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More than just fields of corn
When planning a summertime road trip from Indiana to Minneapolis and Milwaukee, there were a lot of miles to travel and a couple different routes you can take. With a little research and our 50-state bucket list in mind, we decided to drive through Cedar Rapids, Iowa (check-off another state!).
Thinking of Iowa conjures up flowing fields of corn. And that isn’t far from reality. Driving along I-80 out of Illinois, sweeping landscapes with vast open fields is exactly what you’ll see.
But there are actually a lot of fun things to do in Cedar Rapids!
Art as a focus
[Click on images to enlarge]
Sometimes when visiting a new place, all you need is a starting point and a sense of adventure. For us, a local magazine featuring an Art Walk and other things to do in Cedar Rapids was all we needed.
We really wanted to visit the Grant Wood Studio. The American Gothic painting isn’t there (it lives at the Art Institute of Chicago), but we were curious to learn about the artist who painted it. Unfortunately, the Studio was closed when we were there (travel tip: check open dates and times for places you want to visit). So, instead, we toured the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Grant Wood display.
American Gothic barn
Continuing with the Grant Wood theme, take a 15-minute drive outside of town to find the American Gothic Barn in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. It’s a quick and quirky stop, but another fun piece of local Americana. Located along US-30, this private farm features a simple barn not-so-simply painted with a larger-than-life replica American Gothic mural on one side and a landscape mural on the other.
Murals are everywhere
In fact, Cedar Rapids features a self-guided art tour that encompasses 20 murals and sculptures in a one-mile loop through downtown. One of our favorite things to do in Cedar Rapids was finding art by local artists out in public spaces for all to see.
The vast array of public art throughout Cedar Rapids is supported by a local nonprofit, Murals & More, whose website explains that the power of public art fosters “a sense of belonging and opportunity for thought, contributing to our community’s identity and sense of place, enriching cultural vibrancy as a reflection of our community and the people who live here.”
A history of art & philanthropy at Brucemore
Another fun thing to do in Cedar Rapids is exploring the Brucemore estate. Built from 1884-1886, Brucemore has remained a part of Cedar Rapids for more than a century.
The 15,000 square foot, historic Queen Anne mansion was originally built with 21 rooms and 14 fireplaces. A massive Skinner Player Pipe Organ fills the house with music, occupying space on three floors of the home. And a tropical-themed basement, featuring the Tahitian Room and Grizzly Bar, offers a unique gathering space for entertaining guests.
In the early 1900s, owner Irene Douglas was a champion of the arts. In 1925, she commissioned local artist, Grant Wood, to decorate a unique sleeping porch at Brucemore. Today, the property continues to support local artists with studio space in the Carriage House and live events hosted on the property throughout the year.
Take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about the history of the estate and the families who lived there. NOTE: Inside the home are several flights of stairs and no elevator. Then, wander around the beautiful 26-acre property.
New Bohemia & the Czech Village
In addition to supporting the arts, Cedar Rapids celebrates its cultural heritage. Along the Cedar River, you’ll find the Czech Village & New Bohemia District – a 40-acre neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops, music and art.
Highlights of the District include:
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- African American History Museum of Iowa
- NewBo City Market, a collection of food and artisan shops all in one space
- Mt. Trashmore, a former landfill, turned recreation space with walking and biking paths
There are several restaurants and bars to explore within the Czech Village. With our limited time in Cedar Rapids, we picked just a few:
- Sweet Mercantile, an old fashioned soda fountain and candy shop serving up classic sundaes
- Little Bohemia, the oldest tavern in Cedar Rapids, known for its pork tenderloin and Czech goulash & dumplings
- Lion Bridge Brewing Company, a small-batch brewery featuring indoor and outdoor seating, delicious food and (while we were there) live music on the patio
And, of course, lots of local shopping…. And more murals!