Searching for some fun activities in Cedar Rapids? Cedar Rapids is an energetic city with interesting attractions, thrilling events, specialty shopping, a thriving art scene, and various dining and nightlife options.
The municipality of Cedar Rapids enjoys the wonders of the yearly cycle of the seasons in the Midwest. A new season is introduced each year when we take the time to see the ordinary beauty.
Without all the usual difficulties and headaches that come with a big city, Cedar Rapids provides a special blend of big-city facilities.
Below are some fun things to do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Things To Do In Cedar Rapids, Iowa
1. Visit Czech Village And New Bohemia

Credit: TheDistrict:CzechVillage&NewBohemia / Facebook
Czech Village & New Bohemia is two thriving historic neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, full of award-winning restaurants, live music, vibrant art, culture, and fun for all ages.
Beautifully maintained and restored, these thriving districts feature shops, restaurants, entertainment options, and museums, all closely associated with traditional Bohemian, Moravian, and Slovak cultures.
This is your one-stop destination for everything new and exciting in The District! Plan your next family outing or select the perfect date night destination here. The District is a happening place.
Stroll along its charming streets and avenues, stop by the popular Sykora Bakery, or visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
Address: 208 12th Ave SE G, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States
2. Old MacDonalds Farm

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Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park is maintained and operated by the Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department. Located on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids, it is a free petting farm that is open to the public and features farm animals and North American waterfowl. This city landmark is over 100 years old and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
One-hour guided and unguided group tours of the farm are available by appointment only for all groups, including school groups and daycares. Guided tours are $3 per person and available weekdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Each participant receives some food to feed to the animals and in-depth, hands-on experience with the animals.
For a birthday celebration, The first hour of your party will be a guided farm tour with a party host. During this hour, you will have hands-on contact with the animals and be able to feed them. The second hour will be free time at the pavilion near the duck exhibit. The birthday child will receive a gift. You are allowed to bring your cake, snacks, and beverages. Two-hour party reservations are available May 8 – October 1 and can be scheduled between 10 a.m.
Address: 2700 Bever Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States
3. Cedar River Trail

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If you love to hike or enjoy a bike ride? then cedar river trail is somewhere to visit. The Cedar River Trail is 12.6 miles long and is ten feet wide. You will Experience the sights and sounds of urban wildlife along McCloud’s Run, Cedar Lake, and the Cedar River at this spot.
Native grasses and wildflowers have been established along sections of the trail and offer vivid floral displays of native Iowa prairie, so if you are a picture freak, then you’re in for some lovely picture time.
These durable grass and wildflower species offer soil retention, water conservation, and wildlife benefits not achievable with cool-season mowed turf. During the fall, muted colors still offer seasonal aesthetics while the seed heads serve as a valuable food source to songbirds and other wildlife.
Parking for the Cedar River Trail is located at Tait Cummins Park on C Street SW, at Werner Avenue, and McLoud Run Place on the NE side of Cedar Rapids. The popularity of this trail is increasing daily as people discover its smooth surface and gentle grade changes. You should keep bicycle and rollerblade speeds reasonable and practice good trail etiquette. Visit this location for an amazing time.
4. Usher Ferry Historic Village

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Nine ADA-accessible historic buildings that reflect life in a tiny Iowa hamlet between the years of 1890 and 1910 are available for tours at Ushers Ferry, a ten-acre site in the picturesque Seminole Valley.
Ushers Ferry Historic Village offers residents of Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa a location for kid- and family-friendly events and programs that foster a sense of community while evoking the atmosphere of a small Iowa village at the start of the 20th century.
Popular for hosting weddings and other special events, this facility also offers guided tours and live demonstrations that precisely capture daily life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of the highlights that will enthrall and instruct visitors of all ages is touring the stuck-in-time village. The priority on your list of things to do in Cedar Rapids should be stopping by this site.
Address: 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411, United States
5. The NewBo City Market

