Cedar Rapids Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Iowa region, Cedar Rapids is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a thriving arts scene. Known as the "City of Five Seasons," Cedar Rapids embraces its changing seasons and celebrates the beauty that each one brings.

One of the highlights of Cedar Rapids is its stunning natural landscapes. The city is home to several parks and gardens, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. From the beautifully manicured gardens of Brucemore to the scenic trails of Indian Creek Nature Center, nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore and admire.

For those seeking a cultural experience, Cedar Rapids boasts a rich arts and theater scene. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a must-visit, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks, including pieces by renowned American artist Grant Wood. The Paramount Theatre is another cultural gem, hosting a variety of performances ranging from Broadway shows to live concerts.

History buffs will also find much to delve into in Cedar Rapids. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library offers a fascinating glimpse into the Czech and Slovak heritage that has shaped the city's identity. The African American Museum of Iowa provides a comprehensive look at African American history and culture in the state.

Food lovers will be delighted by the culinary offerings in Cedar Rapids. From farm-to-table restaurants serving up fresh, locally sourced ingredients to international cuisines representing diverse cultures, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don't forget to try the famous Iowa pork tenderloin, a local specialty that is sure to leave you wanting more.

Alternative names: Area: 72.06 mi²Elevation: 732 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°58'42"N, 91°39'44"W

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IowaUnited States

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Cedar Rapids Top Attractions

Cedar Rapids Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cedar Rapids offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Mays Island, Paramount Theatre, Brucemore. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a museum in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The museum is privately owned and was established in 1905.
41°58'31"N • 91°40'13"W
Mays Island
May's Island is a small island on the Cedar River, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Functioning as a civic center much like the Île de la Cité, it is the site of the Memorial Building, the Linn County Courthouse, and the county jail.
Concerts and shows • Performing arts • Theater
Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is a 1,693-seat Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Museum • History museum • Historical place
Brucemore
Brucemore, a park-like, 26-acre estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the site of a Queen Anne-style mansion, formal gardens, a children's garden, night garden, pond, orchard, and woodland.
Museum • History museum • Specialty museum
African American Museum of Iowa
The African American Museum of Iowa, nestled along the Cedar River near downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, has been carrying out its mission “To preserve, publicize, and educate the public on the African American heritage and culture of Iowa” since its incorporation as a 501 organization in 1994.
Museum • Library • History museum
Iowa Masonic Library and Museum
The Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, located at 813 First Ave. SE, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, is one of the largest Masonic libraries in the world and incorporates at least three museum collections. The library was the first, worldwide, to have its own building.
Bridge
First Avenue Bridge
The First Avenue Bridge is a historic structure located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. It carries U.S. Route 151 for 697 feet over the Cedar River. The original six-span concrete arch structure was completed in 1920 for $420,000.
41°58'16"N • 91°39'28"W
NewBo City Market
Market • Shopping • Flea market
Neighbourhood • Oakhill Jackson
Bohemian Commercial Historic District
The Bohemian Commercial Historic District, also known as New Bohemia, is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Museum • MedQ
Grant Wood Studio
The Grant Wood Cultural District is a historic district in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa that was certified in 2010 by the Iowa State Historical Society.
Nature and wildlife • Park • Bridge
Indian Creek Bridge
The Indian Creek Bridge is a wrought iron bridge, built about 1880 to the east of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The bridge crosses a tributary of the Cedar River in Linn County. It was designed and built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio as an eight-panel pin-connected through truss in an unusual double-intersection Pratt design.
Art Nouveau architecture
Peoples Savings Bank
The Peoples Savings Bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was designed by Louis Sullivan. It was the second of a number of small "jewel box" banks in midwest towns designed by Sullivan during 1907 to 1919.
Sacred and religious sites • Church • Mosque
Mother Mosque of America
The Mother Mosque of America, once known as The Rose of Fraternity Lodge, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, is the oldest standing purpose-built mosque in the United States, having been completed in 1934.
Sacred and religious sites • Church • Architecture
St. Paul United Methodist Church
St. Paul's United Methodist Church is located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The Louis Sullivan-designed building has been individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. In 2000 it was included as a contributing property in the Second and Third Avenue Historic District.
41°58'30"N • 91°40'11"W
Linn County Courthouse
The Linn County Courthouse is located on May's Island in the middle of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. It, along with the Veterans Memorial Building and two other buildings, is a contributing property to the May's Island Historic District that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Church • MedQ
Bethel AME Church
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The congregation was established in either 1870 or 1871, which makes this the oldest historically African American church in the city.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. James United Methodist Church
St. James United Methodist Church is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The congregation began as a Sunday school in the northwest part of the city organized by Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The evangelist Billy Sunday had preached a revival there and over 300 people joined the church. St.
41°58'42"N • 91°39'58"W
Cedar Rapids Post Office and Public Building
The Cedar Rapids Post Office and Public Building, also known as the Witwer Building, is an historic building located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
41°58'36"N • 91°40'16"W
Veterans Memorial Building & Commission
Museum • Memorial

Things to See and Do in Cedar Rapids by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Cedar Rapids.

Culture

Paramount Theatre
Cedar Rapids
Concerts and showsPerforming artsTheater
Gilded Pear Gallery
Cedar Rapids
MuseumArt galleryShoppingMedQ
McGrath Amphitheatre
Cedar Rapids
Concerts and showsParkTheater

Shopping

Westdale Mall
Cedar Rapids
ShoppingShopping centreWestdale Area
Lindale Mall
Cedar Rapids
ShoppingShopping centre
NewBo City Market
Cedar Rapids
MarketShoppingFlea marketNewBo
Gilded Pear Gallery
Cedar Rapids
MuseumArt galleryShoppingMedQ

Active

Veterans Memorial Stadium
Cedar Rapids
Sport complexBaseballSport venueTaylor
Airport National Golf Course
Cedar Rapids
Outdoor activitiesGolf
Alliant Energy PowerHouse
Cedar Rapids
EntertainmentMusic venueSport venue

Other categories

Museum Church History museum Neighbourhood

Day trips

Cedar Rapids – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cedar Rapids, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa City), Old Capitol Museum (Iowa City), Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (West Branch).

22 milesS
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City
Carver-Hawkeye Arena, a beacon for sports enthusiasts, stands proudly in Iowa City, Iowa. This multifunctional arena, known for its distinctive design and electric atmosphere, is a hub for the University of Iowa's basketball, wrestling, and volleyball teams.
23 milesS
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Old Capitol Museum, Iowa City
The Iowa Old Capitol Building is located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It was once the main government building for the state of Iowa, and it now stands as the most prominent landmark at the center of the University of Iowa's campus. The building was depicted on the 1946 Iowa Centennial commemorative half dollar.
27 milesSE
Museum and library with Hoover exhibits
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and burial place of Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, located on the grounds of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa.
27 milesSE
Museum, Cemetery, History museum
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, West Branch
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park System in West Branch, Iowa, United States. The buildings and grounds are managed by the National Park Service to commemorate the life of Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States.
47 milesNE
Sport complex, Sport venue, Sport
Field of Dreams, Dyersville
Field of Dreams is a baseball field and pop-culture tourist attraction, originally built for the 1989 movie of the same name. It is in Dubuque County, Iowa, near Dyersville.

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Best Time To Visit Cedar Rapids

Learn when is the best time to travel to Cedar Rapids weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Cedar Rapids?

The top attractions to visit in Cedar Rapids are:

What is the best time to visit Cedar Rapids?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.