Among the diversions that grew in popularity at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth was the Chautauqua movement. Chautauqua assemblies offered educational and recreational opportunities in an outdoor setting which people found relaxing. Waterloo was among the many communities that constructed a park-like environment in which to host the speakers and entertainers who traveled the Chautauqua circuit. For a number of years the city's Chautauqua park was one of its primary summer attractions.

     In 1891, the Waterloo Chautauqua began as a real estate venture undertaken by the Cedar River Park Association. The Reverend C. H. Purmort, the Presbyterian church pastor at the time, and the Reverend Walter Willis of Cleveland, Ohio, first started a ten-day camp. Primary credit for establishing the park, however, is given to Dr. O. J. Fullerton, who attended the Chautauqua in New York and liked what he saw. He was a member of the park association board and served as superintendent of the Waterloo park in its early days. In 1892, sustained development of the permanent Chautauqua facility began. For two weeks people from all over camped out or stayed in rented cottages on the park site near the east bank of the Cedar River. Like other Chautauqua grounds, Waterloo's park provided pop-up tents for those who spoke.

     By 1896, Waterloo was fortunate to have its own amphitheater, which attracted even greater crowds from around the area. "In addition to the amphitheater, ancillary structures served the temporary community, including grocery stores, an Italian fruit stand, bath and boat houses, and dining hall . . . "⁹  With its amphitheater and large audiences, the Waterloo Chautauqua could attract its share of notable orators. William Jennings Bryan was a regular speaker on the circuit and made seven trips to Waterloo. In 1896, Bryan attended the local assembly. Shortly after his platform address, he traveled hurriedly to Chicago and delivered his now famous "Cross of Gold" speech. In 1903, the famed Wisconsin progressive governor Robert LaFollette spoke a few words at Waterloo's Chautauqua. Evangelist William A. (Billy) Sunday, one of Iowa's best known and most colorful citizens, also appeared, as did the powerful African-American educator Booker T. Washington.