Craving a weekend escape that blends urban charm with natural wonders? Your Cedar Rapids weekend itinerary awaits, promising a delightful mix of art, adventure, and culinary delights that will leave you utterly charmed. Ditch the ordinary and dive into a Cedar Rapids weekend designed to surprise and delight, where hidden gems and local favorites create an unforgettable Midwestern adventure.
Cedar Rapids effortlessly blends a thriving arts scene with outdoor adventure and a rapidly growing culinary landscape, solidifying its place as one of the Midwest’s coolest hidden gems. From revitalized historic districts to innovative breweries, Cedar Rapids offers a unique and undeniably hip experience.
3-Day Cedar Rapids Weekend Itinerary
What Can I See in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
Cedar Rapids offers a wide array of activities for visitors. Here are some things you can expect to see in our Cedar Rapids Weekend Itinerary.
- Explore NewBo City Market: Enjoy local food, shop for unique goods, and experience the lively atmosphere.
- Visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library: Learn about the rich history and culture of Czech and Slovak immigrants.
- Discover art at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art: View works by Grant Wood and other American artists.
- Stroll through Brucemore: Tour this historic estate and its beautiful gardens.
- Hike at Palisades-Kepler State Park: Enjoy scenic views of the Cedar River and explore the trails.
- Experience the Indian Creek Nature Center: Explore trails and learn about the local ecosystem.
- Enjoy a show at the Paramount Theatre: Catch a performance in this beautifully restored historic theater.
- Visit Mount Trashmore: Walk the trails, and take in the panoramic views of Cedar Rapids.
- Tour Cedar Ridge Distillery: Enjoy a distillery tour and tasting.
- Explore the district Czech Village/New Bohemia: Explore the shops and restaurants in these historic areas.
Day 1: Arrival & Theater
Arrive in Cedar Rapids and settle into your accommodations, ready to dive straight into the city’s cultural heart. Day one centers around the grandeur of the Paramount Theatre, promising an unforgettable performance. Plan your evening around the show, whether you choose a pre-theater dinner at a local favorite or a post-show meal to savor the evening’s magic.
Check in Time!
The Hotel at Kirkwood
If you’re looking for a location that boasts all of the best amenities and close proximity to the city, The Hotel at Kirkwood Center has you covered. This AAA, four star Diamond Hotel is the only luxury teaching hotel of its kind in the nation. It is an amazing place to stay for a weekend in Cedar Rapids.
The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary internet access, 50-inch flat-screen TVs with Google Chromecast, and marble bathrooms. Dining options include The Class Act Restaurant, known as one of Cedar Rapids’ most renowned dining destinations, and the Maikka Lobby Bar.
The hotel also provides 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space and is an award-winning wedding venue. Over 100 pieces of local and artisan art are displayed throughout the accommodations and public spaces. The hotel has received the AAA Four Diamond Award for 14 consecutive years
Not much for hotel stays? Adventurous folks might choose to spend their Cedar Rapids weekend camping at Palisades-Kepler State Park! Snag a cabin or one of 40+ campsites in the park for an inexpensive accommodation with a view!
See a Show!
Paramount Theater
The theater plays a pivotal role in the city’s arts scene, attracting a wide range of talent and audiences. Its ability to host diverse events makes it an essential part of Cedar Rapids’ community life.
The Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids boasts a rich and storied history. Originally opened in 1928 as the Capitol Theatre, it was later acquired by Paramount Pictures and renamed. This architectural gem reflects the grandeur of the “movie palace” era of the 1920s, featuring ornate designs and a once lavish interior. Notably, it’s famous for its restored Wurlitzer theater organ, a hallmark of that period. The theatre has faced challenges, including significant damage from the 2008 Cedar River flood, but has been meticulously restored, preserving its historical significance.
Today, the Paramount Theatre serves as a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment in Cedar Rapids. It offers a diverse program of events, including Broadway shows, concerts, symphony performances, and various community productions. The theater’s modern amenities and restored elegance provide a premier venue for both performers and audiences. It is a very important location for the cultural enrichment of the Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.
Important to prep for your Cedar Rapids Weekend with a good meal! Here are a few restaurants near the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids that are open late:
- LP – Street Food: A global pub with a full bar, offering a relaxed setting.
- Pub 217: A neighborhood spot with handcrafted burgers and beers.
- The Blind Pig: Serving Comfort food until 12:00 AM
- Black Sheep Social Club: Crafted cocktails & new American cuisine.
All of these establishments have decently late hours to accommodate for post show eats!
Day 2: Outdoor Fun in Cedar Rapids
Your first full day in Cedar Rapids kicks off with invigorating outdoor exploration, transitioning seamlessly into the city’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene. We’ll be transitioning back and forth between both today so you should be prepared for a little bit of everything.
