I have had so much fun researching cool places to visit in Cedar Rapids, IA. Since most of my first-hand Iowa travel experiences have been in Mississippi River towns, I wanted to check out the attractions I’ve missed in other parts of the state. I assure you that Iowa has a lot to offer!.
Introduction to Cool Places to Visit in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is a city of about 126k people and is the second largest city in Iowa. A city of that size is big enough to offer some great attractions, lodging and food. However, it’s also small enough to be affordable and easily navigable.
Cedar Rapids was originally home to the Fox and Sac Native American tribes. White settlers later came to the area and used the Cedar River to create a mill. During the 1850s, it became a popular spot for Czech immigrants to settle due to the affordable cost of purchasing land. Cedar Rapids is also the home of Grant Wood, who you may recognize as the painter of “American Gothic.” He left a lasting impact on the community.
Today, Cedar Rapids is a vibrant, small city with a surprising amount of culture. It would be hard to spend time in Cedar Rapids and not experience some type of ethnic heritage. If you’re an Instagram lover, you will enjoy the crazy amount of photo ops Cedar Rapids has to offer.
Note: There was a lot of storm damage from a derecho in 2020 and some of these attractions are still recuperating.
Suggested Trip Length: 3-5 days
Distance from Chicago: 3 Hours 45 Minutes
Travel “Flavors”: Culture, Art, Heritage, Sports
The Cool Places to Visit in Cedar Rapids
Museums
African American Museum of Iowa – The African American Museum traces the history of Iowa’s African American population starting from the origin of many in West African to the current day movements. Their temporary exhibit (through August 2021), explores present day social movements such as Black Lives Matter and #metoo.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art – The museum has the world’s largest collections of artwork by Grant Woods. Also featured is a collection of Roman art. They are constantly rotating their collection and changing exhibits so each visit will be a new experience. The museum also operates Grant Wood Studio — docent led tours are available.
The Mother Mosque of America and Islamic Cultural and Heritage Center – The Mother Mosque is the first and oldest operating mosque in North America. The cultural and heritage center allows you the unique opportunity to learn more about the mosque and the Muslim faith in person. They do kindly request that you dress modestly when you visit.
Our Mother (Lady) of Sorrows Grotto – This beautiful grotto on the campus of Mount Mercy University was built between 1929 and 1941. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Granger House Victorian Museum – This Granger House is an example of Victorian Italianate architecture and contains many original items from the different generations of family that lived in the house for over 100 years. They experienced some damage from a derecho, but are making repairs and plan to re-open.
Haunted Location
Edinburgh Manor – Edinburgh Manor is the former home of a poor house and then a home for the poor, elderly, and mental health patients. If you are brave and want to try out your paranormal investigation skills, you may book an overnight visit. For those who only like to dabble, you can schedule a tour during daylight hours.
Cool Places to Visit Animals and Be Outdoors
Bever Park – This park will not disappoint. From Spring through Falls, kids will enjoy the barnyard animals at the beautifully created Old MacDonald’s farm. The duck pond alone is a great photo opportunity. The park also has gardens, a great playground and a swimming pool.
Palisades-Kepler State Park – featuring river bluffs and ravines on the shores of the Cedar River.
Indian Creek Nature Center – A beautiful (and incredibly eco-friendly) building in a gorgeous setting. Visit the center to hike the trails, learn about the local watershed, buy some of their honey or maple syrup at the gift shop. Please check to make sure their trails have reopened after the storm damage they experienced.
Wicklup Hill Learning Center – Hike the trails, peruse the exhibits or check out their wildlife watching area.
Hercules Haven – It all started with a rescued pig named Hercules, now Hercule’s Haven is home to many rescued farm animals who are living their best lives. The are only open for special events and monthly Open Barn Days.
Czech Village New Bohemia District
The District is a trendy, up and coming neighborhood in Cedar Rapids on the shores of the Cedar River in an area of the early Czech settlers. The district embraces, entrepreneurship, culture and being a great place to live. The attractions include:
- National Czech and Slavak Museum – The Permanent and rotating exhibits at this museum catalog the history of Czech and Slovak immigrants. You can see what an immigrant home looked like or see a replica of the steerage section of a steamer ship. Don’t forget to take a picture of the iconic clock tower before you leave.
- Almost Famous Popcorn – Choose from you old favorites or daring new flavors at this fun shop.
- Cafe Saint Pio – A local coffee spot featuring baked goods, breakfast and lunch.
- NewBo City Market -Visit this great public market for great shopping and restaurants. Do you love public markets as much as I do? Then you’ll want to check out my post on public markets.
Historic Buildings
Ushers Ferry Historic Village – Ushers Ferry is a 10 acre site filled with historic buildings.
Brucemore – this 26 acre estate with gardens and a historic mansion is available for tours. It also serves as a community cultural center with special events throughout the year. It’s definitely one of the most photographed placed in Cedar Rapids, for good reason!
Iowa Masonic Library and Museums – The library and museums are housed in a historic, white marble building. The museums contain a unique selection of artifacts, some of them related to freemasonry and some not. Notably, items on display include a Grant Wood painting, a small clay tablet from biblical times, and a Civil War flag from the battle of Vicksburg.
Veterans Memorial Building – This building is an integral part of the imagry you’ll see in pictures and images depicting Cedar Rapids. The building opened in 1927 and is now an event venue and houses a various exhibits. Most visitors stop in to see the Grant Wood Memorial Window, a stained glass window he designed in 1927 before he was famous.
Public Art (read great photo ops!)
American Gothic Barn – The American Gothic Painting recreated on an adorable barn.
Freedom Rocks – Artist Ray “Bubba” Sorrensen II was inspired to paint the original freedom rock as a way to thank our veterans for their service. Since then the project has expanded throughout the US. The rocks in Solon and Shellsburg are close enough for a quick visit.
Tree of 5 seasons – The city’s logo as art.
Sports
If you love watching a game, check out one of these teams while you’re in town.
- Watch indoor arena footbal – Cedar Rapids River Kings
- The Cedar Rapids Roughriders play hockey.
- Minor league baseball is also and option with the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Performing Arts
Theater Cedar Rapids – Housed in the Iowa Theater Building, Theater Cedar Rapids is “one of the largest professionally-run volunteer theatre organizations in the U.S.”
Paramount Theatre – The Paramount was built in the 1920s. Check to see what’s playing during your visit.
Anime and Asian Market
All 3 of my kids are into anime. We have a Japanese market that’s not too far from us and we wish we could get there more often. I’m always on the lookout for similar stores elsewhere. We will definitely be checking out this one when we visit Cedar Rapids.
Yemei’s Asian Market and Anime – An Asian market (food and goods) and Anime store.
Coffee
When you need that jolt of caffeine.
Travel Accessory
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
This section contains an affiliate link. If you use this link to buy something I may earn a commission.
During the COVID lock downs I’ve discovered that I actually enjoy being outside during the winter. However, I hate being cold, so being outside requires the right equipment. This rechargeable hand warmer would help! With over 8,000 reviews, it has 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For more cool places to visit, check out the Cedar Rapids Tourism page. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!
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