Credit: NewBoCity Market
One of the top locations to visit in Cedar Rapids is this location. It serves as a hub for networking and events as well as offering a wide range of people many other uncommon activities.
The New Bohemia District’s focal point, NewBo City Market, is a vibrant public area that supports happiness, health, and well-being close to downtown Cedar Rapids.
This outstanding nonprofit organization hosts farmers and artisans’ markets, various community arts, entertainment, educational events, and authentic food and retail company start-ups. At NewBo, there’s always something fresh and novel going on.
They advocate for the farm-to-table movement, locally sourced foods and goods, small businesses, and entrepreneurship. They provide nutrition, wellness, and urban renewal information and directly address neighborhood food insecurity.
Address: NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States
6. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

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Community leaders from Cedar Rapids established an art club in 1895 after being inspired by the outstanding artwork exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The club became the Cedar Rapids Art Association ten years after being offered a specially created gallery in the brand-new Carnegie Library. The collection’s first piece of art was purchased in 1906.
Important members who helped organize exhibitions, talks, and special events were frequently local artists. Artists Grant Wood and his close friend Marvin Cone were among the group’s most active participants in the early 1920s.
The Association, which received federal funding from 1930 to 1935, also managed the renowned Little Gallery under the direction of Ed Rowan, who later assisted with the management of the Public Works of Art Project.
The best and largest cultural attraction in Cedar Rapids, this American art-focused space features over 7,000 unique works of art. If you love art, this is one of the best places to immerse yourself in magnificent art pieces.
Address: 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States
7. Grant Wood Studio

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The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which houses Wood’s biggest collection of works, owns and runs the Grant Wood Studio. The Grant Wood Studio is only three streets away from the Museum.
Wood’s interest in architecture and design is evident throughout the studio. Wood, known for donning farmer’s bib overalls, combined elements of a modest Arts and Crafts style bungalow with a basic European peasant’s dwelling to create the interior of his studio. This included exposed wooden beams, rough wooden floors, rough-textured walls and ceilings, and built-in niches for flowers, art, and artifacts.
This is the ideal site if you love architecture. Remember to include this place in your list of Cedar Rapids attractions.
Address: 810 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States
8. The History Center

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The History Center offers a distinctive local resource that tells and shares historical tales and links visitors of all ages to Linn County’s present and future. They are passionate about making our history accessible and entertaining for everyone and are committed to bridging Linn County’s past, present, and future.
A study library with over 20,000 books and records and more than 50,000 historical artifacts and items on display may be found at The History Center, one of Cedar Rapids’ most important cultural and historic sites.
The venue’s interactive exhibits encompass subjects like Linn County food to the area’s Native American tribes, thanks to an ever-expanding collection sourced by the center itself and through donations made by the community.
It is Undoubtedly one of Cedar Rapids’ top attractions to explore and gain a wealth of knowledge.
9. Gilded Pear Gallery

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The Gilded Pear Gallery is one of Cedar Rapids’ best art galleries, housing an exceptional collection of modern art by more than 70 artists.
Suzy McGrane-Hop founded the full-service gallery in 2011, and it sells, appraises, restores, and frames sculptures, jewelry, and paintings.
The gallery is the ideal place to browse for that iconic work of art to hang in your living room at home because it has a star-studded collection and year-round alternating exhibits.
Their expertise includes advice, installation, frame, art assessments, and more for businesses and homes. You can visit the gallery to see an exhibit or browse their website to learn more about our artists and services. Both options are highly worthwhile.
Address: 808 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States
10. Cedar Valley Nature Trail

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The Black Hawk and Linn County Conservation Boards jointly manage the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. In the early 1980s, it was constructed on the abandoned Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Northern (WCF&N) railroad right-of-way.
The 52-mile trail meanders across four counties as it travels from Hiawatha to Evansdale, going through the cities of Gilbertville, Robins, Lafayette, Center Point, Urbana, and Brandon.
The Cedar Valley Trail is a fantastic trail for walking, running, bicycling, and rollerblading in the spring, summer, and fall. The trail can be utilized for hiking, fat tire riding, and snowshoeing during the winter.
11. Bloomsbury Farm

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With over 20+ attractions, farm animals, wine for that 21 plus, delicious food, photo ops, etc., this location has so much fun for you and your loved ones. Bloomsbury Farm is open multiple seasons to bring pure old-fashioned family fun.
Organizing events and activities throughout the year, the farm is always abuzz with visitors.
Featuring a petting zoo, a 10-acre (4 ha) corn maze, and a corn palace, the farm is worth stopping by whenever you’re looking for something fun and unique in Cedar Rapids.
It is Owned and operated by Dave Petersen, the 5th generation to run the farm; the venue is a haven for Iowans in Eastern Iowa looking to escape from city life. Remember to add this location to your list of things to do in cedar rapids, Iowa.
Address: 3260 69th St, Atkins, IA 52206, United States
12. Indian Creek Nature Center

