Location: Cedar Rapids
Top Things to do in Cedar Rapids
- 1. Brucemore
- 2. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- 3. Paramount theater
- 4. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
- 5. Czech Village / New Bohemia District
- 6. NewBo City Market
- 7. Indian Creek Nature Center
- 8. Grant Wood Studio
- 9. African American Museum of Iowa
- 10. Grant Wood Window in Veteran's Memorial Auditorium
What to do and see in Cedar Rapids, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Cedar Rapids /ˈsiːdər ˈræpɪdz/ is the second-largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, 20 miles (32 km) north of Iowa City and 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city. It is a part of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor of Linn, Benton, Cedar, Jones, Johnson, and Washington counties.
Restaurants in Cedar Rapids
1. Brucemore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Three families owned the Brucemore estate between 1884 and 1981-the Sinclairs, the Douglases, and the Halls. They were business and community leaders during a century of evolution in the Midwest. Caroline Sinclair, widow of pioneer industrialist T.M. Sinclair and mother of six, hired architects Josselyn and Taylor to build the mansion for $55,000 in 1884. In 1906, George Bruce Douglas, of the Quaker Oats and Douglas & Company fortunes, acquired the home with his wife, Irene, transforming the property into a country estate they named Brucemore. In 1937, their daughter, Margaret, inherited Brucemore with her husband, Howard Hall, founder of Iowa Manufacturing and Iowa Steel and Ironworks. The Halls added flair to the estate with famous guests, including Presidents Herbert Hoover and Harry Truman and their exotic pet lion, Leo. Today, Brucemore's 26-acre, park-like estate invites exploration of the site's history, gardens, grounds, and 21-room mansion through a variety of opportunities. The Queen Anne architecture, 1925 Grant Wood Porch, 1929 Skinner pipe organ, and 1930s Grizzly Bar and Tahitian Room reflect the vibrant history of remarkable people. The changes they made to their estate, the impact they had on their community, and the stories they left behind shape our understanding of modern Cedar Rapids, eastern Iowa, and the American Midwest.
Reviewed By Margaret L
We have taken visitors here time and time again. But residents should watch for special events, the annual Bluesmore blues festival is fantastic, the Balloon Glow Annual event is wonderful, and last Halloween they had a quirky, hilarious scarecrow exhibit free on the grounds behind the manse...hoping it will be there again next year! The gift shop, an ever-so-important part of any museum or attraction, is atmospheric, and top notch. Only one teeny tiny complaint, something that cannot really be fixed- the tour is, by necessity, not handicap accessible. Informative tour guide, reasonable price, it would be an especially great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
2. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Expanded 50,000 sq. ft. building opened in July 2012 with a world-class exhibit "Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau" featuring 230 pieces direct from Prague and London. Two other galleries feature rotating exhibitions on the culture, art and history of Czechs and Slovaks. And don't miss the two-room 1880's Czech immigrant house that was home to five generations. See the new museum store filled with European treasures and gifts. Stroll down Czech Village and also visit the exhibition, "Rising Above: the Store of a People and the Flood" located a 87 Sixteenth Ave. SW
Reviewed By Shelby A
We had our wedding reception at the Czech Museum and the staff was incredible. Our pictures turned out beautifully because this museum is just beautiful. They have a nice gift shop and the attached parking garage is very helpful and awesome for those that are handicapped.
3. Paramount theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Wayne F
My wife and I attended the Saturday Night performance of the International Juggling Association (IJA) at the Paramount Theater last weekend. This venue is a landmark in Cedar Rapids and wonderfully upgraded and remodeled since the flood of 2008.
This theater hosts many different events year round. We have attended Christmas productions, symphony concerts, professional artist in concert, and even a silent movie of Phantom of the Opera l. The Wurlitzer organ housed in this theater was played by a professional to accompany the movie.
The rich colors of the wood and carpet, the decorated draperies with gold tassels, the ornate lighting fixtures, and statutes in the lobby area, speak volumes about the history and elegance of your surroundings when you enter the theater.
I would highly recommend taking in a performance at this beautiful theater!!
4. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
With more than 2,000 years of art on display in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has something to offer everyone!
Reviewed By Il0vebaseball - New Jersey
The Cedar Rapids Art Museum was a surprising little gem -- the building is lovely and the collection is really quite nice for a small city's art museum. Plus, the staff is engaging and very friendly.
5. Czech Village / New Bohemia District
Overall Ratings
4 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By tomdibling - Maumee, Ohio
Cedar Rapids is trying hard to create an exciting district. We were impressed with the city and amount of urban living that they have achieved for a small city. There was a lot of activity. Not much really there.
6. NewBo City Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By supapfunk - Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Fun little indoor market in the heart of Cedar Rapids. Several food places, ice cream, cupcakes, breads, etc. There are also a handful of little artist-type shops - crafts and handmade items, plants, décor, and the like. Worth a visit to check out, for sure.
7. Indian Creek Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Joan B - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This annual event is one we attended with our children and now our grandchildren. It's a pancake breakfast with demonstrations on how the sap is harvested and how the early settlers made syrup. The pavilion is amazing and there's hiking trails to work off the pancakes and sausage. A wonderful family outing.
8. Grant Wood Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Grant Wood's Cedar Rapids studio is the second floor of a late 19th century carriage house. The modest red brick and wood building sits next to a large, elegant mansion that once housed one of Cedar Rapids' most prominent families. It was in the Studio that Grant Wood painted one of his most famous works of art, American Gothic-a work that was shown at and purchased by the Art Institute of Chicago in 1930 for $300.
Reviewed By VivaMexicoLiz - Mexico City, Mexico
We visited 5 Turner Alley for the first time this weekend. This is a very special place on several levels--Grant Wood painted some of his most iconic works here between 1924-1935. It's also a window on his family life and connections to the community. Wood...MoreWe are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us. Thank you for your review and please stop by again if you get the chance.
9. African American Museum of Iowa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American history. As Iowa’s leading educational resource on the topic, we educate more than 30,000 people each year through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.
Reviewed By jimages - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Very interesting facts but it requires lots of reading. Kids would not enjoy this as there is very little hands on or interesting visual displays to draw their attention.
10. Grant Wood Window in Veteran's Memorial Auditorium
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Anne J - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
When we have guests in town who are interested in Grant Wood and we only have a little time, this is a great place to stop. The story of the window is so very interesting. You can park right outside on the 2nd Ave. Bridge, It's free to walk in and enjoy the window. Pick up a free little postcard picture of the window and take a look around the other little museum areas that remember our Vets. If you have more time, stop by Coe College's library and enjoy their Grant Wood art. They have a sketch of Daughters of Revolution which is part of the window story.
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