Cedar Rapids Travel Guide

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the "City of Five Seasons." There might be no fifth season on your calendar but for Cedar Rapidians, the fifth season is a time to enjoy the other four seasons, a time to celebrate all the wonders of life. And indeed, in this city that makes its home on the banks of the Cedar River, life is lived to the fullest, as it often seems to be done in outdoorsy places. (Did you ever notice?) In its parks, theaters and museums, residents and visitors alike find time to appreciate the essence of what it means to be human. Here, where the Mother Mosque of America and the Czech Village stand as testament to the city's diversity, its Muslim and Czech heritages, a lesson or two can be gleaned: that the core of living isn't a matter of color or creed but of laughter, activity and good times shared.

Sights

Brucemore Estates, a National Trust Historic Site, is a Queen Anne-style 21-room mansion with an outdoor theater and garden walks. Car lovers will enjoy a visit to Duffy's...

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the "City of Five Seasons." There might be no fifth season on your calendar but for Cedar Rapidians, the fifth season is a time to enjoy the other four seasons, a time to celebrate all the wonders of life. And indeed, in this city that makes its home on the banks of the Cedar River, life is lived to the fullest, as it often seems to be done in outdoorsy places. (Did you ever notice?) In its parks, theaters and museums, residents and visitors alike find time to appreciate the essence of what it means to be human. Here, where the Mother Mosque of America and the Czech Village stand as testament to the city's diversity, its Muslim and Czech heritages, a lesson or two can be gleaned: that the core of living isn't a matter of color or creed but of laughter, activity and good times shared.

Sights

Brucemore Estates, a National Trust Historic Site, is a Queen Anne-style 21-room mansion with an outdoor theater and garden walks. Car lovers will enjoy a visit to Duffy's Collectible Cars, a museum that features restored cars from the 1940s to the 1960s, many of them for sale. The Seminole Valley Farm Museum in Seminole Valley Park is also worth checking out. The great outdoors also await every nature lover, skier and hiker along the Cedar Greenbelt National Recreation Trail. Cherry Hill Park has trails, a swimming pool and soccer fields. Other attractions in the city include Bever Pool, Squaw Creek Park, and the Sac and Fox National Recreational Trail. There are also numerous golf courses in the area. Twin Pines Golf Course, Meadowridge, and Blue Top Ridge at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort are just three of the many choices available. If you're traveling with kids, bring them to Planet X Fun Center and Cafe Cosmos. Or check out the Science Station or Westdale Bowling Center and Lazer Tag.

Dining

From ethnic to barbecue to gourmet French, the dining choices in Cedar Rapids continue to expand year after year. If you fancy some Czech cuisine, there are restaurants at Czech Village that offer filling fare. A lot of eateries can also be found along Edgewood Road and 1st Avenue. There are more good restaurants inside Lindale Mall and Westdale Mall. White and red wines are available at Cedar Ridge Vineyards Winery and Distillery.

Shopping

Brambles is your destination if you want eclectic souvenirs and antiques to take home. For glassware and crystal shopping, head to the Czech Cottage, and for handcrafted pillows and comforters try the Czech Feather and Down Co. Lindale Mall and Westdale Mall offer many more retail choices.