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Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa, set on both banks of the Cedar River in the rolling farmland of the state's east. Settlers named it in the 1840s for the rapids in the river, which powered early mills, and the city grew into an industrial center producing cereal, machinery and radio equipment. Quaker Oats still runs one of the largest cereal mills in the world here, and on some days the scent of toasting oats drifts across downtown, earning Cedar Rapids the nickname City of Five Seasons for its year-round community spirit.
Today Cedar Rapids has about 135,000 residents and a creative, resilient character, having rebuilt after devastating floods in 2008. Waves of Czech and Slovak immigrants shaped the city's culture, and the New Bohemia and Czech Village districts along the river are filled with restaurants, bakeries, breweries and shops. The city is also home to one of the oldest standing mosques in North America, the Mother Mosque of America, built in 1934.
Visitors can explore the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art with the world's largest collection of works by native son Grant Wood, and the artist's studio, where he painted American Gothic. Brucemore, a 26-acre Queen Anne-style estate, offers house tours and outdoor performances, the Paramount Theatre is a restored 1928 movie palace, and the Cedar River Trail and Indian Creek Nature Center offer outdoor recreation.
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in the Czech Village tells the story of Czech and Slovak culture and immigration to America. It includes folk costumes, art, a restored immigrant home and changing exhibits. The building was moved and raised after the 2008 flood.
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art holds the world's largest collection of works by Grant Wood, along with art by Marvin Cone and Mauricio Lasansky. It sits downtown next to the public library. Check its schedule for tours of the nearby Grant Wood Studio, which the museum manages.
The Grant Wood Studio at 5 Turner Alley is the loft above a carriage house where Grant Wood lived and worked from 1924 to 1935, and where he painted American Gothic. It has been restored with details Wood designed himself. It opens for guided tours on weekends, so check times ahead.
The African American Museum of Iowa tells the story of Black Iowans from early settlement and the Underground Railroad to civil rights and modern life. Exhibits include personal stories, photographs and artifacts. It sits near the Cedar River in the New Bohemia area and is easy to reach on foot.
Brucemore is a 26-acre estate with an 1886 Queen Anne style mansion, formal gardens, a pond and lawns. Three families lived here, and house tours show rooms such as the Grizzly Bear Room. The grounds are free to walk, and summer evenings bring outdoor plays and concerts.
Ushers Ferry Historic Village is an open-air museum recreating a small Iowa town from around 1900, with more than 30 historic buildings such as a church, schoolhouse, hotel and shops. Costumed guides show daily life of the period. It is open in the warm months, and special events run in fall.
The Mother Mosque of America is a small white building completed in 1934, considered the oldest standing purpose-built mosque in the United States. It was built by Arab immigrant families and now serves as a cultural center. Visitors are welcome to see exhibits when it is open.
Mays Island is an island in the Cedar River downtown that holds Cedar Rapids City Hall and the Linn County Courthouse. Cedar Rapids is one of few cities in the world with its government on an island. Walk across the bridges for river views, and see the Veterans Memorial Building.
Czech Village and New Bohemia, called NewBo, are neighboring districts on both sides of the Cedar River. Czech Village has bakeries, shops and Czech heritage, while NewBo has the NewBo City Market, cafes, breweries and music venues. Walk between them across the Bridge of Lions.
The Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids is a restored 1928 movie palace with gilded plaster, chandeliers and mirrors. It is home to Orchestra Iowa and hosts touring concerts, comedy and Broadway shows. It was restored after the 2008 flood, so arrive early to see the interior.
The Cedar River Trail is a paved and crushed stone trail that runs through downtown Cedar Rapids along the river and continues north toward Hiawatha and beyond. It is popular for walking, running and cycling. Downtown sections pass Mays Island and the Czech Village, so it is easy to combine sights.
Indian Creek Nature Center is a nature preserve on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids with trails through prairie, woodland and wetlands. Its modern Amazing Space building is very energy efficient and has exhibits and a viewing area. In early spring it hosts a popular maple syrup festival.
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4515 N River Blvd NE Suite 204, Cedar Rapids
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