Beat the winter blahs with a weekend getaway to the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.
Things To Do
The Iowa Children's Museum
A dozen interactive exhibits at The Iowa Children’s Museum encourage children to imagine, create, discover and explore through the power of play. The Science of Skateboarding exhibit, opened in May 2018, teaches kids about force, mass, gravity and energy through interactive components including a skates shop, race track and modular skate park.
Old Capitol Museum
The cornerstone of this national historic landmark was laid over 175 years ago. Since then, Iowa City’s Old Capitol Museum has undergone multiple renovations and additions and survived a major fire in 2001. As one of Iowa’s most recognizable landmarks, the Old Capitol Museum is a great place to visit year after year.
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Located next to the Old Capitol Museum, the U of I’s Museum of Natural History is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi River. Walk through the Iowa Hall, a 500-million-year adventure through Iowa’s geological, ecological and cultural history. Or, wander through Mammal Hall and see the complete skeleton of a 470-foot-long North Atlantic right whale.
Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District
Check out the Czech Village where Cedar Rapids’ past and present come to life. A wide variety of retailers, restaurants and cultural museums give the area the flavor of the Czech, Slovakian and Moravian immigrants who settled here in the late 1800s. The district includes several staples in the Cedar Rapids community like the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library, NewBo City Market and Lion Bridge Brewing, a Great American Beer Festival gold medalist.
Indian Creek Nature Center
Located on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids, and along the winding Cedar River, the Indian Creek Nature Center is an expansive natural environment where families can hike, fish, cross-country ski, bird watch or participate in programming that uncovers the wonders of nature. In 2016 a stunning, new facility dubbed “Amazing Space” opened on the site of a former farmstead. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the facility’s Bird Room, investigate the interactive watershed table and learn about the solar panels that create power to operate the building, which is one of the most environmentally sustainable structures in the nation.
Where to Eat
Brewhemia
Located in the historic New Bohemia District, Brewhemia serves amazing pastries, coffee, craft beer, local spirits, wine and appetizers.
Sykora Bakery
The Old-World ethnic bakery and café, a part of the historic Czech Village since 1903, is legendary for their homemade soups, sandwiches and kolaches.
Big Grove Brewery
Located in Solon, about midway between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Big Grove Brewery emphasizes classic comfort food with upscale entrees, salads and sandwiches with all breads made in-house. The brewpub features IPAs, sours, Arms Race Pale Ale and lagers.
Bluebird Diner
Known for their breakfasts and eclectic twist on classic comfort food (think Wild Mushroom Eggs Benedict and Steak & Oyster Linguine), the Bluebird Diner has been a favorite of Iowa City locals for years. Head over for a cozy, filling meal made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.
Where to Stay
Tru by Hilton Cedar Rapids
The first Tru by Hilton in the Midwest includes 82 modern guestrooms, a fitness center, pool and open lobby where guests can eat, work, play and lounge.
