Seven miles of well-maintained trails through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands give the Indian Creek Nature Center a strong focus on nature in Cedar Rapids. Along the trails, you can look for migratory birds; regular bird-watching programs and a bird-watching room add to what the center offers.
The Cedar River Trail offers a different experience: the trail is open year-round, 12.6 miles long, and ten feet wide. It runs from Blairs Ferry Road NE through downtown to 76th Avenue SW, where it connects with the Hoover Trail. Native grasses and wildflowers grow along sections of the trail, creating colorful displays of Iowa prairie. At McCloud’s Run, Cedar Lake, and the Cedar River, the sights and sounds of urban wildlife are also part of the trail’s character. In Cedar Rapids, a trail through different parts of the city and a nature center with wetlands, prairies, and woodlands offer distinct ways to explore.
Art and History in Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses more than 7,200 works of art from different eras, from ancient Rome to the present day. The collection is particularly strong in American art, especially from the first half of the 20th century. It also includes the world’s largest collection of artworks by Grant Wood and a significant collection of Roman portrait busts. The works on display may vary.
The African American Museum of Iowa has its own thematic focus in its permanent exhibition, “Endless Possibilities,” which explores the legacy of African Americans in Iowa. The History Center, located in the historic Douglas Mansion, focuses on the local history of Cedar Rapids and Linn County. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are complemented by events and walking tours. The center offers these tours from March through October; check the current tour calendar before making plans.
Brucemore is a historic site of the National Trust. During tours of the Queen Anne-style mansion, visitors learn about the house’s history and the families who lived there. The 26-acre estate was once home to several prominent Cedar Rapids families. After a tour, visitors can explore the estate grounds at no additional cost. Tour availability depends on the operator’s schedule, so check the latest information before visiting.
Market and Cultural Program
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is located in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village and hosts art workshops, language classes, concerts, and tours throughout the year. NewBo City Market is a year-round public market in the New Bohemia neighborhood. It offers Iowa-grown and Iowa-prepared products, including produce, specialty foods, meat and seafood, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts from local farmers and entrepreneurs.
NewBo City Market’s program also includes concerts, flea markets, festivals, and cooking classes. For specific event dates and current opening hours, check the market’s calendar. Cedar Rapids’ offerings range from art collections and exhibitions to guided history experiences, nature trails, and a public market, with different options for shaping your stay.
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