Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids, the second-largest city in Iowa, boasts a rich Czech and Slovak heritage and holds the distinction of being the largest corn-processing city worldwide, situated within one of the nation’s foremost manufacturing hubs.

Grant Wood (1891-1942), the iconic painter, is intrinsically linked to Cedar Rapids, where he both lived and worked. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the studio where he created his renowned artwork, American Gothic, in 1930.

This studio is under the purview of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, home to the most extensive collection of Wood’s works globally.

The catastrophic flooding of 2008 significantly impacted Cedar Rapids; however, this event has paved the way for innovative developments, particularly in the revived Czech Village/New Bohemia area, collectively referred to as The District.

1. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Designed by Postmodern architect Charles Moore (1925-1993), the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art stands as an essential initial destination, housing the most extensive collection of Grant Wood’s works globally.

This includes notable pieces such as Woman with Plants (1929) and Young Corn (1931), and visitors can also explore the studio where American Gothic was painted at a different location.

While predominantly focusing on early 20th-century Midwestern artists like Marvin Cone, the museum’s collection offers remarkable diversity, showcasing an impressive array of 21 Ancient Roman busts and contemporary art by Japanese ceramic artist Jun Kaneko, whose monumental heads welcome guests at the museum’s 3rd Avenue entrance.

2. Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street

Located southeast of downtown, this captivating area is composed of two distinct neighborhoods, Czech Village and New Bohemia.

Collectively known as The District, this region, which once suffered extensive damage from the Iowa flood of 2008, has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years.

This revitalization can be attributed to a nonprofit organization that has attracted visitors to explore a myriad of exciting small businesses, ranging from boutiques and home design shops to trendy bars and modern restaurants.

The District features two notable museums, over 40 shops, nearly as many dining options, an arts center, and the paved Cedar River Trail, which links to downtown.

3. NewBo City Market

At the heart of NewBo’s revitalization lies this thriving indoor market located at a former warehouse site. The highlight of the NewBo City Market is the Rotary Hall, featuring numerous independent food and craft vendors, a commercial kitchen, and space for special events.

The market serves as an entrepreneurial incubator, empowering small businesses as they develop their products and refine their skills.

This initiative is particularly advantageous for visitors, who can peruse a diverse range of specialty stores and enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, including artisan pizza, Caribbean dishes, shawarma, high-quality Mexican street food, Mediterranean offerings, rice bowls, freshly roasted coffee, and an array of sweet treats.

4. National Czech and Slovak Museum

Situated on the south bank of the Cedar River in Czech Village, this remarkable museum honors Czech and Slovak culture and the immigration history to Cedar Rapids from these regions.

Despite being inundated in 2008, the main building was successfully relocated 480 feet to a elevated foundation within three years to prevent future flooding.

The immersive permanent exhibit, Faces of Freedom, explores the experiences of Czech and Slovak immigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Visitors will encounter traditional puppetry, porcelain and glass artifacts, explore a replica of the steerage section of a ship, view a Tatra car utilized by the secret police, and engage in an immersive experience reflecting life in Prague’s Wenceslas Square during the Velvet Revolution in 1989.

Additionally, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibits rich in art and traditional craftsmanship, covering areas such as metalwork and folk attire.

5. Brucemore

This exquisite Queen Anne-style mansion was constructed in the mid-1880s for Caroline Sinclair, the widow of the pioneering industrialist T. M. Sinclair.

Occupying 26 acres of parkland, Brucemore has served as the residence for three significant local families and was entrusted to the National Trust for preservation in 1981.

A guided tour allows visitors to appreciate the opulent residence filled with intriguing narratives, and for those seeking deeper insight, a “Nooks and Crannies” tour is also available.

The estate grounds themselves are an attraction, featuring a picturesque wooded trail, pond, swimming pool, garden house, carriage house, staff village, and greenhouse. Brucemore also hosts a dynamic array of events, including theatrical performances and concerts throughout the year.

6. Paramount Theatre

This elegant movie palace continues to serve as a cultural hub for performing arts in Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa, nearly a century after its inauguration. The exterior showcases early Art Deco architecture, while the interior draws inspiration from Baroque palaces such as Versailles.

Despite the removal of much of the ornamentation in the 1970s, the venue retains an air of grandeur. Offering exceptional acoustics and seating for over 1,900 guests, Paramount Theatre presents a variety of performances, including opera, symphony concerts, touring artists, dance, live comedy, and family-friendly entertainment.

The historic Wurlitzer organ, severely damaged during the Iowa Flood of 2008, underwent restoration and hosted its inaugural concert in 2014.

7. Grant Wood Studio and Visitor Center

A complementary experience to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is the studio that Grant Wood personally adapted in the early 1920s.

This studio served as his workspace from 1924 to 1935 and was where he produced several of his most iconic works, including American Gothic in 1930, as well as Woman with Plants (1929) and Daughters of Revolution (1932).

