Cedar Rapids is a thriving city in Eastern Iowa. As its second most populous city, it’s considered to be part of the economic hub of the state and is home to tons of arts and culture.
In this post, we’re going to guide you through everything you need to know about Cedar Rapids, IA. From how to get there to what’s happening on the local calendar, it’s all here.
Ready to take a look?
Getting There
Cedar Rapids is in the heart of the Midwest. It’s about two hours from Iowa’s capital city Des Moines, just about four hours from Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee. It’s an easy drive from almost every major metropolitan area in the Midwest. No wonder why it’s growing in popularity!
Cedar Rapids is near the junction of two major highways. Interstate 80 runs East to West across much of the country. And Interstate 35 which runs North and South from Minnesota to Texas. So, if you’ve got a cross-country trip planned (in either direction), this is a great place to make a pit stop.
Things to Do
When it comes to art and culture, Cedar Rapids has something for everyone. From museums and art exhibits to sporting events, it’s all here.
Arts
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art features all sorts of art from paintings to photography and sculptures. It pays special attention to highlighting local Midwestern artists, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find exhibits featuring both Ancient Roman and contemporary art as well.
Who doesn’t love spending a night at the theatre or enjoying a musical performance? In Cedar Rapids, you don’t want to miss out on one of the most beautiful theatres in the country, The Paramount Theatre. It was originally built for vaudeville performances in the 1920s but is completely restored today.
Museums
The National Czech & Slovak Museum is one big draw. This museum celebrates the contributions and culture these groups have brought to this part of the country. Enjoy exhibits, photos, and oral histories, along with a library open seven days a week.
If you want to learn more about African American history and culture in the Midwest, including the Civil Rights Movement, be sure to visit the African American Museum of Iowa. Open six days a week; it has exhibitions, events, classes, and speakers available to educate the public.
Local Culture
The Brucemore Estate was home to some of the biggest industrialists in the Midwest from the late 1800s through the Mid 1900s. It’s beautiful Queen Anne style architecture till wow’s guests today. The estate is open to daily tours; you won’t want to miss it!
One of the newer additions to the Cedar Rapids landscape is the NewBo City Market. This industrial building features all sorts of arts and culture. Visitors can find anything from yoga classes to local artisan food options, and flea market finds all under one roof.
Enjoy Cedar Rapids!
As you can see, there is plenty of fun waiting for you in Cedar Rapids, IA. Be sure to add it to your list of road trip must-visit destinations! When you go, check out our sister site, HotelCoupons.com for the best last-minute deals on places to stay.
