice the dirt paths (where people have walked many times.) It can still be confusing at times, but it helps.
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5 0
troyrugg
Experience: 13.8 years 109 played 10 reviews
2.50 star(s)

easiest course in w'loo/cf area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

decent tee pads
close to everything yet far enough off 2 busy roads not to notice the traffic
little danger of losing a disk unless you overshoot a few holes

Cons:

lots of use and a pretty tight course, can easily cross over holes/fairways and interfere with others.
lacking most signage due to constant cedar flooding
tends to be a bit confusing but once tee pads are found the have hole number and direction spray-painted on them.

Other Thoughts:

hole 6 and 8 baskets are right next to eachother, for firs timers on course 6 is the on on left.
This is my feelgood course of the local 4. lots of birdies to be had here. have missed several short aces here(3) all by overshooting thru the chains. also pulled my 1st ever ace on 18 which i believe is the longest hole (if not its 2nd to 16)
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0 6
homerjeebus
Experience: 23.8 years 34 played 3 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Short Game 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 8, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

nice short course, allows for few different shot types, close to gas stations, food joints and close to down town bars. good short game practice course

Cons:

short, not many holes to unload on, for a few weeks each summer they remove the baskets for the town drunk fest, Sturgis Falls Celebration, which is a good time too! course is pretty trashed after Sturgis, likes to get flooded since it is right next to the river

Other Thoughts:

nice little 18 hole course, pretty short driving distance to a couple more challenging courses
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7 0
Martin Dewgarita
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.4 years 1589 played 93 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Very interesting 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 1, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Amenities. Picnic Shelter, reasonable amount of parking.

Beginner Friendly. If the course isn't too crowded, this would be a great place to learn the game to practice lines, approaches, and putts.

Local Scene. Local clubs have regular leagues and tournaments.

Tees. The short concrete pads are level and suit this course fine, typically not long enough for a full runup though.

Baskets. All existed and were in good shape.

Maintained in the winter. Locals keep the pads clear and a bucket of salt was provided at several tee pads.

Quaint little park only about a mile off the freeway.

Loops. Two 9 hole loops bring you back to the vehicle halfway through the round if you're on time constraints, otherwise you're never far from the vehicles anyway.

Cons:

Variety. Every hole seemed pretty much the same with a few exceptions: about 200 feet, avoid the trees scattered in the fairway.

There's also no use of water and very little elevation in the park, though the river is in view it is never a threat.

Length. Every hole was around 200 feet (varied from 120-300 or so), could be a good place for a single disc round (putter/midrange).

Signage. Some of the holes had signs, but most of them were missing or in very rough shape.

Navigation/Cramped. These are a single bullet point because the fact that there are several baskets and tee pads scattered about a very small park make it very hard to tell which tee pad is associated with which basket, and which tee pad I should walk to next. Improvement on the signage might help here (or reduce the number of holes in this size of an area).

The cramped quarters also result in crowding, I haven't experienced, but heard horror stories from locals of tournaments that fill the course to capacity, the holes are far too close together to have that many people playing this course.

No practice basket.

Other Thoughts:

A cool place to remember disc golf roots if you're into experiencing history first hand. Not really worth the stop for an intense challenge, but is a perfect place to learn the game and work on short technical lines through the trees, approaches and putts. I'd say yeah, make the drive off the freeway if passing by.
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1 3
pspunch
Experience: 13.5 years 61 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Dann Schultz Memorial Snow Disc 26 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 12, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great nostalgia. 3rd disc golf course ever and it still holds up. It offers a great variety of shots, short, but fun.

Solid tee placement.

Cons:

The tees are pretty close to the previous basket sometimes... a couple players got hit by errant shots, but the course was also at capacity.

not a lot of length or elevation

Other Thoughts:

I rated the course a little higher because even though it's short because of the era it was built, it offers a complete variety of shots. There's also a weird wind that comes off the river that adds a challenging twist. Not a con by any means, but it made things interesting on the first and last couple of holes. There's great history behind the course, count yourself lucky if you can get on a group with one of the founders
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2 3
jaj040
Experience: 22.8 years 23 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 23, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Easy parking, Quick rounds, Good for beginners

Cons:

Doesn't handle water well, can be crowded at times, small tee pads, some signs missing or vandalized

Other Thoughts:

This is my home course and have played it many times. The course is tightly packed, but holes DO NOT cross each other. It is an old course and is short because of it. One thing to remember if you are planning to play it, if it has been raining a lot it will most likely be muddy. Being so close to the river and the high traffic that kills the grass can make for a muddy mess.
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1 2
aendorf
Experience: 15.8 years 46 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

andy 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 17, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

many diffrent shot paths great for beginners great practice on midrange shots for advanced player many ace opertunities great people

Cons:

short but thats what everyone says missing signs due to 2008 flood

Other Thoughts:

i relly like this course if u live near by this is a great corse to practice you acrucy on this course can be crowed but atleast its crowed with good people if someone would hold a fundraiser or a turniments they would get a huge turn out and fixing 6,7, and 9 basket and getting new signs would deffinutly add huge value to this course advise run those chains lol
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5 2
cydisc
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.9 years 257 played 84 reviews
2.00 star(s)

A piece of history 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 15, 2007 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

A piece of history from the dawn of the age of basket-type targets.

Cons:

Short by today's standards.
Park prone to flooding.

Other Thoughts:

This is one of the first basket courses in the world, installed in the mid-to-late 70's. As such, it was designed for old technology flying discs. This is apparent as every hole is quite reachable with a putter, with the exception of the lone par 4 (by 1976 standards) that measures over 300'.

Having said that, it's a fun little course to practice your short approach game and to try for aces.
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2 1
Gflap
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.7 years 423 played 33 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Old School Flat Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 14, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Provided for a quick round around 45 mins. Close to major hwy for easy access. Easy to follow despite some signs missing. Beginner friendly with multiple ace runs. Good course to work on midrange and putter accuracy.

Cons:

Hole 11 pin in standing water due to recent rainfall. Some tee signs missing and in ill repair. No elevation changes.

Other Thoughts:

Enjoyable course for a quick round. Several trees to make lines to the pins more challenging.
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3 1
EricBB
Experience: 20.8 years 59 played 3 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 9, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Parking, lots of ace opportunities, good for beginners, quick rounds

Cons:

Very short, holes close together, bad signs, can be busy

Other Thoughts:

This is one of the first courses in the country so the holes are pretty short and play close together. There are quite a few trees which makes accurate shots necessary. Every hole is a possible ace. This is a very busy course (close to UNI) but groups will always let you play through. The signs aren't great but everything is so close together it's not hard to figure out and locals will help if you ask. Nice setting by the Cedar River but it does flood sometimes during the summer months. Park is closed for Sturgis Falls Celebration during the last week of June. Very fun course if you're not into the super long courses.
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0 3
Pinto
Experience: 20.9 years 11 played 11 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 4, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

There was good parking and it seemed well-maintained.

Cons:

The course was very simple with little obstacles, distance, elevation changes--it was hard not to birdie most holes. Some of the holes crossed paths, too.
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0 4
phluffyone
Experience: 28.8 years 33 played 3 reviews
1.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 3, 2007 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good parking, scenic area, restrooms

Cons:

This course tends to be busy. The entire course criscrosses itself numerous times, so you are throwing at other players or they are throwing at you. Holes are not technical, other than a few large mature trees, holes tend to be short and straight.
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