Cedar Rapids Iowa Travel Information
Cedar Rapids, population 120,758, is Iowa’s second largest city and
the industrial capital of the state. Agricultural and technology
products are the city’s main exports. A wide selection of museums,
entertainment, shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities are
located along the Cedar River. Downtown Cedar Rapids offers views of
the Cedar River and more than 50 retail shops and many restaurants. A
variety of events, nightclubs, museums, and attractions are accessible
via skywalks. Downtown Cedar Rapids offers views of the Cedar
River and more than 50 retail shops and many restaurants. A variety of
events, nightclubs, museums, and attractions are accessible via
skywalks. Main entertainment venues downtown include the Paramount
Theatre which hosts Broadway shows and the area’s symphony orchestra,
and the U.S. Cellular Center, which presents many of the area’s
biggest concerts and sporting events. Several museums are
located downtown. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art displays work of regional
artists including Cedar Rapids native Grant Wood. The African American
Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa explores the history of
African Americans in Iowa. The National Czech and Slovak Museum and
Library, in Czech Village, provide the nation’s most extensive
collection of displays and programs exploring Czech and Slovak
culture. Czech Village is home to ethnic shops and restaurants and, in
May, the Houby Days celebration honoring the area’s Czech heritage
through folk art, food, music, and dancing. In June and July,
the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival celebrates the nation’s independence
with two weeks of citywide events and Fourth of July fireworks. The
Celebration of the Arts, in May, honors the city’s love of performing
and visual arts with an outdoor festival. The Indian Creek
Nature Center’s 210-acres of woodlands, savannas, prairies, and
wetlands are crisscrossed by two of Cedar Rapids’ major trails: The
Cedar Greenbelt National Recreation Trail and the Sac and Fox National
Recreation Trail. These trails, along with the Cedar River Trail,
through downtown, and the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a 52-mile path
connecting the city to Waterloo, provide a mix of hiking,
cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and biking venues. State,
city and county parks offer unlimited recreational activities
including golfing, camping, and access to the Cedar River for boating,
swimming, and fishing. Facilities for BMX biking, ice skating,
snowmobiling, disc golf, sledding, skateboarding, and in-line skating
round out an excellent mix of outdoor venues. The Amana
Colonies, 30 miles southwest of Cedar Rapids, are a worthwhile side
trip from the city. The German religious community, composed of seven
villages is a National Historic Landmark and one of Iowa’s most
visited areas. The community’s artisans produce traditional crafts and
cater to visitors with local wines and beers, restaurants, and bed and
breakfasts. Cedar Rapids is located 32 miles north of Iowa City
and 55 miles south of Waterloo. It is accessible via Interstate
Highway 380 and U.S. Highways 30 and 151. There are many lodging
choices including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
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