Cedar Rapids: Art, Culture, and Nature on a Budget

Discover affordable adventures in Cedar Rapids without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Cedar Rapids, United States, on a limited budget could include visits to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Czech Village, a historic district that offers tours and local cuisine. For outdoor activities, tourists could hike in the nearby Mount Trashmore trails or enjoy a picnic at the Indian Creek Nature Center. Accommodation options include budget-friendly motels and hostels in the downtown area.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Best of Cedar Rapids

  • Begin with breakfast at the Bluebird Diner, known for their delicious pancakes and friendly staff.
  • Head to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of Grant Wood artworks and rotating exhibits.
  • Take a walk around the Czech Village, where you can find specialty shops, quirky boutiques, and old-fashioned pubs.
  • Grab a quick lunch at NewBo City Market, a vibrant farmers market with food vendors and local artisans.
  • Visit the African American Museum of Iowa, which showcases the contributions of black Iowans in music, literature, sports, and more.
  • Finish the day with a relaxing stroll in the nature sanctuary of Indian Creek Nature Center, where you can spot birds, butterflies, and even beavers.
  • Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at Parlor City Pub & Eatery, a local favorite with tasty burgers, craft beers, and live music.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cedar Rapids by plane is to fly into The Eastern Iowa Airport, which is located in Cedar Rapids. Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United operate flights to this airport from cities across the United States.

Car

Driving to Cedar Rapids is a great option if you have access to a car. The city is situated near major highways, including I-80 and I-380, which connect the city to other major cities in the Midwest.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Cedar Rapids, so traveling by train is not an option.

Boat

Since Cedar Rapids is located in the middle of the United States, there are no ports or waterways that provide access to the city by boat.

Bus

Taking a bus is a convenient way to get to Cedar Rapids. Greyhound and Megabus have stations in the city, and offer daily services from cities across the United States.

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