The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum relocated to the City of Waterloo in 2006. Spending nearly $800,000 to renovate an existing structure, the museum has over 600 displays focusing on the history of the sport. The building also features an Olympic Pavilion, an NCAA Pavilion, and a professional wrestling section that includes a half-sized wrestling ring. The amateur segment of the museum focuses on international stars from the sport, a section on wrestling trading card history, and an entire wall devoted to Waterloo-native Dan Gable.
Project Funding Sources
$25,000
Black Hawk County
$10,000
City of Waterloo
$1,100,000
Private Donations
Project Timeline
09.1998
International Wrestling Institute and Museum opens in Newton, IA.
12.2006 | ARTICLE
Museum memorabilia brought to the new site.
01.2007
Dan Gable Museum officially opens its doors in Waterloo.
06.2017 | ARTICLE
$1.5 million renovation of museum announced.
Project Success Story
The relocation of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum to Waterloo is an excellent opportunity to showcase the city. The attraction serves as the focal point of the sport and will draw wrestling fans from all over the country into the downtown. Hundreds of exhibits on display appeal to families and individuals of all ages. Additionally, the museum annually attracts wrestling greats from the professional and amateur ranks. Past guests include: Tom Brands, Ted “The Million Dollar Man” DiBiase, Dan Gable, Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig, and Brock Lesnar, among others.