Visitors can tour the studio at no cost on weekends from April to December, appreciating Wood’s unique design aesthetic and discovering some of his eccentricities.

8. African American Museum of Iowa

This statewide institution, dedicated to preserving the history of African Americans in Iowa, is situated in NewBo and features an extensive collection of artifacts and archival materials.

The permanent exhibit, Endless Possibilities, addresses a range of themes including slavery, the Underground Railroad, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Visitors will encounter the unique narrative of Iowa’s African American communities, learn about the diversity of Western Africa, and the deplorable conditions experienced aboard slave ships.

At the time of writing, there was a significant exhibit focused on redlining, highlighting how individuals from certain neighborhoods are systematically excluded from services by governmental and private entities.

9. Bever Park

This expansive park, established in 1893, has a long legacy of animal husbandry, dating back to the inception of a zoo in 1901.

This tradition endures today through Old MacDonald’s Farm, which operates from May to mid-August and is home to charming farm animals such as goats, lambs, chickens, ducks, cattle, and more.

Additionally, the Bever Pool, featuring zero-depth entry, six 25-yard lap lanes, and a water slide, is open during the summer school break.

The park also offers numerous shelters and a large pavilion available for family gatherings and picnics, along with wooded trails, flower gardens, and playgrounds.

10. Cedar Rapids Kernels

Located southwest of downtown Cedar Rapids, Veterans Memorial Stadium serves as the home of the city’s minor league baseball team, affiliated with MLB’s Minnesota Twins.

The Kernels have a storied history, dating back to 1890. At the time of writing, the franchise was competing in the 12-team High-A Central league, composed of organizations from the Midwest. The current stadium, inaugurated in 2002, accommodates 5,300 spectators.

Attendees can enjoy spacious seating, a variety of food and beverage options, regular post-game fireworks, and the entertaining antics of the mascot, Mr. Shucks.

11. The History Center

Since 2018, this museum dedicated to the history of Linn County has been housed in the historic Douglas Mansion, a Colonial Revival structure established in 1897.

Situated within walking distance of several landmarks relevant to the county’s history, The History Center offers a chronological perspective on Linn County, exploring themes of education, immigration, and transportation. For younger visitors, interactive “Did You Know?” stations are frequently available.

This permanent exhibit is complemented by rotating exhibitions focused on specific themes or significant events. On the upper floor, guests encounter the elegant Round Room, recounting the history of the mansion and the influential Douglas and Sinclair families who resided there.

12. Indian Creek Nature Center

Spanning over 500 acres of reclaimed farmland along the banks of Indian Creek, this nature center offers a diverse environment including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, all accessible via five miles of scenic trails. Indian Creek Nature Center is uniquely recognized as the state’s first and only private nonprofit nature center.

Centrally located within this area is the impressive Amazing Space building, part of a campus that opened in 2016 and is noted for being among the most sustainable structures globally.

Within the center, visitors can explore various exhibits, participate in a wide array of programs such as yoga classes, attend concerts, learn about avian life at the Bird Room, and shop at the Creekside Shop for delightful gifts, maple syrup, and raw honey.

13. Ushers Ferry Historic Village

This outdoor museum located in western Cedar Rapids offers an authentic glimpse into village life in Eastern Iowa during the turn of the 20th century. From June to October, guests can tour ten historic buildings that are ADA accessible.

The village comprises a blend of civic buildings and residences, all of which are genuine structures that have been moved to this picturesque site alongside the Cedar River, historically known as a campsite for Native Americans.

Ushers Ferry evokes the era of township governance, showcasing how farmers established their roads, and communities formed around local schools, businesses, and churches.

This venue can be reserved for private functions and frequently hosts seasonal festivals, including engaging family events for Halloween.

14. Palisades-Kepler State Park

Located a few miles downstream along the Cedar River, this state park conserves stunning riverfront bluffs and intertwining ravines, nestled within a robust hardwood forest.

The exposed limestone along the river at Palisades-Kepler State Park contains a wealth of fossils and presents some of Iowa’s limited opportunities for outdoor rock climbing.

Visitors can fish in the Cedar River and traverse the rugged terrain on over five miles of hiking trails. The park also offers four cabins, 44 campsites (26 equipped with electrical hookups), and a rustic stone lodge available for rental.

The lodge, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, is among several Depression-era projects within the park.

15. Bloomsbury Farm

Established in 1856, Bloomsbury Farm remains operational and is now in its fifth generation, located in the serene countryside just beyond Cedar Rapids’ western limits.

This working farm features a delightful market showcasing local growers and vendors.

A highlight of the year is the Harvest Festival in the fall, offering an 18-acre “pick ’em” pumpkin patch, extensive corn mazes, and over 20 additional attractions, including a petting zoo and hayrack rides.

Earlier in the season, the Sunflower Festival allows guests to pick sunflowers or capture stunning photos. In October, Scream Acres transforms the farm into a haunted experience featuring three immersive indoor attractions and a spooky cornfield walk.