Top 10 Things To Do In Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1. Visit National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Excited for an upcoming adventure in Cedar Rapids? Why not curate an elaborate itinerary that will secure an unforgettable trip for you and your loved ones. To start your escapade, check out National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. This cultural attraction in New Bohemia Main Street District has been on the ground since 1983 but was established almost a decade earlier than that. Tourists come to the museum for its numerous galleries that showcase Czech and Slovak culture. It features rotating exhibits that highlight different topics, including Past and Present Prominent Women, A Century of Robots, Artists as Activists, and a lot more. Plus, the genealogy library in this attraction is worth a visit as well.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Address: 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States

Website: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm

Price: From 3 USD

2. Unwind at Beverly Gardens Park

Cedar Rapids is a beautiful city that offers a myriad of outdoor opportunities for its visitors. The enchanting Beverly Gardens Park is a testament to it. Nestled in EdgewoodRoud SW, this lovely park is one of the most visited natural recreational areas in the city. It is a vast landscape that is rich in lush greeneries and scenic views. At the entrance, you will be greeted by signage that says “Beverly Hills”, and it directly faces a lovely pond. Aside from a place to unwind and relax, lots of people take advantage of the biking and jogging trails in the park for their routine cardio exercise.

Beverly Gardens Park

Address: 5250 Edgewood Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States

Website: Beverly Gardens Park

3. Admire the beauty of Brucemore

Another marvelous tourist spot that you should not miss while in Cedar Rapids is Brucemore. Located in the heart of the city, Brucemore is an enormous 26-acre (10.5-hectare) historic estate that is home to the iconic 19th-century Queen Anne-style mansion. This landmark is where culture, tradition, and architecture emerge. The estate once belonged to three prominent Cedar Rapids families. Thus, it holds a treasure of stories to tell. Aside from the stunning mansion, Brucemore features breathtaking gardens, an orchard, a pond, vast woodland, and other natural beauties.

Brucemore

Address: 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States

Website: Brucemore

4. Enjoy cycling at Beverly Park Mountain Bike Trail Head

Fitness enthusiasts and adventure lovers will have a great time exploring Beverly Mountain Bike Trail Head. This excellent cycling route showcases numerous safe interconnecting trails with picturesque natural sceneries. The place covers 80 acres (32 hectares) of land, offering various trails with diverse difficulty levels. The park collects no entrance fee. Also, tourists should take note that there is no drinking water and lift service at Beverly Park Mountain Bike Trail Head. Restrooms are unavailable in the park.

Beverly Park Mountain Bike Trail Head

Address: 37th Ave SW & 21st St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

Price: Free

5. Appreciate various arts forms at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a wonderland for people who have a deep appreciation for arts, as well as tourists who merely like sightseeing and museum visits. It can be found in downtown Iowa, where other well-trafficked attractions, including excellent restaurants and local shops, are located. The museum was established in 1905, and since then, it has been featuring various works of arts of talented local and international artists. Some masterpieces you’ll find in the museum belong to Mauricio Lasansky, Jun Kaneko, James Swann, Grant Wood, and a lot more.

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Address: 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States

Website: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Opening hours: Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri: 12pm - 4pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

6. Be one with nature at Indian Creek Nature Center

Your Cedar Rapids adventure will not be complete without a visit to Indian Creek Nature Center. This attraction combines natural features and educational activities for their offerings. It boasts a remarkable sustainable building that features fascinating exhibits that tackle nature preservation and care. Educational programs are also offered for interested parties. Aside from the building, what surrounds it will enchant you more. There are scenic trails, lush forestry, and gorgeous flora waiting for tourists at Indian Creek Nature Center.

Indian Creek Nature Center

Address: 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States

Website: Indian Creek Nature Center

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

7. Learn about the city's African American heritage at African American Museum Of Iowa

Another remarkable museum that will make tourists’ hearts filled with excitement is the African American Museum of Iowa. Situated within close proximity to downtown Iowa, along the Cedar River, the African American Museum of Iowa is a must-visit cultural center that aims to preserve and share the African American heritage of the city to generations of Americans. It houses a multitude of exhibits. Its permanent exhibit is called “Endless Possibilities” and tackles the city’s African American heritage that can be traced back to Africa. Aside from educational tools, you’ll find artifacts and artworks here as well.

African American Museum Of Iowa

Address: 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States

Website: African American Museum Of Iowa

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

8. Take your kids to The Play Station

Are you on a family adventure on Cedar Rapids? Be sure to treat the kids to a memorable time at The Play Station. Watch them enjoy the time of their life in this fun-filled three-story playground that welcomes kids twelve years of age and below. This amusement center is popular for birthday celebrations, but isn’t waking up every day enough reason to celebrate? This indoor playground features slides, swings, monkey bars, rides, arcade games, a dining place, and a toy store. For sure, the kids will shower you with kisses after a day at The Play Station.

The Play Station

Address: 200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, United States

Website: The Play Station

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

Price: From 20 USD

9. Check out The History Center

The History Center is another museum that is worth a visit to Cedar Rapids. Its main goal is to make the history of the whole Linn County accessible to locals and tourists alike. The management believes that the past should be connected to the present day and the future of the county. Aside from informative exhibits, The History Center houses old photographs, valuable artifacts, and other displays that showcase the culture and the people of the country. Also, be sure to check out the Douglas Mansion, a remarkable historic treasure that is recently acquired by The History Center.

The History Center

Address: 800 Second Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Website: The History Center

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun - Mon)

Price: 7 USD

10. Swing by the iconic Veterans Memorial Building

Nestled in the heart of May’s Island, the iconic Veterans Memorial Building is another historic landmark that you should not miss while in Cedar Rapids. This iconic edifice has been hosting community events since 1927. Presently, it serves as an event’s place for many functions and it is available for rent. Additionally, Veterans Memorial Building is home to a number of tenants and it also houses different offices and local businesses. You can also find dining options, a club, as well as Veterans Gym here.

Veterans Memorial Building

Address: 50 2nd Ave Bridge, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States

Website: Veterans Memorial Building

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Fall in love with Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is a breathtaking city with diverse offerings. Tourists who love nature can immerse in gorgeous natural wonders in the city, and those who are history buffs will delight in the museums to visit here. Additionally, it has a plethora of remarkable landmarks, dining spots, and local shops for people who like sightseeing and city walks. Use this list of top things to do in Cedar Rapids as your guide in planning your next adventure to the city.