Places To See

          
Cedar Rapids has plenty of museums and local attractions to keep you busy. There are many places you can take your children or just go yourself. Whether it is historical, playtime, shopping or learning, we have a little bit of everything!

Am I Missing Something? Email me!               Top Ten:     #8 



African American Historical Museum
55 12th Ave SE  862-2101
blackiowa.org


Changing Exhibits
"Our Sisters Many Hats"
Our Sisters' Many Hats is an exhibit that brings to light the many and varied roles of African American women in Iowa. As providers for their families, crusaders for change, servants of Christ, artists, scholars, friends, and neighbors, Black women have always "worn many hats." This exhibit celebrates their many talents, while exploring reasons for and results of their efforts.

Bever Park Children's Zoo
2700 Bever Ave SE   319-286-5761


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Brucemore 
brucemore.org
319-362-7375

Home Sweet Home: Red Cedar Chamber Music
Feb 24 & 25  8 PM & 10:30 PM
Home Sweet Home: Red Cedar Chamber Music
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
The Red Cedar Chamber will return to Brucemore for a lovely evening of music, champagne, and desserts. Flutist Jan Boland, guitarist John Dowdall, and cellist Lisa Ponton will play music by Stephen Collins Foster and his contemporaries.
Admission is $35 per person or $30 per Brucemore member. Space is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting the Brucemore Store or calling (319) 362-7375.



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Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 
www.crma.org

Permanent    Art In Roman Life

Permanent    Mauricio Lasansky: Master Printmaker

Midwestern Visions: Grant Wood, Marvin Cone and Beyond

Art Bites: The Magical World of M.C Escher w/Sean Ulmer
Feb 1  12:15 PM
Join CRMA Curator Sean Ulmer as he discusses the work of M.C. Escher (1898-1972), a fascinating Dutch printmaker known for his mathematically-inspired explorations of impossible constructions. Ulmer’s talk will focus on the three Escher prints from the CRMA collection that we will bring out of the vault for this presentation only!

Toddler Story Time at the CRMA
Feb 2  1:30
Come to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for stories, songs, and action rhymes during this 30-minute Cedar Rapids Public Library program

Doodlebus Preschool Program at the CR  Public Library-"Norman Rockwell's Birthday"
Feb 3 10:30 AM
Today's program, Sherlock Holmes' Birthday, will be held at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The most famous detective of all time is going to help preschoolers and their adult companions make their own disguises! Trench coats and deerstalker hats are optional.

Preview Reception for Lure of the Local: Collecting the Corridor
Feb 3  5-7 PM
All are invited to join us for a special preview reception for our newest exhibition Lure of the Local: Collecting the Corridor, 2006-2011. This will be your first opportunity to see these works and to meet some of our amazingly talented local artists!

Lure of the Local: Collecting the Corridor, 2006-2011 Exhibition opens
Feb 4  10-4 PM
Lure of the Local: Collecting the Corridor, 2006-2011 showcases these recent acquisitions through the exhibition of more than 65 works by more than 40 area artists. Many visitors will be surprised by the variety of media, subjects, and styles that artists are using today, as demonstrated in the paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, collages, photographs, and sculptures included, and in the wide range of materials from oil and acrylic paints to jigsaw puzzle pieces, carved wood, foil, and envelopes.

Spotlight on You! Family Fun Day
Feb 4  11-3 PM
The corridor is full of talented artists, including you! Join us for a day of free art activities for all ages. Tour the galleries with some of the local artists featured in our new exhibition. Then you can become the newest local artist with make-and-take art projects! 

Toddler Story Time at the CRMA
Feb 9 1:30
Come to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for stories, songs, and action rhymes during this 30-minute Cedar Rapids Public Library program


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Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite Center
616 A Ave NE  364-2904
www.crscottishrite.org


 

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Circle of Ash
circleofash.com

Circle of Ash is an entirely Volunteer-driven organization.  These individuals bring you the haunt each year through many hours of hard work and dedication!

