Seated in Linn County, Iowa, Cedar Rapids got its name from the Cedar River and is the state’s second largest city. Combined with the Iowa City district to the direct south, this area is generally referred to as the ‘Corridor’. Recognized as the City of Five Seasons, Cedar Rapids is also jokingly named ‘the city of five smells’ due to several plants and factories around town. Cedar Rapids features a couple of landmarks, museums and galleries.
The City of Five Seasons (a ‘fifth season’ to enjoy the other four) is symbolized by the Tree of Five Seasons sculpture set up in downtown Cedar Rapids. Another distinctive characteristic of this destination is that its county courthouse and city hall are situated on May’s Island on the Cedar River, which runs through the city.
Further tourist spots are the historical Czech Village, the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, the African-American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, the historical Brucemore Estate, and the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum. Outdoor activities in Cedar Rapids include the Indian Creek Nature Center as well as various golf courses.
Highlights
Tree of Five Seasons sculpture: the city’s centerpiece was constructed by a local businessman in the mid-nineties as a three-dimensional adaptation of Cedar Rapids’ logo.
Czech Village: this business area is composed of several historical buildings and ethnic businesses which contribute to upholding the city’s Czech heritage.
Brucemore Estate: this three-story and 21-room mansion serves as a cultural center and houses a museum; Brucemore hosts an Art Festival on Father’s Day as well as an annual Jazz festival, ‘Bluesmore’.
Indian Creek Nature Center: visitors may explore 11 miles of nature trails leading through forests, wetlands and prairies, or gaze at the indoor exhibits such as a honeybee hive and a maple sugar house.
Museum of Art: this cutting-edge museum displays works by Grant Wood, best-known for his portrayals of farm life in the 1930.