Cedar Rapids is a city defined by its Czech heritage, amazing eats and scenic parks. The city is full of character that can be seen and felt everywhere you go. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cedar Rapids, keep reading!
The city is built around the Cedar River, which caused a particularly devastating flood in 2008. In fact, it flooded over 1,200 blocks of the city and caused thousands to evacuate. This gave the city a chance to build back stronger, and they’ve invested in new flood walls and much better protections for the future. It’s a city full of resilience.
Mount Trashmore towers over the city. The former landfill turned park is the highest point in the area and provides an excellent view of downtown Cedar Rapids and the river. It’s a great example of transforming something unfavorable into a beloved outdoor space for the community.
Cedar Rapids also has several amazing institutions with a strong focus on sustainability. NewBo City Market is zero-waste and Indian Creek Nature Center runs entirely on solar power. Plus, the city has many greenspaces and trails that provide free access to the outdoors.
On any given day, you may catch a fruity whiff of Crunch Berries being produced here. In fact, the Quaker Oat factory in Cedar Rapids is the largest cereal plant in the world.
Finally, the city has a strong Czech & Slovak heritage. You can see evidence of this in the Czech Village and New Bohemia neighborhoods. Plus, the National Czech & Slovak Museum is an amazing place to learn about Czech life in America.
With a perfect mix of culture, nature and delicious food and drink, Cedar Rapids should be on your midwest bucket list. It makes a perfect weekend getaway from Chicago, the Twin Cities, Madison, Omaha and other cities around the midwest. Keep reading to find out all of the amazing things to do when you visit.
Full disclaimer – This is a sponsored blog post by Cedar Rapids Tourism. As always, my opinions are unbiased and my own. I want to thank the Cedar Rapids tourism board for their generosity!
The Best Things To Do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Keep reading to discover the best hikes, eats and cultural activities in Cedar Rapids.
The Best Outdoorsy Things To Do in Cedar Rapids
There are so many great places to hike near Cedar Rapids and spend time outdoors. Plus, every single one of these parks is free! As with any outdoor recreation, be sure to leave no trace when you visit.
Climb Mt. Trashmore
Climbing to the top of Mt. Trashmore is a must during your visit to Cedar Rapids! The park stands almost 950 feet above sea level and has the best view around. But the story behind this park is part of what makes it so special.
The park is a former landfill that holds 6 million tons of trash. Mount Trashmore took in waste from 1965 to 2006. Then, in 2008, a devastating flood swept through the city. As a result, Mount Trashmore reopened and added 30 more feet of storm debris to the top of the hill. It reclosed again in 2012 and the idea emerged to transform it into a park with a view.
Today, it’s a beloved park that offers the best view in the county!
The walk to the top of Mt. Trashmore is a little over a half mile. You can choose between a wide, gravel road, or a more narrow trail that adds a bit more mileage. There is also a downhill trail only for bikes. Either way you take, the climb is gradual. On your way up the road, there are several informational signs where you can learn about how the park was created and other conservation efforts, such as the composting facility nearby.
The peak offers a stunning view of downtown Cedar Rapids and the river. Keep in mind that you must sign in when you arrive and that you should always check the hours ahead of time, they vary day to day.
Fun Fact: If you’ll be climbing Mt. Trashmore multiple times, you can win prizes! There is a challenge where you can earn various rewards depending on the amount of climbs you do. You can snag local discounts, t-shirts and more!
Hike in Palisades-Kepler State Park
Characterized by towering, rocky bluffs, Palisades-Kepler is the most beautiful place to hike near Cedar Rapids (in my opinion)! It’s a great place for hiking, fishing and camping. The park is home to Native American Indian mounds, structures built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and a few miles of hiking trails.
I enjoyed hiking a loop that combined the Cedar Cliff trail, the Cool Hollow trail and the Woodland trail. The most scenic part of the loop was the Cedar Cliff trail, which follows along the river. You’ll pass by several views of the Cedar River and the bluffs, including a beach area directly next to the water.
It’s especially interesting to see the remnants of a dam. There are rocky islands and fallen trees surrounding it. Be sure to not swim or boat too close to the dam, fatalities have occurred in the past.
Another highlight of the trail was a rustic wooden bridge in the forest on the Cool Hollow Trail. The trail is moderate difficulty overall, but there is a relatively steep climb between the Cedar Cliff and Cool Hollow Trail.
