On May 11, 1861, the first train arrived on the tracks of the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad. The Dubuque and Pacific, later the Dubuque and Sioux City and now the Illinois Central, came to Cedar Falls on the east side of the Cedar River. It had originally planned to cross the river at Waterloo and come into Cedar Falls near 19th and Main Streets.

The Illinois Central Depot on North Main Street is a reminder of the important part railroads played in the development of Cedar Falls.