Czech Village 
www.czechvillageiowa.com

Farmer's Markets


8th Ave City Farmer's Market       Tuesdays 4-6 PM  
8th Ave/2nd Street parking lot SE

Central City Farmers Market         Thursdays  4-6 PM
Courtyard Park

Downtown Farmers Market           Saturdays 7:30-Noon

Ely's Farmers Market                     Saturdays 8-Noon
Ely Community Center

Green Square Park                         starts Thur  Jun 2  4-6 PM
Marion

Marion Farmers Market                  Wednesdays  3-6 PM
3375 7th Ave

Monticello Farmers Market           Wednesdays  3-5:30 PM
Middle School Parking lot

Mt Vernon Farmers Market           Thursdays  4-6 PM
Visitors Center

Noelridge Farmer's Market            starts Mon/Wed  May 16  4-6 PM
Noelridge Park

Shellsburg Farmers Market           Wednesdays   5-7 PM
City Park

Springville Farmers Market           Jun 7-Aug 30  4-6 PM
Cox Lake Park

Uptown Marion Market                   2nd Saturday of the month  7:30-noon

Genealogical Society of Linn County
813 1st Ave SE   369-0022

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Grant Wood Studio and Visitor Center
www.grantwoodstudio.org

Guided tours on the hour
Open Fri-Sun   12 PM-4 PM

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Hawkeye Downs 
www.hawkeyedownsspeedway.com

Bingo every Thur, Sat at 6:30 PM Sun at 5 PM

Feb 3      Gun Show
Feb 4      Gun Show
Feb 5      Gun Show
Feb 10    Boat, Sport & Travel Show
Feb 11    Boat, Sport & Travel Show
Feb 12    Boat, Sport & Travel Show, Hawkeye Downs Enduro
Feb 17    RV Show
Feb 18    RV Show
Feb 19    RV Show
Feb 24    CR Home & Builders Show
Feb 25    CR Home & Builders Show
Feb 26    Extreme Challenge MMA, Snow Cross Race


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The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center
www.historycenter.org
Admission: $5 for families, $3 for adults and $1 for students and seniors.

"Chautauqua Movement Exhibit"

"Union Station Fireplace"

"Danceland Ballroom Exhibit"

Memory Makers: Getting Dressed
Feb 18  10:30 AM
What did people wear in the past? We'll explore what and how people wore what they did and make paper dolls to take home.

S.O.S. Quilt Making
Mar 15  1 PM
Join Judy Heilers of the East Iowa Heirloom Quilters in tying quilts for charity. Learn how to do and then jump right in to help make quilts for those who need them.

Memory Makers: Music and Dance
Mar 17  10:30 AM
What are the kinds of music and dance that different cultures brought to Iowa? Listen to music, try a dance or two and make your own instrument to take home.

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Indian Creek Nature Center
6665 Otis Rd SE  319-362-0664 
http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

REAL Walk: Tour the Hughes Nursery Museum
Feb 1  10 AM
The Hughes Nursery & Landscaping Family-Business Museum contains items of interest dating back to 1908 when the business began. Next to the Museum is the company's office building, built in 1910, with original furniture and equipment. Take a look into the past of a family business not usually opened to the public. REAL Walks are geared for adults aged 40 or better. Fee: $3/member; $4/non-member. Call 319-362-0664 to register and get driving directions.

Owl Moon Walk
Feb 3  7 PM
Stroll under the magic light of an almost full moon. Winter evenings are ideal for listening and looking for owls. Our goal will be to reach a favored owl habitat: the pine grove. Dress warmly and be prepared to hike outdoors on snowy trails. Cost: $4/member adult; $5/nonmember adult; $2/child. Advance registration apprecated. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Willow Tower Workshop
Feb 4  11-4 PM
Learn to collect willow, view a slide presentation of garden structures made from willow and build your own garden tower! Willow weaver Mary Kopecky will teach you how to create a strong, attractive seven-foot garden tower. Bring your own lunch. Limited to 15 participants so advance registration is a must. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Naturalist Adventurers
Feb 11  10 AM
Naturalist Adventurers is a program for students 6th grade and beyond. Help us tap trees and prepare for the maple syrup-making season. Wear boots and dress warmly for the outdoors. Limited to 10 participants Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online. 