Overall, this is a stunning park that should definitely be on your Cedar Rapids itinerary!
Pro Tip: Make a quick stop to admire the American Gothic Barn, which is a mural very close to the entrance of the park.
Visit Indian Creek Nature Center
Indian Creek Nature Center is one of the best places to connect with nature in the area. The organization has a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, solar panels produce 100% of the energy they use!
The park has miles of hiking trails, all free to use. You can explore various habitats around the area including wetlands, prairie and forest. I enjoyed the Blakesee Bluebird Trail and the Cedar Overlook Trail.
Plus, the indoor building has educational exhibits and even some animals you can see (such as snakes and turtles). There is also a gift shop with local items, a greenhouse and some great learning areas for kids.
Whether you want to hike or learn more about nature, this is a wonderful place to visit during your time in Cedar Rapids.
Hike in Pinicon Ridge Park
Pinicon Ridge is a fantastic park for hiking or camping near Cedar Rapids. It’s a 966-acre park with scenic hills, access to the Wapsipinicon River and wooded areas.
I enjoyed hiking the Woodpecker Hill Trail, which crosses back and forth through the forest and some open prairie areas. Highlights included seeing a small waterfall and enjoying lots of colorful wildflowers in the summer!
It’s also fun to climb the observation tower. The red tower offers a great way to see the area from a higher vantage point.
If time allows, walk across the Mary Lundby Bridge, which crosses the Wapsipinicon River. The bridge connects between the campground and the opposite side of the park. There is also some great signage to learn about who Mary Lundby was (an elected official in the Iowa senate) and about the river.
Visit Wickiup Hill Learning Center
Another great place for education and hiking is the Wickiup Hill Learning Center. The park is free to visit and protects both wetlands and prairies. There is an extensive indoor exhibit area with information on the history and geology of the area, an outdoor kids play area, a bird watching area and more.
The park is great for education, but also lovely for hiking, biking and camping. I enjoyed hiking a loop around the park and seeing different types of landscapes, including endless colorful wildflowers in the summer.
This is a great park for families or anyone who wants to get outside.
Explore Lowe Sculpture Park
Lowe Park, a city park in Marion, features a variety of sculptures, along with an outdoor amphitheater and beautiful gardens. I really liked the bison and farmer sculptures made by J. Aaron Alderman, made with beautifully twisted copper. There is a short paved path, making this a great place to walk or run. And be sure to check for any outdoor concerts or events occurring.
Hike or Swim at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is perfect if you’re looking for some lake time. The park has a beach area and opportunities for paddling, boating, fishing, camping and hiking.
Hikers can hike all the way around the lake (8.6 miles). Alternatively, there is a much shorter trail, the Pleasant Ridge Interpretive Trail, which leads you through a densely wooded path and includes views of the pond.
You can swim at the beach area, launch your own paddle board and more. It is a no-wake lake. The park is free to visit and has a lot to offer!
Walk or Bike the Grant Wood Trail
The Grant Wood Trail is a former railway path that is now a trail with multiple segments. One area to walk is Marion next to Waldo’s Rock Park (a cute park with a giant boulder left from a glacier). The park connects to the Grant Wood Trail, which is wide and paved in this section. The trail has no shade, but nice views of the rolling farmland that surrounds it.
They are continuously adding on and improving the trail system, which is free to visit.
Museums in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is full of great culture, and museums are a great way to learn. If you enjoy museums or you need a rainy day activity in Cedar Rapids, add these wonderful museums to your itinerary.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Cedar Rapids has a rich Czech heritage. Many immigrants arrived in the area in the 1850’s to work in local packing plants and many residents today are descendents from these groups. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is a wonderful way to learn more about the history of Czech and Slovak people and their lives in America.
The museum has one area with all kinds of Czech and Slovak historical items, such as clothing, toys, blankets, posters and more. The largest area tells the story of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the subsequent communist regime which lasted 41 years. It continues on to tell about how it ended and what it was like for Czech & Slovak immigrants moving to America.
It’s a well-done museum and you’re sure to learn a lot whether you’re very familiar with Czech history or not. There is also a library and a nice gift shop with Czech foods and other items. If you like history at all, this is one of the best things to do in Cedar Rapids. General admission costs $10 for adults.
