Cedar Rapids – Nature, Culture and History

Cedar Rapids offers a range of experiences for your trip: trails through diverse landscapes, art collections and historic homes. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, the following places can help you plan your time in the city around your interests—whether you enjoy the outdoors or are interested in art and local history.

Nature Trails and Birdwatching

At the Indian Creek Nature Center, seven miles of maintained trails wind through prairies, forests and wetlands. You can look for migratory birds along the trails; regular birdwatching programs and a birdwatching room round out the offerings. The trails are open 365 days a year, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Since opening hours may change, check them before your visit.

The Cedar River Trail offers a different route: it is open year-round, 12.6 miles long and ten feet wide. From Blairs Ferry Road NE, it runs through downtown to 76th Avenue SW, where it continues as the Hoover Trail. Native grasses and wildflowers grow along sections of the trail, forming colorful displays of Iowa prairie. Along the trail, you can also experience the sights and sounds of urban wildlife at McCloud’s Run, Cedar Lake and the Cedar River. Compared with the seven miles of trails at the Indian Creek Nature Center, the Cedar River Trail is longer and passes through different parts of the city. Its route and dimensions may change due to infrastructure changes.

Museums and Historic Homes

The History Center is located in the historic Douglas Mansion. Its permanent and rotating exhibitions explore the local history of Cedar Rapids and Linn County. From March through October, the Center also offers walking tours; check the current tour calendar before making plans.

Brucemore is a National Trust Historic Site. The 26-acre estate was once home to several prominent Cedar Rapids families. During tours of the Queen Anne-style mansion, visitors hear the history of the house and the families who lived there. After a tour, visitors can explore the estate grounds at no additional cost. Tours are subject to the operator’s schedule; details of the offerings may change.

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses more than 7,200 works of art from various periods, from ancient Rome to the present day. Its collection is particularly strong in American art, especially from the first half of the 20th century. The museum also has the world’s largest collection of works by Grant Wood, as well as a significant collection of Roman portrait busts. Which works are on view may change.

At the African American Museum of Iowa, the permanent exhibition “Endless Possibilities” explores the heritage of African Americans in Iowa. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Czech Village offers art workshops, language classes, concerts and tours throughout the year. Together, these venues offer different ways to explore history and culture in Cedar Rapids, from the local history of the city and county to art collections and exhibitions connected to Iowa.

Market and Events

In the New Bohemia neighborhood, NewBo City Market is a year-round public market. Its offerings include goods grown and made in Iowa, such as produce, specialty foods, meat and seafood, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods and crafts from local farmers and entrepreneurs. The market also hosts concerts, flea markets, festivals and cooking classes. For specific event dates and opening hours, check the market’s calendar.

Discover more destinations: Hiawatha.

See the overview of the wider region: Linn.