Saving $ at Home through Energy Efficiency
Feb 11  2-4 PM
This workshop, sponsored by the Iowa Energy Center, provides homeowners with specific information on efficient lighting and household management techniques that reduce utility bills. For a description of the topics, visit www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org. Free admission but registration is required by Tuesday, February 7th. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Saving $ at Work through Energy Efficiency
Feb 14  9-3 PM
This day-long workshop, sponsored by the Iowa Energy Center, will help small businesses and nonprofits learn to reduce utility costs through careful building management and the use of efficient technologies. For a description of the topics, visit www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org. (Bring your own lunchbeverages provided) Free admission but registration is required by Thursday, February 9th. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Preschoolers & Parents: Winter Water Wonders
Feb 14  9:30 AM
Investigate the wonders of water - snow and ice - in winter. How does snow actually help plants and animals? Dress for the weather so we can spend time outside enjoying this beautiful season. Designed for children 3-6 years of age accompanied by an adult.Advance registration is appreciated. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Preschoolers & Parents: Winter Water Wonders
Feb 17 9:30 AM
Investigate the wonders of water - snow and ice - in winter. How does snow actually help plants and animals? Dress for the weather so we can spend time outside enjoying this beautiful season. Designed for children 3-6 years of age accompanied by an adult.Advance registration is appreciated. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Toddler Tracks: Winter Wildlife
Feb 18  10-noon
Explore the wonderful world of winter wildlife through self-guided interactive play with your toddler. Feel fuzzy furs, hop like a hare, listen to a story and more. Bundle up to go on a naturalist-led hike. Activities are repeated so come and go as it works best for you and your toddler. Designed for children 18-36 months of age accompanied by an adult.Advance registration is appreciated. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Backyard Chicken Basics
Feb 18  2-3:30 PM
Interested in keeping backyard chickens? This workshop, held at the Indian Creek Nature Center, will detail the “ins and outs” of legally and successfully keeping hens in urban and suburban environments. Those who complete the workshop will receive a certificate of completion that meets the City of Cedar Rapids’ requirements for keeping backyard hens. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online by 4pm on Thursday, February 16th.

Winter Bug Academy
Feb 25  1 PM
Joe and Christopher Zito invite you to an outdoor winter insect foray to look for over-wintering insects, snow fleas, active winter stoneflies and craneflies. Come dressed to go outdoors. Also see an indoor presentation on how insects survive winter and deal with cold. Open to all adults and children 8 years old and up. Cost: $4/member adult; $5/nonmember adult; $2/child. Advance registration strongly recommended. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online.

Ask the ExpertChickens!
Feb 25  2 PM
Dr. Darrell Trampel, ISU poultry extension veterinarian is here to answer all your questions. Dr. Trampel responds to poultry health concerns raised by producers, backyard hobbyists and veterinarians and serves as liaison between the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa poultry organizations. He'll have answers! Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online by 4pm on Thursday, February 23rd.

Hungry For Change: Food, Ethics 7 Sustainability
Feb 25  8 AM
Join our six-week discussion course explores food systems and the impact food choices have on our health and that of our planet. Consider the ethical and political implications of our food system and our personal food choices. Complete course information available online at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org. A discussion course book is required and included in the fee. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or go to our website to register online. Registration required by 4pm on Wednesday, February 22nd


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Iowa Islamic Heritage & Cultural Center
1335 9th St SW   319-366-3150

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
www.ncsml.org
4444 1st Avenue NE, in the corridor next to Younkers and behind Holley’s Store for Men   319-294-5354
  
Permanent Exhibitions
"Homelands: The Story of the Czech & Slovak People" 
"Pack Your Bags:Journey To America"  

Science Station
sciencestation.org
Main Level Lindale Mall

We're pleased to announce that our lower level location off Center Court has been converted into our Education Center and will soon be remodeled into classrooms for summer camp.  This space will also be used for school groups and special programming.