African American Museum Of Iowa
Another museum that is well-worth a stop is the African American Museum of Iowa. It’s the only statewide museum dedicated to preserving African American history and culture. Plus, it’s newly renovated (as of 2024) after a long closure.
The museum tells the history of African Americans in Iowa, beginning from the period of slavery and extending to Civil Rights and segregation laws in Iowa, all the way to today.
Iowa was actually a bit of a leader in the Civil Rights movement and expanded equality before it was adopted nationally. It was also one of the first states to grant African-American men the right to vote. However, African Americans still faced many inequalities. One story the museum shares is when Edna Griffin led a protest at Katz Drug Store in Des Moines after they refused to serve her ice cream at the lunch counter. She won a lawsuit regarding the event, but was only rewarded $1.
The museum also has temporary traveling exhibits and had a display that told the history of the museum itself and the exhibits over the years. It costs $8 per adult to visit.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a beautiful museum to visit during your trip. One of the museum's permanent collections is a group of works by Grant Wood. Wood is most well known for the American Gothic painting and is from a town just outside of Cedar Rapids. In addition to several paintings by Grant Wood, there are other pieces that depict life in the Midwest.
During my visit, there were also exhibits about color theory, Roman art, small scale and large scale works. Plus, the lobby has colorful columns and lots of greenery.
The museum is free to visit during the summer and is worth a visit.
Where to Eat in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids has an amazing food scene! From the bustling to NewBo City Market to quirky date night spots, add these restaurants to your list.
NewBo City Market
NewBo City Market is a must when you visit Cedar Rapids. The market is a nonprofit organization that encourages small businesses to try out concepts and grow. There is a mix of food and shops, plus several recurring market events throughout the week.
NewBo City Market also has a commitment to sustainability and operates a zero-waste facility, collects rainwater to water their garden, electric vehicle charging and more.
My favorite place to eat was The Full Bowl, which provides high protein, made from scratch vegetarian bowls that are full of flavor. I thought that the Chana Masala bowl, made with Indian-style chickpeas, spicy mint chutney, rice and more, was delicious.
If you have a sweet tooth, K.C. Cakes is a great booth to visit. They make mini cakes and the strawberry swirl cheesecake was fantastic.
And for ice cream lovers, Luna Gelato and Ice Cream is quite good. The flavors are unique and always changing the ice cream is perfectly creamy. I loved the Mackinac Island fudge and the blueberry cheesecake.
Also be sure to stop at Almost Famous Popcorn. It is a storefront across from the market (but it started there). Their ‘Actually Famous’ mix of sweet, spicy and savory popcorn flavors is the best I’ve ever had!
Visit for trivia night, a free outdoor concert or another event, as there is always something going on. This is a fantastic community gathering space located in the heart of the New Bohemia neighborhood. Don’t skip it during your Cedar Rapids getaway.
Taco Gato
For fun fusion food and quirky decor, look no further than Taco Gato. This fun taco and tequila bar has great margaritas and offers tacos, bowls, nachos, fajitas and more. My husband enjoyed the super unique enchilada ramen, while I had their two vegetarian tacos - one made with mushrooms and one with sweet potatoes.
The interior has several fun cat figures (a nod to the name, gato is the Spanish word for cat) and is super cute. This is a great spot for drinks and food with friends!
Lion Bridge Brewing Co
Lion Bridge Brewing is an iconic local brewery in the Czech Village neighborhood. They produce their beers in small batches. One unique option they serve is the Crushberry sour. This 8th anniversary beer celebrates Cap’n Crunch Berries that are produced locally and is made with blueberry and berry flavors.
In addition to their beer, Lion Bridge serves burgers, fries and other items. I enjoyed the cheddar and potato pierogies and the caprese burrata.
LP - Street Food
LP - Street Food takes inspiration from American food served from carts, food trucks, walk-up windows and more all over the country. They also aim to salute the American working class by pulling their decor from barns, churches, sheds and junkyards. The result is an eclectic interior full of interesting things to look at.
I especially enjoyed the vegetarian pineapple skewers, which were full of flavor and topped with sweet chili soy, fresh herbs and cashew dukkah. The grilled cheese made with brie, raspberry jelly and jalapeno bread was also fantastic.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and they even have a whole menu of boozy ice cream served from a window outside. It’s a fun restaurant that you’ll want to visit again and again.
the hip-stir
For another quirky menu with decor that nods towards steampunk, you must visit the hip-stir in Marion. The interior features booths in giant barrels, a plethora of stained glass hanging lights, doors on the ceiling and vintage-feeling furniture.
