If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I’m your girl. We spent a full week in town and had a great time.
No, seriously. Cedar Rapids is full of intrigue whether you know where to look or not.
I’m here to tell you exactly where to look so that you have just as much fun exploring the best Cedar Rapids tourist attractions and more unique things to do.
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Is Cedar Rapids, Iowa, worth visiting?
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is worth visiting for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, diverse dining options, and unique connection to a sustained Czech immigrant population.
It’s also worth visiting to spread the word about this town. No, it’s not Rapids City, Iowa. It’s not Grand Rapids, Iowa, either. Those don’t exist.
Cedar Rapids does, and it has earned its due as a very fun town to visit for food, culture, and Czech heritage, apparently.
Fun Things to Do in Cedar Rapids, IA
We spent a full week going hard on Cedar Rapids tourism in and around the city. Interested in a map of all of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, attractions I’ll get into here? Follow the link below:
GIMME MY MAP OF ATTRACTIONS IN CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA!
1. Walk the Cedar River Trail.
Explore the natural beauty in town along the scenic Cedar River Trail. There’s a good bike trail here that we didn’t make use of as we don’t nomad around with bikes, but the walking paths were lovely.
Strolls along this trail are a great way to introduce yourself to the vibes of downtown Cedar Rapids. This isn’t the busiest downtown you’ll come across in your travels, and that’s perfectly fine with me.
2. Learn about the locals at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
This is an essential stop on any Cedar Rapids to-do list because you’ll learn about the history of immigrants in the city. As the product of immigrants in Chicago, I love learning about populations of people who came to the United States for opportunity.
In the case of Cedar Rapids, Czechs began settling here by 1850. They were intrigued by cheap farmland in the city and greater Iowa.
One thing led to another, one family led to another, and the Czech population in town rose rapidly based on word-of-mouth alone.
There are traveling exhibits that aren’t connected to that story, too, so you’ll probably learn about a variety of topics while you’re there.
3. Explore the Czech Village and New Bohemia.
The Czech Village/New Bohemia District was once a bustling hub of Czech stores, eateries, and bakeries. You’ll know you’re in the district when you see the large banners on either end.
A few mainstays remain, but it’s undergone some changes over the years in the form of pop-up shops that don’t quite fit in with the overall theme.
Note: I’m all about diversity in products and offerings as long as they’re quality and a positive addition to the neighborhood. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag here!
One of the mainstays in the neighborhood is Sykora Bakery. It’s been under new ownership since our visit, but I hope you can still get yourself some apple kolaches when you’re there. They were delicious.
4. Grab a drink at Little Bohemia.
Cross the 16th Avenue SW Bridge into New Bohemia for Little Bohemia, the oldest tavern in Cedar Rapids. If you’re here to eat rather than drink, the pork tenderloin is what brings most people in the door.
The quirky atmosphere gets higher marks than the food, though. You’re here for the history.
5. Go on a mural walk.
Looking for cheap things to do in Cedar Rapids? There are over 30 murals in Cedar Rapids. You’ll find many of them right downtown or as you explore the Czech Village.
A few that caught my eye elsewhere were Fragments, a shimmering diamond shape on Second Avenue, and Homage to Immigrants at 213 16th Avenue SE.
Cedar Rapids is so walkable that you’ll come across at least a handful without even looking. For a bit more guidance, check out the city’s Cedar Rapids Art Walk guide.
6. Admire the collection at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
See an impressive collection that includes quite a few works from local hero Grant Wood at this modest museum.
To be honest, Brian and I both loved the pieces on display from Maurits Cornelis Escher more than anything from Wood. You can call that blasphemy if you want, but you can’t tell me it’s not impressive to create something that so beautifully combines art with math. Check him out.
Fun fact: The ceramic heads in my photo above are from artist Jun Kaneko. You’ll see them on the 3rd Avenue side of the museum.
7. Tour the Grant Wood Studio and Visitor Center.
Looking for the best free things to do in Cedar Rapids? Take a free tour of the studio where Grant Wood painted his most famous painting, American Gothic.
I didn’t need to make an appointment on the day I visited, but this place is run by volunteers. If you’re here in the summer, it may be best to give them a call to make sure someone is there to walk you through.
I was also the only one on my tour during my visit. We climbed the steep steps up to his studio together in what felt like a harrowing mission. I loved all of the information about his creative process and fun facts about how he shared the small space with his mother and sister.
Note: The studio is next to The History Center, the local historical society and home of the city archives.
8. See the powerful African American Museum of Iowa.
Take a deep dive into African-American history from an Iowa perspective at this powerful museum. The last section about redlining in the state hit me the hardest.
Redling is a discriminatory practice where financial institutions systematically deny loans or other financial services to people based on race or ethnicity. Affected areas were often marked in red on maps, so that’s where the name came from.
