Cedar Rapids, IA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Come to Cedar Rapids, a blossoming cultural and artistic hub, to see its gorgeous parklands, expansive galleries and the beloved Brucemore heritage mansion.

Absorb the atmosphere of Cedar Rapids, a rapidly growing city situated along the banks of the Cedar River in Iowa. Here you’ll see artistic centers that blend the old and the new alongside parks and unique historic landmarks that preserve the past of the American Midwest.

Get up early and head to the markets in the north of the city. The Farmer’s Daughters market has fresh, locally sourced produce from farms in the area. Get around using the public bus system or by taxis, which are cheap and reliable.

Cedar Rapids has 3,360 acres (1,360hectares) of parkland to explore. Fish for trout, scuba dive or canoe at the Prairie Park Fishery. The 65-acre (26-hectare) lake and surrounding park also offers opportunities for hiking, biking and bird watching.

Go on a wine-tasting tour of the county’s local vineyards. Wineries just outside Cedar Rapids are surrounded by rolling hills and offer tasting and lunch menus.

Art and culture lovers will be delighted by the exhibitions at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which has thousands of pieces which span 2,000 years of craftsmanship. Visit the historic Brucemore mansion north of downtown. The restored 19th-century mansion lies on a 26 acres (10.5 hectares) estate and hosts regular concerts and theater performances. Check the official Brucemore website for timetables of events.

Engage with history at the African American Historical Museum and the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, where you’ll learn about the state’s immigrant past. Take children to the Iowa Children’s Museum for an interactive experience of science. Visit the Ushers Ferry Historic Village, where actors and buildings depict life in an Iowan village at the start of the 20th century.

Rent a car and drive to the Indian Creek Nature Center just outside the town. Here you’ll find 330 acres (133 hectares) of preserved prairies, wetlands and woods that Iowa is known for.

Where to stay in Cedar Rapids

National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

3.5/5(161 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Area
Motel 6 Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport
Motel 6 Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport
2 out of 5
616 33rd Ave S.W., I-380 Exit 17, Cedar Rapids, IA
$45 nightly
The price is $50 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$50 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,243 reviews)
Same
"It was fine. Ive stayed heber."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Motel 6 Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids
2 out of 5
2215 Blairs Ferry Rd Ne, Cedar Rapids, IA
$72 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$81 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"This was such a great hotel for the value! The staff was so nice and they keep the hotel clean and orderly."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cedar Rapids
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
4 out of 5
350 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
$156 nightly
The price is $180 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$180 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel was perfect and the staff were helpful & friendly. It was a very clean and rooms were spacious. We went there due to a sport event being at the attached convention center. I would recommend staying- however if you are a light sleeper this may not be the best spot. They do give ear plugs ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Private In City retreat 12+ Guests 4 bedrooms 3.5 Bath +Bonus Kitchen downstair
Private In City retreat 12+ Guests 4 bedrooms 3.5 Bath +Bonus Kitchen downstair
2 out of 5
Cedar Rapids
Stay at this vacation home in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Faulkes Heritage Woods and Starry Park ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
Enjoyed ourselves had a great time
"Wonderful we will be back soon"

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Private In City retreat 12+ Guests 4 bedrooms 3.5 Bath +Bonus Kitchen downstair
Cozy Cottage located near Czech Village and Newbo areas in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cozy Cottage located near Czech Village and Newbo areas in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids
Stay at this vacation home in Cedar Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Czech Village and Mount Trashmore are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Nice small cottage stay
"We enjoyed being in this nice neighborhood and pleasant cottage!"

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Cozy Cottage located near Czech Village and Newbo areas in Cedar Rapids, IA
Worthington Dr Sw acreage
Worthington Dr Sw acreage
Cedar Rapids
Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mount Trashmore and Hawkeye Downs Speedway Expo Center are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Wonderful!
"Lovely place on a quiet street. Very clean, updated. We enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Worthington Dr Sw acreage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cedar Rapids

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
216
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
386
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
130
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
25
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Will be back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Will certainly be back!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We’ve stayed in Cedar Rapids a couple of times now. Downtown is pretty impressive.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

NewBo CIty Market is excellent.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Love the Iowa Equestrian Center facility!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

My daughter is planning on attending Coe College in the Fall. We feel the city is just big enough without being overwhelming. Coe College has a beautifully contained campus that will give her both of 2 worlds, small campus life with big city feel.

Cities near Cedar Rapids