Nicknamed the "City of Five Seasons”, Cedar River sprawls along the banks of the Cedar River. It boasts a fascinating immigration history and an impressive collection of American works at its Museum of Art, together with green oases at Bever Park and Heritage-listed Brucemore.

Things to do

Learn about the 19th-century immigration history of Iowa at the National Czech and Slovak Museum. Step back in time while exploring the Sleger Immigrant Home, where five generations of a Bohemian family once lived, and see a replica steerage section from a steamer ship that brought immigrants to America.

If you’re a fan of Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic”, visit the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which boasts an outstanding collection of his pieces. In addition to its early-20th-century American artworks, it's home to Roman antiquities and a print collection dating back to the 15th century.

Admire the turreted roof of Brucemore, a Queen Anne-style mansion that dates back to the late-19th century. This Heritage-listed estate is renowned for its formal gardens, including a children’s garden, night garden and an orchard, in addition to local history displays in its period-furnished rooms.

If you’re travelling with the family, spend an afternoon getting up close to lambs, goats, chickens and pigs at Old MacDonald's Farm, which is situated within beautiful Bever Park. It features an ice-skating rink during winter and a swimming pool in summer, as well as year-round recreational facilities and picnic areas.

Getting around

Cedar Rapids is a 15-minute drive from Eastern Iowa Airport and Des Moines is just under two hours’ drive west. Buses travel throughout Cedar Rapids, but many of its attractions are accessible on foot.