The practice led to layers of racial segregation on top of an already divided society not just in Iowa but across the country. It also left marginalized communities affected by redlining with limited access to resources and opportunities.
I highly recommend a stop no matter how much time you have to explore attractions in Cedar Rapids, IA.
9. Shop for treats at the NewBo City Market.
Peruse local vendors for unique gifts or just go with some giant pitas from Pita’z as we did at this delicious marketplace. I also treated myself to some large truffles from Lori Ann’s Candies because I was feeling a little indulgent that day.
The market is a great place to enjoy the city’s entrepreneurial spirit on top of stuffing your face with a variety of local products.
10. Take a hike at Palisades-Kepler State Park.
Enjoy Cedar River views on a nice day at Palisades-Kepler State Park, just 20 minutes southeast of the city in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. If you’re able, take one of their loop hikes for the best experience in the park.
We did about 3.4 miles along the Cedar Cliffs and Palisades Loop Trail but had to modify it somewhat due to fallen trees. We never felt lost, but likely added some mileage to the trek.
If nature is your jam, Mount Trashmore, a former landfill turned recreational site, and Lake Macbride State Park in nearby Solon, Iowa, are two more options for you.
We did hear some weird things about the water quality at Lake Macbride, so that’s why we didn’t get out there. Do with that what you will, as we didn’t experience it ourselves.
11. Get fancy at the 26-acre Brucemore.
The Brucemore is a historic estate known for its expansive gardens. It was closed to tours on the inside during our trip, but if the gates are open, you can wander the grounds. That’s what we did and it quickly became one of our favorite stops in Cedar Rapids.
Check out the mansion’s exterior and find your favorite woodland creature statue. It’s not all fancy, though. If you love the idea of weird things to do in Cedar Rapids, seek out the pet cemetery here.
Fun fact: Apparently, the former owners had a lion.
The Brucemore is also one of the most important sites in Cedar Rapids. It’s the only National Trust Historic Site in the state of Iowa and an excellent example of Queen Anne-style architecture.
It’s been home to three different prominent families in its history and a center for arts and culture over the years. I’d love to return during the winter holidays to check it out all decked out for Christmas.
Visit the website to book tours if you’d like to get inside.
12. Visit the oldest historically Black church in the city.
Our home for the week was near the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, so obviously I had to pop by when I spotted the historical signage out front. This is the oldest historically Black church in the city.
The congregation has been in this spot in some form since the 1870s. The current structure was built between 1931 and 1932 and has served as an important social, political, and religious space for Cedar Rapids’ Black population ever since.
13. Sip on pints at the best breweries in Cedar Rapids.
Seeking things to do in Cedar Rapids for adults? I’ve got you with some breweries to start.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company was our first stop. The beers here didn’t just taste good. Everything smelled really good, too. I’m not even talking about the hops. We had a spiced black ale here that fit so well with the start of fall.
Clock House Brewing was in the middle of an anniversary night during our visit, but we were still able to grab a few tasters to sample.
We paired those with some of the available popcorn from Almost Famous Popcorn Company and a few more substantial snacks from Black Sheep Social Club next door.
Duck-fat fries are always a good idea, but they serve up a full lunch and dinner menu if you’re looking for ideas.
Another option nearby is the Iowa Brewing Company. We didn’t try that one, but it gets high marks for a diverse lineup that includes sour smoothie ales. If you haven’t had one of those yet, you’re missing out.
14. Go for spirits, instead, at Cedar Ridge Distillery.
The wine here is just OK — you are in Iowa, after all — but the spirits are where it’s at. Add some of that Adirondack chair ambiance on a warm, sunny day, and all of a sudden you’re in for a very special afternoon.
They have a decent-looking food menu, too, but we were here to drink. The pours are very generous, so moderate your drinking and make sure you have access to a ride afterward.
15. Nosh on wings at Bricks Bar & Grill.
The delicious smoked wings at Bricks Bar & Grill are worth a visit, but you can definitely make an afternoon of this place thanks to its extensive beer menu. The rest of the food menu is fine, but I’m telling you that you’re here for the wings.
If you like options, here are a few more that remain on our list of Cedar Rapids restaurants for next time:
- Cobble Hill: This is a fancier option, although the prices don’t approach anywhere near what you’d see in a bigger city. Make reservations for this one.
- Need Pizza: Head to this spot for yummy pies and a generous late-night happy hour if you’re seeking things to do in Cedar Rapids at night.
- The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery: Feel like a kid again with a side of arcade games as your entertainment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
More Cedar Rapids Attractions
You’d think we would have ticked off everything there is to do when it comes to Cedar Rapids activities, but there are a few that we just didn’t get to for one reason or another.
