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MUSEUMS
Some say a community's museums reflect the true style of its people. If this is true, the people of the Cedar Rapids area are wealthy in the arts and culture, as well as history.
Brucemore
This magnificent Queen-Anne-style mansion is the focal point of a 26-acre park-like estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids. It was home to three prominent families whose commitment to the economy, culture, and philanthropic work in the area is immeasurable. Brucemore is an important example of the lifestyle of a leading Midwestern family over several generations.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
On display in one of the most stunning buildings of the area— a true landmark of architecture of our time—are exhibits drawing both regional and national attention. The museum's permanent exhibition spaces highlight the world's largest collection of works by Grant Wood, as well as significant works by Iowa artists Marvin Cone and Mauricio Lasansky.
Granger House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 19th-century house museum represents the lifestyle of a prosperous middle class businessman, Earl Granger, and his family. The beautifully restored home houses a superior collection of antique furnishings, many of which are original to the home.
The History Center
Discover the history of Cedar Rapids and Linn County. With over 5,000 square feet of exhibit space, a research library, a gift shop, special programs, and meeting space, the new facility is an exciting cultural resource for Linn County.
Iowa Masonic Library and Museum
813 First Avenue SE, (319)365-1438
Completed in 1955, the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Midwest. It houses the offices of the Grand Lodge of Iowa A.F.&A.M. There are some 100,000 volumes of reference materials and a collection of Colonial, Native American, and foreign exhibitions, as well as a room of priceless family heirlooms.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Set in the historic Czech Village, visitors to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library are encouraged to explore Czech and Slovak history and culture in the museum's state-of-the-art exhibitions. The museum's main exhibition, Homelands: The Story of the Czech and Slovak People, examines in detail many aspects of the Czech and Slovak people: their history, language, politics, immigration, art, and everyday life.
Iowa Children's Museum
Explore an amazing 28,000 square foot attraction with hands-on learning landscapes and minds-on programming; where children play to learn and adults learn to play. The Iowa Children's Museum includes interactive exhibits that encourage communication and team-work, extend skills in math and science, language and reading, provide opportunities for role and pretend play, art and music exploration, as well as developmentally appropriate play for preschoolers.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Please call 319-625-6255 for additional information.
Science Station
Experience hands-on, interactive exhibits and events for all ages at the Science Station. The Science Station promotes science education for school groups and the public by offering special monthly weekend events, Magic School Bus classes, summer school, exceptional in-house science classes, and resources from area corporations involved with science. Learning science at the Science Station is entertaining and fun.
Also plan to visit the the McLeod/Busse IMAX® Dome Theatre, the first IMAX® theatre in Iowa!
Ushers Ferry Historical Village
Take a step back in time to a small Iowa town at the turn of the century. Ushers Ferry Historic Village provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in a "hands on" tour that includes scrubbing clothes on the washboard and mowing grass with an old fashioned push mower—chores to our grandparents but fun and educational for the kids. With over 30 completed exhibits, visitors will truly feel they have returned to a quieter time and pace...before electricity or indoor plumbing.
PERFORMING ARTS
We could travel to larger metropolitan areas to appreciate culture, but we don't have to with all that the Cedar Rapids area has to offer an—abundance of music and theater. It's what makes this an interesting and lively place to live and enjoy life to its fullest. The culture we live in—the way we enjoy our fifth season—is as much a part of the people in eastern Iowa as is our professions and our history. Cedar Rapids is rich in culture and the performing arts. From our roots in Green's Opera House of the 1800's to major Broadway productions, theater is alive in the Cedar Rapids area. Even the most sophisticated tastes are sure to be gratified.
Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra
With the new season, the Cedar Rapids Symphony celebrates its 80th year and marks 20 years under the baton of Maestro Christian Tiemeyer. Described by Time Magazine as "a model for the whole country" the 85-member symphony presents five concert series in the historic and magnificent Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts. The Symphony presents 90 concerts each year including touring ensembles and a 30-member chamber orchestra.
Chamber Music
Named for the beautiful Cedar River running through Eastern Iowa, Red Cedar Chamber Music is dedicated to presenting the highest quality chamber music. The concert series treats audiences to the world's finest chamber music performed in Iowa's most beautiful arts facilities. Red Cedar Chamber Music reaches audiences around the world with their recordings, publications and concert tours, always entertaining the listener with innovative and illuminating chamber music.
Children's Theatre of Cedar Rapids
In existence since 1937, the Children's Theatre presents three plays a year, produced by Cedar Rapids high school drama departments. For young and old alike, the Children's Theatre continues to delight residents with the best in live entertainment.
