What Cedar Rapids is known for

The Cedar Rapids Region is named after the second-largest city in Iowa.[2] Cedar Rapids has a unique culture and various things to do. Something special about Cedar Rapids is the representation of central European culture, specifically the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is one of the top attractions in the area and is a place where visitors can learn about the Czech Republic and Slovakia's culture and history. The museum was founded in 1974, moved locations in 1983, and then was renovated in 2012 after the Iowa flood. The museum was founded by a group of second and third-generation Czech American descendants.[4] The museum's focus is sharing the history of the Czech and Slovak people and providing engaging learning experiences for visitors.[3] The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is another popular attraction within the Cedar Rapids Region. The museum originated in 1895 and strives to educate visitors through a wide variety of artwork from many different eras. The museum has the largest collection of work from Grant Wood, famous for creating the American Gothic painting.[5] 

For an outdoor adventure, the Palisades-Kepler State Park is a place for camping, having picnics, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The river at the Palisades-Kepler State Park offers various opportunities for catching fish, such as channel catfish, bass, and bluegills. Campers can stay in one of the four family cabins that are available at the state park or use one of the electrical hookups for campers and RVs. The cabins accommodate four people and have a shower, restroom, stovetop, and refrigerator.[6] June through August is the busiest time for tourism in the Cedar Rapids Region. The weather is comfortable and higher throughout these months.[7]

Geography

The Cedar Rapids Region covers the east side of Iowa. Cities within the destination include Iowa City, Waterloo, Brooklyn, Dubuque, and Tama. The Mississippi River follows the east side of the region. Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area and Randolph Wildlife Management Area are two of the natural landmarks in the area. The Cedar Rapids Region has long and warm summers, typically from May to September. The average temperature during the summer months is around 73 degrees. The winter season lasts about three months, starting in December and lasting through February. The average temperature during the winter months is 40 degrees. The coldest day of the year is usually in January, reaching an average low of 14 degrees. The warmest day of the year reaches 84 degrees in July. 
April through September are the months when the area receives the most precipitation, with a 27% chance of a wet day.[1] 

The Palisades-Kepler State Park is one of the destinations throughout the destination where visitors will have the opportunity to spot some of the wildlife that the Cedar Rapids Region has to offer. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds are a few of the frequently spotted animals at the state park.[6] Cedar Rapids is known for the high amount of corn that is produced. The grain processing industry is the driving force in Cedar Rapid's economy, providing residents with 4,000 jobs.[2] Some of the other products that are produced in Iowa include soybeans, hogs, and cattle.

History

The Cedar Rapids Region was first inhabited by the Fox and Sac Native American Tribes. Osgood Shepherd was the first white settler to come to the area. George Greene, Nicholas Brown, and a few others are known as the true founders of the area. They bought Osgood Sheperd's claim and started constructing the town. The town was officially recognized as a town on January 15, 1849, and was named after the Cedar River, named after the large amounts of red cedar trees surrounding the bank. 

Cedar Rapids expanded in the 1850s due to a large number of Czech immigrants that came to the area. The city continued to grow due to the railroads and companies that started up during these times. One of the companies that started in the area was the Quaker Oats Company. The oatmeal was built in 1873 and is now the largest cereal mill in the world. Cedar Rapids has 126,326 people, 87.98% White, 5.58% African American, .31% Native American, 2.21% Asian, .12% Pacific Islander, .93% from other races, 2.87% from two or more races, and 3.31% Hispanic or Latino. Muslim heritage is a part of Cedar Rapids due to the immigrants from Lebanon and Syria in 1895. The National Muslim Cemetery covers 12 acres and is the first Muslim cemetery in North America.[2]