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The Indian Creek Nature Center is Iowa’s first and largest nonprofit nature center.
With more than 500 acres of land under its management, the Nature Center offers a variety of nature-based programming year-round for people of all ages.
Explore more than five miles of trails through restored prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and various educational exhibits, including the in-floor Indian Creek Exhibit inside this Amazing Space, a Living Building Challenge Petal Certified building.
The Nature Center’s mission is to promote a sustainable future by nurturing individuals through environmental education, providing land protection and restoration leadership, and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.
Address: 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States
13. Cedar Rapids Public Library

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Trying to find a library with a variety of resources? The best place for you to go is the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The newly constructed central library in the heart of the city offers more than just a place to browse an ever-growing collection of printed books and eBooks.
The library serves as a gathering place, a technology hub, a tool for early learning, and a LEED-certified green facility. It is collaborative, effective, inexpensive, attractive, and user-friendly.
The time spent in this library would be time well spent. Remember to include this location in your list of must-see sights in Cedar Rapids.
14. The African American Museum of Iowa

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A state-wide museum devoted to preserving, displaying, and teaching Iowa’s African American heritage is called the African American Museum of Iowa. They instruct more than 30,000 people annually through museum tours, touring exhibits, research services, youth, and adult education programs, community outreach initiatives, and fundraising events as Iowa’s foremost educational resource.
Since its incorporation as a 501 organization in 1994, this museum, which is tucked away along the Cedar River not far from downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been pursuing its objective to “Preserve, Publicize, and Educate the Public on the African American Heritage and Culture of Iowa.”
If you appreciate art, take advantage of this spot because you’ll learn so much about the history of the past, and the surroundings are breathtaking.
Address: 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States
15. Paramount Theatre

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The City of Cedar Rapids owns the historic 1,690-seat Paramount Theatre in the heart of the city.
The Theatre’s goal is to offer the widest variety of top-notch cultural, educational, and entertaining activities to the people of Cedar Rapids and eastern Iowa.
One of the best venues in America, the lavish and sumptuous theater was a brilliant example of extraordinary craftsmanship.
If you enjoy learning about the past, add this destination to your list of Cedar, Iowa things to do.
Address: 123 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States
16. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

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The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library engages the global community with stories of Czech, Slovak, and American history and inspires the individual with universal themes of cultural expression, freedom, democracy, and immigration.
Established in 1974, the museum and library moved to its present site in 1983 after being severely affected by the 2008 Iowa flood.
This awesome location showcases the Czech & Slovak experience, a genealogy library, a Christmas market & more. If you are looking for a perfect date option for your lover, this location is one of the best.
Address: 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States
17. Prairie Park Fishery

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Fishing, ice fishing, picnics, paddle sports, scuba diving, and geocaching are all possible at Prairie Park Fishery. A 1.7-mile hard surface track loops around the 65-acre lake in the ADA-accessible park, providing magnificent views for hikers, walkers, and bicyclists.
A great thing to attempt is taking a family walks along the trail that circles the lake at Prairie Park Fishery. This is the ideal place if you enjoy listening to birds sing and watching them go about their daily activities.
According to State DNR Lake Fishing Regulations, the fishery is legal. Only electric trolling motors are capable of powering boats. Sailboats, jet skis, and speedboats are all prohibited. Dogs must always be on a leash.
Address: 2125 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, United States
18. Palisades-Kepler State Park

Credit: Palisades-KeplerStatePark / Facebook
This park is a picturesque area with several recreational opportunities and a former lodge that can be rented out for events. The park is forested with cliffs and ravines along the Cedar River. The Cedar River’s dramatic bluffs are great for picnics, hiking, and exploration.
There is a boat launch, fishing, camping, and hiking within this 970-acre park. A rustic stone lodge (for day use) and cabins are available for rent from May to mid-October. You should definitely check out this place.
Address: 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, United States