Did you know that Cedar Rapids is known as the City of Five Seasons (the fifth season is a time to enjoy life, to enjoy the other four seasons)?
Population: 126,326
Best way to travel: Car
#1 thing to do: Cedar Greenbelt National Recreation Trail
#2 thing to do: Czech Village
#3 thing to do: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Fun Fact: The surveyor named the town Cedar Rapids for therapids in the Cedar River at the site, and the river itself was named for the large number of red cedar trees that grew along its banks.
# Car Rental Company: Alamo
Cedar Rapids, known as the City of Five Seasons, is named for Cedar River which runs through the middle of the city. This river gives the city one of its unique characteristics making it one of the few cities in the world with its municipal buildings located on an island in a river. If you choose to visit Cedar Rapids, here are five things not to miss.
1. Spend a day in Czech village. Along with enjoying Czech culture and cuisine you can also explore history of the Czech people at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.
2. Visit the Tree of Five Seasons Sculpture. This three-dimensional sculpture located near the center of the city was built in 1996 to portray of the city's slogan “City of Five Seasons.” The fifth season is traditionally a time to enjoy the other four seasons.
3. Tour the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa. Created to preserve the heritage of African Americans in Iowa, this museum is located in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Cultural Corridor.
4. Explore Brucemore Estate. This 21-room Queen Anne style mansion dates back to 1884. In addition to exploring the home and its history, you can also take in a play at the outdoor theater located on the estate's grounds.
5. Experience the Masonic Library and Museum. Browse a few of the more than 100,000 books about Freemasonry and religion as well as Iowa in general. Museum artifacts include some specific to Freemasonry as well as some specific to Iowa.
