Cedar Rapids Things To Do

Cedar Rapids is the home of thousands of Czech nationality decendants, and I happen to be one of them. My grandmother was the first generation of her family born in the United States.

The Czech Village still carries over the Czech heritage. There is a Czech bakery, Sykora Bakery, and a Czech meat market, Polehna Meat Market, two Czech restaurants, plus some Czech gift stores, including the Czech Cottage.

The Czech & Slovac Museum and Library is also in Czech Village.

Address: 16th Avenue SW

Website: http://speed101.homestead.com/czechiahistory.html

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Cedar Rapids?

Read reviews about Cedar Rapids Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.


	Historic Brucemore Mansion Tip Rating:

Updated By Jewelslover

on May 25, 2005

Brucemore

Brucemore is a wonderful historic icon in Cedar Rapids. The Queen Anne style mansion was completed in 1886 on on ten acres of land for $55,000. This was the most expensive improvement in the city at that time.

Brucemore has been owned by three families: The Sinclairs, the Douglas' and the Halls. The Douglas' expanded the property from 10 acres to 33 acres. Then after the Halls took over the home they sold off some of the land surrounding the house and the property size was decreased 24 acres, which is is still today.

Brucemore is famous for it's resident lions. There were three of them, all named Leo!

There are daily tours of Brucemore, and special events are held there regularly. Check their website for upcoming events.

Address: 2160 Linden Drive SE

Phone: 319-362-7375

Website: www.brucemore.org

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Check out Ellis Park Tip Rating:

Updated By Jewelslover

on May 25, 2005

Ellis Park

Ellis Park is on the Northwest side of Cedar Rapids. There are tennis courts, a public swimming pool, horseshoe pits, golf course, rose gardens, baseball fields, and walking trails. There are several shelters for picnics or parties.

Ellis Park is right on the Cedar River. There is a large population of both geese and ducks here and this last weekend we saw lots of babies. If you're into houseboating you will love this park. There are houseboat slips for rent, and there are currently at least 40 boats. Regular boats are also permitted on the river. During the winter months there is an ice skating rink.

Check out my Cedar Rapids Travelogues for more pictures of Ellis Park.

Address: 916 Ellis Blvd NW

Website: http://www.cedar-rapids.org/parks/parks.asp

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Czech Out Your Heritage Tip Rating:

By Jewelslover

on May 1, 2005

Ornate Czech Plates

This is the National Czech and Slovic Museum & Library. You can learn about the Czech & Slovic heritage, and how the two immigrated to the US, see beautiful Czech glass items, view old style Czech and Slovic ornate clothing. There is even an old Czech home on the property to tour.

Address: 30 - 16th Avenue SW

Phone: 319-362-8500

Website: http://www.ncsml.org/

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Bever Park - Kid Friendly Park! Tip Rating:

By Jewelslover

on May 25, 2005

I remember going to this park as a child distinctly because of the zoo. It's changed over the years, and it's now Old MacDonald's Farm. There are pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks, donkeys, a cow, and prairie dogs.

There is a large playground area and lots of open space and big leafy trees. There is a public swimming pool at this park as well.

Address: 2700 Bever Avenue SE

Website: http://www.cedar-rapids.org/parks/parks.asp

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Cedar Rapids?

Read reviews about Cedar Rapids Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.


	Cedar Rapids History Center Tip Rating:

By Jewelslover

on May 7, 2005

Old School Desks at the
History Center

Since I grew up in Cedar Rapids and have alot of family history there I decided to check out the History Center. It's in a nice newly built or restored building on First Ave near downtown Cedar Rapids. The outside of the building is styled in a modern art look.

The History Center has a gift shop, a records library, and the main portion of the building has a collection items from the area's past and also has information about the history of Cedar Rapids. There is a virtual reality game that takes you back to the Cedar Rapids of 100 years ago. (You can actually pick from several different times in the past.)

Address: 615 1st Ave. SE

Phone: 319-362-1501

Directions: Near downtown Cedar Rapids

Website: www.historycenter.org

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	The Paramount Theater Tip Rating:

Updated By Jewelslover

on May 25, 2005

Paramount Theather

The Paramount Theater was build in the 1920's. This 1901 seat theater hosts many events each year, from the Cedar Rapids Symphony ,ballet, broadway series, to local events and meetings.

The theater is listed in the National Register of Historic places which lists places of historical or architectual signifigance. The theather was build in a combination of baroque, and rococo style, giving it a high class look.

Address: 123 Third Ave. SE

Phone: 319-398-5211

Website: http://uscellularcenter.com/theatre_info/index.asp

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library Tip Rating:

By Sagespot

on August 13, 2005

by Sagespot
Send Photo to a Friend

Lighting at Czech/Slovak
Museum

The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is a MUST SEE for any tourist to Cedar Rapids. There are always new and exciting exhibits and lectures.

The Homelands exhibit features traditional costumes, information on immigrants, and even the opporunity to learn a little of the Czech language.

The gift shop is, of course, a wonderful place to stop as well!

Address: 30 - 16th Avenue SW

Phone: 319.362.8500

Directions: From I380 take exit 18, turn East onto Wilson Ave. and follow the signs.

Website: www.NCSML.org

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Museum Trips... Tip Rating:

By Sagespot

on March 26, 2005

by Sagespot
Send Photo to a Friend

Czech Museum Doorway

Cedar Rapids has a great selection of arts and culture museums. Everything from Grant Wood exhibitions to the African American museum are worth a visit.

All of the museums I visited had wonderful gift shops with really unique items.

Address: All over town

Website: http://www.culturalcorridor.org/

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Ushers Ferry Tip Rating:

Updated By Jim_Eliason

on December 26, 2005

by Jim_Eliason, 1 more photos
Send Photo to a Friend

Ushers Ferry

This is a restored Pioneer town of 1905. The village includes all the major buildings (store, blacksmoth, etc) of a turn of the century town. The town is manned by volunteers in period costume who explain the way of life.