The menu offers burgers, noodle bowls, salads and more, and most dishes have an eclectic twist. I loved the Jackfruit udon noodle bowl, which was super savory. However, the best thing I tried was the baked cheese appetizer, which was quite indulgent with delicious cheese, mushrooms and toasted bread.
This was one of my favorite restaurants during my time in the Cedar Rapids area!
Cedar Ridge Distillery
If you enjoy wine or whiskey, it’s worth a drive out to the stunning Cedar Ridge Distillery. The picturesque property is surrounded by green, rolling vineyards. You can enjoy a variety of drinks, including cocktails, and they have a full food menu. They are particularly famous for their Sunday brunch! Whether you visit for a drink, a meal or a distillery tour, this is a stunning place to add to your Cedar Rapids itinerary.
Lacayo
Lacayo is a vibrant restaurant that draws inspiration from Latin America, Spain and Portugal. The decor is colorful and draws on the feeling of Latin America in an elegant way. They have an extensive cocktail menu and a variety of entrees, sandwiches, tacos and more. I loved the vegetarian pepita “chorizo” tacos, which were made with fried potatoes. They were bold in flavor and quite good. This is the perfect spot for a date night.
Black Sheep Social Club
The Black Sheep Social Club serves Iowa comfort food in industrial digs. The historic building was formerly a grain and spice warehouse built in 1914. It’s built with cobblestone street pavers instead of brick, which has allowed the building to really stand the test of time. During the flood of 2008, the building had 8 feet of water. However, it’s now been beautifully renovated with tiled floors, a zinc bar and a brass floor clock.
I enjoyed their huge selection of moscow mule flavors, the penne alla vodka and the buffalo cauliflower. They even serve fish nuggets bread with Cap’n Crunch (which is made in town). This is a great spot for a group of friends or a fun date night.
Events in Cedar Rapids
Depending on the time of year, there are so many great events happening in Cedar Rapids. Here are some ideas to look into.
- The Crunch Berry Day Run (a fun color run!): Typically occurs in September
- St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival: Typically occurs in August
- NewBo City Market trivia, yoga, concerts, cooking classes, cocktail classes and more: Events vary year round
- Marion Farmers Market: Saturdays May - September
- Blocktoberfest (a huge party downtown!): Typically occurs in September
- Marion Oktoberfest: Typically occurs in October
- Amana Colonies Oktoberfest: Typically occurs in October
When to Visit Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is great to visit year round, but it does get quite cold in the winter. Summer and fall tend to be the best time to visit for fun outdoor events and hiking. I absolutely loved seeing the wildflowers during the summer, but it was hot and sticky on some days. The best time to visit is the fall, when you can enjoy fall foliage, fun events and more mild weather.
Where to Stay in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids has several great hotels in short term rental houses to meet your needs! Here are a few options:
- Best Overall: DoubleTree by Hilton at the Convention Center (centrally located and has a restaurant with a great view!)
- Budget: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- Unique: Belmont Hill Bed & Breakfast
How to Get to Cedar Rapids
The Eastern Iowa Airport is right outside of Cedar Rapids and has 5 airlines and 17 nonstop flights. If you’re driving, Cedar Rapids is less than 2 hours from Des Moines, less than 3 hours from Madison, less than 4 hours from Chicago, less than 4 hours from Omaha and just over 4 hours from Minneapolis- St. Paul. It’s central to several big cities in the midwest, making it a great option for a weekend getaway!
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan an epic getaway to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! The city is full of culture, nature and amazing food, and I think it’s a very underrated part of the midwest. I hope you visit Cedar Rapids on your next Iowa road trip!
For More Midwest Travel Ideas, check out these blogs:
- The Best Hiking near Cincinnati
- How to Take a Perfect Day Trip to Mackinac Island
- How to Spend 3 Days on the MN North Shore
- The Best MN North Shore Hiking Trails
- The Best Outdoor Adventures in St Cloud
- How to Spend 3 Days in Madison, Wisconsin
- The Best Hikes in Indiana
- The Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills, OH
- The Best Things To Do in Cuyahoga Valley, OH
- How to Spend One Day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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