Exhibit Gallery

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Tree of Five Seasons

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Ushers Ferry Historic Village

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Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center 
10260 Morris Hills Rd, Toddville  892-6485
linncountyparks.com



Every Sunday 1-4 PM  Learning Center Exhibits

 
Bow Building Class
Feb 4 8-4:30 PM
Over time, many types of building skills have been lost to modern manufacturing. A skill that is still used today, as it has been for generations, is bow building. If you have an interest in building your own bow with the help of an experienced instructor, this is your chance.
Gene Winter has been building bows for many years and will be sharing his skill with workshop participants on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Conservation maintenance shop, which is located behind the Conservation Department’s administrative building at 1890 County Home Road (next to the Abbe Center in rural Marion).
Workshop cost is $200 per person which includes one stave. Additional staves may be purchased for an additional cost. Registration by January 31 is required by calling 892-6485, as class size is limited.

Juarassic Jumble: Waugh Quarry, Wyoming
Feb 9 7-9 PM
Bill Desmarais will share thewonders of the Jurassic Period that has sported some of the
largest of all dinosaurs. Many times when they died their skeletons were taken apart by the forces of nature, like a flowing stream, then jumbled together for modern day paleontologists to discover. The Waugh Quarry, near Hulett, Wyoming, is such a place. This presentation will demonstrate field techniques used to find, remove, and document dinosaur remains from this Jurassic quarry. Participants will be able to do hands-on activities that simulate the work done in dinosaur quarries, for all ages.

Snow Snakes
Feb 11 1-3:30 PM
Wickiup Hill is hosting its second Snow Snake Family Fun Day. Come and make your own snow snake. Then challenge your friends or family members by throwing your “snake” down the chute. The winter game of Snow Snake was played by many northern American Indian tribes. The “snow-snake” is a long slender, polished wooded stick that ranges from 3-9 feet in length. It is an ancient game modified from the atlatl. The head of the snow-snake is shaped like a bird or snake head. The goal is to out distance your competitors with your throw of the stick. The snow snake track is laid out by dragging a log creating a small ditch up to a quarter mile. When the snow-snake is thrown, it glides down through the snow, shimmies and gives the appearance of a snake movement. Cost is $5 per snow snake. Registration required by February 9 by calling 892-6485.

Wandering Adventure Club
Feb 11 10-11 AM
Wandering Adventure Club is a special club for kids ages 3-7 and their families ready to wander around, get down and dirty, and connect with nature! These ‘wanders’ are fun, casual and excellent for families who enjoy the outdoors or who are unsure about how to introduce their kids to nature and its inhabitants.
The goals of the club include creating strong family bonds and generating a love for Iowa’s beautiful outdoors. It is a fact that Iowa has the most changed landscape out of all 50 states. It is up to the next generation to revive and care for our delicate and priceless environment. Engage children with nature and they will love it forever! Call Chuck for additional details at 319-892-6485.

Science for Squirts: Nature's Unhuggables
Feb 15 10 AM
Participants will meet spiders and bats and talk about why they aren’t so creepy after all! The Wickiup Hill tarantula is so excited to meet you and show you her pretty pink toes! Craft and story included.
Registration required 3 days before program date bycalling 892-6485.

Toddler Toadstools: Nature's Unhuggables
Feb 16 10 AM
Participants will meet spiders and bats and talk about why they aren’t so creepy after all! The Wickiup Hill tarantula is so excited to meet you and show you her pretty pink toes! Craft and story included.
Registration required 3 days before program date by calling 892-6485.

Iowa Mammals
Feb 21 7-8:30 PM
Iowa’s landscape once looked completely different than today. The original habitats provided homes
for mammals that no longer can be found in Iowa. Come learn about Iowa mammals - past and present. A large number of mammal furs will be available to view and touch.

Snakes Alive
Feb 28 7-8:30 PM
Do you know your native snakes? Which one can mimic a cobra?Whichone plays dead? Join herpetologist DonBeckerto learn aboutLinn County’s snakes.He will bring live snakes to see and you will learn about their behavioral characteristics. Cost is $2.50/adult,$1/child16andunder,or$5/family.