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Step 1
Explore Czech Village. Located south of Cedar River, this is a lovely and vibrant community of Czech businesses including restaurants and a meat market. Be sure to check out the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library (one of the main tourist draws in Cedar Rapids), as well as the Cedar Rapids Czech Heritage Foundation, which works to keep Czech culture alive in the city.
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Step 2
Visit Ushers Ferry Historic Village. This is a living history museum that is composed of over 30 homes and businesses. The village depicts small-town Iowa life from the turn of the 20th century. Visitors to Ushers Ferry can get a hands-on experience of life in Iowa around that era.
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Step 3
Go to Maple Ridge Farm. This is a farm and recreation area that is a relaxed place to spend the day and enjoy the beauty of the area. Visitors can partake in a plethora of activities including hayrides, bonfires and picnics, all in a rustic, rural setting.
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Step 4
Stop by Brucemore Mansion. This mansion was the property of three rich families from 1884 to 1981. A sprawling, 21-room estate in the Queen Anne style, Brucemore Mansion is a National Trust Historic Site. There are many artifacts displayed here depicting the history of the residence, the inhabitants and the era in general.
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Step 5
Check out the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum. The world's largest collection of Masonic artifacts and books is available here (over 100,000 books). Be sure to check out the fascinating Masonic items, including 18th-century hand-embroidered Masonic aprons and Knight Templar swords.
