The second largest city within the state of Iowa, simply behind the state capital of Des Moines, Cedar Rapids is packed to the brim with fascinating things to try and do throughout the year. From the historic Brucemore estate to the expanded collection of grant wood paintings and others at the Cedar Rapids museum of Art, and also the several trails and ecosystems at the Indian Springs Nature Center, it’ simple to seek out something to stimulate your interest. Whether or not you visit Cedar Rapids for a weekend or longer, you’ll find masses to explore in this Midwestern gem. Discover things to do and places to visit with our list of high attractions in Cedar Rapids.

Featuring permanent and rotating exhibits that shed a light on Czech and Slovak culture found in Iowa and beyond, the National Czech & Slovak museum and Library strives to reveal all members of the community to the current storied heritage. whereas touring the numerous completely different artifacts, photographs, and living history by yourself is deserve a trip, the Czech & Slovak repository and Library additionally offers guided tours to reinforce your experience. The National Czech & Slovak repository hosts many events and programs throughout the week. Adolescent workshops, acoustic concerts, and moving-picture show screenings typically fill the museum’ calendar. The National Czech & Slovak museum and Library is open seven days a week.

The Brucemore Estate started its adventure story as a family mansion within the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Over consecutive one hundred years, completely different authoritative families affected in and out of the mansion and also the 26-acre estate, enhancing the property and adding touches of their own. In 1981, the last resident of Brucemore bequeathed the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since 1981, Brucemore has served as a community cultural hub that invitations locals and tourists alike to tour the mansion and encompassing gardens. Brucemore additionally has quite the reputation in Cedar Rapids for hosting exciting events, giving special tours, and providing the proper place to unwind and appreciate the wonder of things collected from decades past.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the dominant Theatre brings the past and gift together with first-class performances in an exceedingly restored, grandiose theater setting. Originally created within the Twenties as a moving-picture show palace and variety show performance space, the arena has seen some renovations and repairs over the years, particularly when the devastating floods of 2008. Presently, it’s been reconditioned to its original grandeur and welcomes all types of live performances, as well as street plays and community concerts. The paramount Theater is additionally home to Orchestra Iowa, the state’ definitive supply of orchestra music. Different performances frequently on stage embody stand-up comedians, skilled speakers, and nationwide moving live music performances.

One amongst the highest spots to explore the outside in Cedar Rapids, Palisades-Kepler State Park, on the Cedar River, is less than a 15-mile drive from downtown Cedar Rapids. Widespread activities at this Iowa state park include hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing on the exposed river bluffs. Fishing is additionally a well-liked activity, with most anglers aiming for catfish, bass, and bluegill. A fine looking lodge at Palisades-Kepler State Park was inbuilt the Nineteen Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps and may be reserved earlier than time for special events. The state park also features fashionable tenting choices and cabins on the market for rent.

Open Monday through Saturday, the African American museum of Iowa strives to highlight, embolden, and illustrate the continued history of African yank culture within the United States and abroad. That includes rotating and permanent exhibits dealing with distinguished points in African American history, starting from origins in West Africa to gift times, the repository offers a lot of to absorb. Radio-controlled tours are on the market to assist place it beat perspective. The expertise doesn’t stop with guided tours; the African American museum encompasses a constant stream of events, speakers, and community categories that may help enrich your data of the planet around you. The museum additionally hosts an annual Juneteenth celebration to commemorate the freeing Proclamation and also the finish of slavery in America. Festivities embody live music, native vendors, and a block party affair.

Serving as a community symbol for freemasonry, not solely in Iowa however across the world, the Iowa Masonic Library and museum hosts one amongst the biggest collections of Masonry reading materials and artifacts within the nation. Whether or not you’re an ardent researcher who desires to comb through the 15,000 and volumes of rare Masonic books otherwise you are an interested observer eager to check up on the numerous Masonic and non-Masonic museum offerings, there’s masses to envision here. The museum workers gayly share the wealth of data with visitors.

Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa city is less than thirty miles south of Cedar Rapids. Many educational and cultural establishments draw guests to Iowa town from across the globe. a lot of in due to the university’ acclaimed Writers Workshop graduate program, Iowa town is a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization city of Literature and an acclaimed house for artistic work. The field is additionally home to a world-renowned Children’ Hospital. Hawkeye sporting events also tend to draw huge crowds to Iowa town on home games. Football at Kinnick sports stadium is a state-wide wanted event. Basketball games at Carver Hawkeye Arena also rally vital energy throughout the season.