EXPERIENCE THE TOP 14 ATTRACTIONS IN CEDAR RAPIDS
Cedar Rapids, formerly regarded as an industrial, working-class city, is once again expanding and seeing more employment possibilities. Cedar Rapids is the cultural and economic hub of eastern Iowa, with two four-year colleges: Coe College and Mount Mercy University. While Cedar Rapids is out of the way of most main travel routes and attractions, it may provide a fantastic flavor of the Midwest.
In Cedar Rapids you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Maquoketa Caves State Park, Imon Ice Arena, and Bethel African Methodist Church and many more. Continue reading to know more.
1. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a park with more caves than any other state park. The caves are formed after thousands of years of water erosion on limestone bedrock. Some of the caves are accessed only by crawling, so this would be a thrilling and adventurous experience. This park is a great place for hikers and spelunkers. Trailing along these caves provides weaving through the rich landscapes and scenic overlooks throughout the park.
2. Imon Ice Arena
This 3,850-seat multipurpose arena has been a community center for around 20 years now. It is the home of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, a junior ice hockey team of the United States Hockey League. The arena's two sheets of ice also serve as a playground for both expert figure skaters and those just learning to find their way around the ice. This recreational center even has SafeSport-certified instructors to show amateur ice skaters the ropes. Aside from ice athletics, the arena also plays host to a lot of shows such as comedy gigs, musicals, and cooking shows.
3. Bethel African Methodist Church
Bethel African Methodist Church is the oldest African American church established in 1870 or 1871. This church's practice of itinerant pastors led to 23 pastors from its inception. This church serves the social and religious needs of the community and is in the middle of Cedar Rapids city.
4. Lindale Mall
Visitors will love exploring the Lindale Mall where it houses numerous shops ranging from local shops to global stores that sell different kinds of items. There are also a lot of restaurants at the mall wherein it offers different cuisines and delicious dishes.
5. Mother Mosque Of America
This is the oldest standing purpose-built mosque, completed in 1934. This structure is a place of worship for Muslims for nearly forty years now. This mosque was built by the local community of immigrants. This stands in a quiet neighborhood and is a prominent center for information, community, and prayer.
6. Douglas And Charlotte Grant House
The Douglas and Charlotte Grant House is a historic building located in Marion, Iowa, United States. Designed in Usonian style, The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Built into a hillside in 1946 and made from limestone quarried on the property by the original homeowners, the house features a 127-foot-long reinforced concrete roof and has three stories.
7. Iowa Masonic Library And Museum
The Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is one of the world's biggest Masonic libraries. In 1884, the first global library with its own building was built. At least three museum collections are housed in the existing structure. The Iowa State Fair, the Decorah bald eagles, the Pella Tulip Festival, Amana Colonies tours, and the Mississippi River are all within an hour's drive.
8. Cedar Rapids Public Library
All who seek information and understanding will find the Cedar Rapids Public Library to be a beacon of literacy. The library can help you find the information, resources, and entertainment you're looking for. The library's collection has more than 300,000 volumes. Each year, the library receives about one million items.
9. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, located in Iowa, is a great place to learn more about the countries of Czech and Slovak. It houses numerous exhibits that reflect both the country's rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors would surely be able to understand how the two countries evolved to what they are today.
10. Cedar Rapids Museum Of Art
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, located in Iowa, is a must-visit destination for those interested in the arts. It aims to educate the community and spark appreciation of the arts through its engaging displays. The museum is known for its exquisite and extensive collection of artworks.
11. Newbo City Market
NewBo City Market is a dynamic public market in the Bohemia District near downtown Cedar Rapids. It is a great place to stop for lunch and pick up a few unique food items. The market offers various delicious dining options in the whole New Bohemia area. Notably, The big boy meats and pickle creek are the major highlights of the market.
12. Granger House
The Granger House, also known as the Marion Historical Museum and the Granger House Museum, is a historic building located in Marion, Iowa, United States. The house was bought by Earl Granger in 1876 and stayed in his family until 1973. The two-story brick building features a 1½-story ell, a gable roof, bracketed eaves, and arched stone lintels over the symmetrically arranged windows. Notably, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
13. Ushers Ferry Historic Village
Ushers Ferry Historic Village, located in Iowa, is a must-visit destination in the city as it features 10 acres of space filled with numerous historic buildings, forests, and hills. Visitors would love strolling around the village while admiring the scenic views it offers.
14. Paramount Theater
Concert enthusiasts and goers will love the Paramount theater that is located in Iowa. The theater is known to perform concerts of various genres so it offers something for every visitor. The Paramount theater also features its history through a small exhibit that contains various photos, videos, and setlists of almost all of the concerts performed there.