Morning
Start your morning immersed in nature’s beauty at Palisades-Kepler State Park, followed by a delicious lunch at Edith Lucille’s.
Palisades-Kepler State Park
hiking, fishing, & camping
Palisades-Kepler State Park, established in 1922, is a scenic destination located on the Cedar River near Cedar Rapids. The park features dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, hardwood trees, and an abundance of wildlife. Native American Indian mounds are also present.
Visitors can enjoy five miles of rugged hiking trails, fishing in the Cedar River, and overnight stays in cabins or the campground. The park offers amenities such as a boat ramp, a day-use lodge, shelters, modern restrooms and showers, and electric campsites. The stone lodge can be reserved for events. It’s open from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
We recommend hiking the 2.1 Mile Cedar Cliff Trail to kick off your morning. Hike along the Cedar River as it winds around significant rock formations and remnants of ancient reefs from 450 million years ago. The trail features ups and downs, with sections of dirt and rocky terrain. Our favorite part was the viewpoint from the stone structure about three quarters of a mile in.
Edith Lucilles
Grab a Well-Deserved Bite!
Edith Lucille’s Bait Shack & Wing Depot is a casual restaurant in Cedar Rapids, known for its down-home atmosphere, live music, and extensive menu of American comfort food.
Here’s more about what you can expect:
- Menu: The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers like wings, nachos, and onion rings. For entrees, you’ll find classic American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood. They also offer a variety of daily specials.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant has a rustic and lively atmosphere, with live music often playing. It’s a great place to come with friends or family for a casual and fun dining experience.
Overall, Edith Lucille’s Bait Shack & Wing Depot is a popular spot in Cedar Rapids for its delicious food, friendly service, and lively atmosphere.
Afternoon
The afternoon brings you to the educational and serene Indian Creek Nature Center, before enjoying local brews at Clockhouse Brewing and a delectable dinner at Black Sheep Social Club.
Indian Creek Nature Center
hiking, wildlife, & education
Indian Creek Nature Center, established in 1973, is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through environmental education, land protection and restoration, and encouraging responsible interaction with nature. Located at 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, it offers 7 miles of trails across nearly 500 acres of protected woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.
Here are some of the things you can do at Indian Creek Nature Center:
- Explore the trails: The nature center has six miles of trails that wind through the woods and prairies. You may see a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds.
- Visit the exhibits: The nature center has a variety of exhibits that teach visitors about the natural world. These exhibits include a live beehive, a bird watching station, and a creek/watershed model.
- Attend a program: The nature center offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs include nature walks, bird watching classes, and presentations on a variety of topics.
- Shop at the gift shop: The nature center has a gift shop where you can find a variety of local items.
The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The trails are accessible from 5 AM to 10 PM daily. You can find more information on their website: Indian Creek Nature Center
Hit the Brewery!
Lion Bridge Brewing Co.
Cedar Rapids boasts a growing and vibrant beer scene, with a diverse selection of breweries offering everything from classic styles to innovative craft brews. Visitors can expect to find welcoming taprooms and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for exploring the local flavors.
- Lion Bridge Brewing Co.
Lion Bridge Brewing Co. is known for having a diverse selection of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and seasonal brews. Their most popular beers may include Smoked Lager and Czech Village. They do serve basic pub fare to complement their beer selection! - Clock House Brewing
lock House Brewing specializes in IPAs and provides both food and live entertainment for patrons. - Iowa Brewing Company
Iowa Brewing Company boasts a wide range of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts, and while they don’t serve food, they welcome customers to bring their own or order delivery
Cedar Rapids’ brewery scene offers a diverse and lively experience, with each brewery bringing its own unique flavors, atmospheres, and entertainment, making it a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
Cap off the night by checking for events at the Eastern Iowa Observatory. The Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center provides a variety of engaging activities, including public viewing nights to observe celestial objects through telescopes, tours to learn about the observatory’s history and operations, and other educational programs like lectures and workshops.
Public viewing nights are typically held on Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, weather permitting, and admission is free. You can find more information on their website: Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center.
Day 3: Explore Downtown Cedar Rapids
Start your day with a delightful brunch at a local favorite, followed by an invigorating and unique workout experience, before immersing yourself in the vibrant downtown scene of Cedar Rapids. Today we’re doing it all with a bit of nature, some museum options, and overall downtown enjoyment.
Morning
Downtown Cedar Rapids is a vibrant hub with a variety of attractions. We’re going to start our day just outside of town with an amazing brunch before heading to Mount Trashmore, a unique destination, to get some exercise in at the highest point in Linn County.