If you need a little more variety in your life, check out a few more Cedar Rapids, IA, things to do:
- Bring the kids for some family fun at Ushers Ferry Historic Village, a recreated town that depicts life in Iowa between 1890-1910.
- Make an appointment to visit The History Center, the home of the city’s historical society.
- Love sports when you travel? Catch a baseball game courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
- See a show and other events at the Paramount Theatre, a live music and performance venue that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Explore the scenic trails of the Indian Creek Nature Center.
- Visit the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum to see First Three Degrees of Free Masonry, another Grant Wood painting.
- Meet the critters at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park, an experience we missed by minutes on our visit thanks to a Google fail.
Fun Things to Do Near Cedar Rapids, IA
If you’re only in Cedar Rapids for a weekend, stick to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, tourist attractions within the city limits. If you’re here for longer as we were, Cedar Rapids is a decent base for some fun day trips. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular options.
23. Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a must for literature fans. This is home to the University of Iowa and its prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a program that has churned out some of the biggest names in writing. It’s also a very cute town and just a half hour south of Cedar Rapids.
I have a detailed guide to all of the fun waiting in Iowa City.
If you’re a fan of fossils, I have an additional guide to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, a strange but important site that only came to be discovered thanks to flooding in the region.
24. Dyersville, Iowa
The name of the town may not be familiar at first glance, but what if I told you this is home to the Field of Dreams movie site? You just perked up a bit, right? If you build it, they will come. That was such a weird movie, by the way.
I wrote up a full guide to an experience I’d highly recommend on your trip through Iowa. Check it out for tips on tours, what to expect once you get there, and that mystical cornfield.
Get there in just about an hour and 15 minutes from Cedar Rapids.
25. Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque’s identity is centered around its placement on the Mississippi River.
Learn more about why at one of the town’s most popular attractions, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Expect exhibits that are a mashup of aquatic life and life on the Mississippi.
The Fenelon Place Elevator Company, a funicular ride to the best views in the city, is another highlight for Dubuque visitors. Set aside about an hour and 30 minutes of drive time for a day trip to Dubuque.
26. Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa’s capital city is about two hours from Cedar Rapids. This is our white whale in Iowa as we’ve missed out on ticking off another capital on our last few passes through the state.
If you have time for the drive, don’t miss a look at the Iowa State Capitol and a stroll on the Des Moines Riverwalk. Pappajohn Sculpture Park also looks right up my alley. It even has a sculpture that you and the kids can climb all over, a rarity in these types of places.
Don’t crawl on any of the others, though. Your safe space will be labeled accordingly.
Cedar Rapids Things to Do: FAQs
Why is Cedar Rapids called Five Seasons?
Cedar Rapids is called “Five Seasons” thanks to a promotional campaign in the 1970s. The campaign described a fifth season as extra time to enjoy life. It was meant to encourage residents and visitors to appreciate Cedar Rapids as a year-round destination.
What food is Cedar Rapids, Iowa, known for?
There isn’t a particular food that Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is known for. You’ll have a well-rounded experience if you nab yourself a pork tenderloin sandwich and a meal at one of the city’s Czech restaurants.
Why is Cedar Rapids famous?
Cedar Rapids is famous for its connection to Grand Wood, the American artist behind the iconic American Gothic. More locally, the city is well-known for its role in cultural preservation as the region’s hub for Czech immigrants.
Where to Stay in Cedar Rapids
You have quite a few options for accommodations in Cedar Rapids. I wouldn’t recommend ours for a first-time stay due to loud cricket activity and a location off of an alley.
Use the map below to find a Cedar Rapids hotel or apartment that works for you:
What is some fun stuff to do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
Fun stuff to do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, includes walking the Cedar River Trail, exploring the Czech Village, and learning about Grant Wood at the Grant Wood Studio and Visitor Center. Cedar Rapids also has a great dining scene if you’re here to snack.
I’m sure we’ll be back in Iowa at some point during our Midwestern travels. If so, we know where we’ll look as a great base!
Ready for Things to Do in Cedar Rapids This Weekend?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period, you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
You might get lucky with a nonstop flight to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, if you’re visiting from one of the major transportation hubs. You’re not likely to find deals from that airport, though.
Deals into Chicago are much easier to snag. Submit to the chaos of Chicago O’Hare International Airport if you have the time and a car.
For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.
Your Accommodations: I usually use Booking.com and Hotels.com for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great.
Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page. It’s heavy on the text but super helpful for overall trip planning!
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On the search for more of the Midwest? Check out these guides:
- An Eating Guide to Chicago’s Logan Square
- Top Day Trips to Take from Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Plan a Trip to Fargo in North Dakota
- How to Take a Trip to Bay City, Michigan
- Love Movie Magic? Visit This Spot in Cleveland
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