U.S. Cellular Center
Live at the Five and the Paramount Theatre it's Broadway's best and latest, top rock, country, and alternative rock stars; rodeos; ice shows; family shows; major sporting events; conventions; trade shows; and even circuses. The Five Seasons Center is joined—via the skywalk—to the Five Seasons Crowne Plaza Hotel, an 800-car parking garage, the downtown shopping district, and many restaurants in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Hancher
Hancher is one of the finest facilities for the performing arts in the Midwest and the site of numerous world premieres in music and dance.
Liars Theatre
Liars Theatre is a small, non-profit professional theatre that presents a variety of theatrical works rarely produced in Eastern Iowa. Liars offers plays and concerts in a unique and intimate atmosphere designed to make you comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. Be warned though. This is not your normal theatre experience.
Starlighters II TheatreStarlighters II is a nonprofit theatre organization that has produced a wide spectrum of entertainment in Eastern Iowa for a quarter century. During each 12-month season, Starlighters II presents five main stage productions consisting of musicals, comedies, dramas, revues, and dinner theatre shows.
Paramount Theatre For The Performing Arts
Designed in the architecturally extravagant era of the 1920s, this 1,900-seat theater has hosted outstanding national and international artists. Its history includes live stage shows, Broadway performances, community theatre, movies and concerts. It is now home to the performing arts and to the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest symphonies west of the Mississippi. The Paramount is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Theatre Cedar Rapids
Seventy-one years after its debut production of Cardboard Moon, staged in Grant Wood's studio, Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR) has become one of the nation's finest community theaters. Housed in the refurbished Iowa Theatre, TCR produces an ambitious lineup of musicals, comedies, dramas, and classics. The annual season, from September through July, includes main stage shows and a variety of studio productions, touring shows, and special events.
Legion Arts/CSPS
After moving into the historic Czech social hall known as CSPS, the company expanded its range of cultural experiences and gained a wide reputation as one of the most dynamic arts presenters in the upper Midwest. It promotes new and innovative expression in the visual, performing, literary, and electronic arts and fosters creative interaction between artists and the community.
LIBRARIES
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is one of the busiest libraries in Iowa, circulating nearly 1.4 million items each year. The library computer system, CD ROM, and Internet connection have made information retrieval easier than ever, giving patrons access to a wealth of data from around the world. The library contains more than 340,000 volumes and 26,000 recordings, which includes compact discs, videos, audio cassettes, and records. Subscriptions to more than 450 periodicals are maintained. A federal and state document depository is located in the library. A computerized system links Cedar Rapids Public Library with its west side branch, the Marion and Hiawatha Libraries.
The 24,500 square-foot Marion Library opened in July 1996. The single-level floor plan makes it accessible to all people, and there is plenty of on-site free parking. The Marion Library offers 73,000 books, 250 magazines and newspapers, and over 5,700 audio and video cassettes. Access to the library's materials is through a catalog system shared with the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
NIGHTLIFE
We work hard and we play hard. And we expect to have an assortment of activities available for playing after hours. With nightclubs, comedy clubs, dance clubs, concerts, theatre and symphony, every one can find something to meet even the most sophisticated tastes. Click on one of the following selections and we will give you information on places that belong to the Area Chamber of Commerce. You are going to need a bite to eat before you head out for the evening. Click here for a listing of the finest restaurants in the Cedar Rapids metro area.
FESTIVALS
The Cedar Rapids and Marion area is host to many fun-filled, family oriented festivals. In May, Marion hosts the Marion Arts Festival, a showcase of national and regional artists of the highest caliber.
The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival is our premiere festival event celebrating our nation’s freedom and birthday. Two weeks of fun events for everyone are held at the Kirkwood Community College Campus and around the community, with the grand finale being a phenomenal fireworks display from Mays Island in the heart of the city.
Hiawatha’s Hog Wild Days is held in Hiawatha’s City Park. A beer tent, flea market, food concessions, parade, bingo and fireworks display are all part of the long-weekend event.
In September is Marion’s Swamp Fox Festival, named after the town’s namesake. This annual event offers a variety of fun and historical activities for the whole family. Festival events change each year but often include a parade, exhibits, demonstrations, history walks, athletic events, food, and entertainment.
Oktoberfest is held at the end of September each year in the Amana Colonies. This old-world celebration features dancing, beer tasting, great German food, and plenty of time with old friends and new.
CASINOS
Want to try your luck? No problem. With several floating casinos along the Mississippi River and inland west at Tama, why fly to Nevada? In Tama you will find the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel- It’s a place of fun, entertainment, conventions and good food along with Las Vegas-style games and entertainment.
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