Cedar Ridge Distillery
Brunch & Distillery Tour
Cedar Ridge Distillery offers a delightful Sunday Brunch Buffet with beautiful outdoor seating and tasty drinks; reservations are strongly recommended.
Beyond brunch, Cedar Ridge provides a range of offerings, including their award-winning wines and spirits, and features amazing outdoor seating where guests can enjoy their meals and drinks amidst scenic views.
Distillery tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 PM and 2 PM for $5 per person, which includes complimentary samples and a discount in their gift shop. 1 These tours provide an insightful look into the distilling process and the history of Cedar Ridge.
Mount Trashmore
Hiking & Biking Trails
Mount Trashmore has an interesting history. Originally opened as a landfill in 1965, it took in waste until its closure in 2006. However, after a significant flood in 2008, it was reopened to assist with the immense debris cleanup, adding substantially to its height. It then closed permanently as a landfill in 2012.
Today, Mount Trashmore has been transformed into a recreational destination, offering a unique and elevated experience. It features the Mount Trashmore hiking and biking Trails & Overlook, which provides stunning views of the Cedar Rapids skyline. This transformation is very cool, going from refuse site, to a scenic out look.
Mount Trashmore stands as an example of how a former waste site can be repurposed into a valuable community asset, offering both recreation and scenic beauty.
Afternoon
We’ll head into town for the rest of the day to enjoy the NewBo City Market, a year-round public market featuring local food vendors, shops, and events, a range of museum options, and so much more. These attractions combine to make downtown Cedar Rapids a dynamic and engaging place to visit.
Cedar Rapids Museums
Czech & Slovak, African American, and/or Art Museum
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library: This museum preserves and celebrates Czech and Slovak history and culture. Expect interactive exhibits, heritage programs, and events that showcase the traditions and stories of these cultures. The museum also has a library and offers educational programs.
African American Museum of Iowa: The African American Museum of Iowa is dedicated to preserving, publicizing, and educating on the African American heritage and culture of Iowa. Visitors can explore exhibits that trace Iowa’s African American history from its origins to the present. The museum also offers tours, educational programming, and special events. Please note that the museum building is currently undergoing renovations, but off-site programs and exhibits are still being held.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art: This museum houses a collection of over 7,200 works of art, with a focus on American art, especially from the first half of the 20th century. Expect to see works by Grant Wood, including the world’s largest collection of his art. The museum also has a strong collection of Roman portrait busts.
Shopping Downtown
NewBo Market and more…
NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids is a vibrant indoor market offering a diverse array of experiences. You can find a wide variety of local food vendors serving everything from fresh produce and baked goods to international cuisine and gourmet treats.
The market also features unique shops where you can discover gifts, handmade crafts, and locally produced goods from artisans and small businesses. Throughout the year, NewBo City Market hosts live music performances, special events, and community gatherings. Overall, NewBo City Market offers a lively and unique shopping and dining experience and serves as a gathering place for the community. More information can be found on their website: NewBo City Marke
Downtown Cedar Rapids offers a variety of shopping experiences, with a mix of local boutiques and specialty stores. A notable highlight is Almost Famous Popcorn, a local shop offering over 35 flavors of gourmet, small-batch popcorn, along with ice cream and craft sodas. You can visit them in the Newbo District
Head back to the hotel and clean up for a fancy meal to end your stay! The Class Act Restaurant, located within The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, is known as one of Cedar Rapids’ most renowned dining destinations. It offers an innovative menu and handcrafted cocktails in a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. Our dinner was truly flawless with excellent service.
Cedar Rapids Adventure Weekend Itinerary
This weekend itinerary shares Cedar Rapids most adventure-friendly activities with a side of culture and delicious meals!
Explore local state parks, hike up a trash mountain, and watch the stars from an incredible dark sky location with this epic itinerary.
2.5 Million people visit Cedar Rapids annually. Known for blending both its industrial significance and its cultural offerings, Cedar Rapids is a must-visit for anyone passing through Iowa.
Plan a successful trip to Cedar Rapids by booking your accommodations and making reservations early! Do your research for the time of year you are visiting to know how to best prepare for your Iowa adventures. You will have an incredible time in this city if you plan your Cedar Rapids Weekend properly!
Conclusion
Cedar Rapids offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and a rapidly growing culinary scene, making it an ideal destination for a memorable weekend getaway. From exploring the scenic trails of Palisades-Kepler State Park and delving into the city’s vibrant arts and history at its museums, to savoring local brews and indulging in delicious dining experiences, there’s something to captivate every traveler.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing escape, Cedar Rapids provides a diverse and engaging experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
This post was written in collaboration with Cedar Rapids Tourism.
If you are interested in working together on a project, check out my Connect With KT Page!