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!


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

Closed due to flood

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


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Brucemore 
brucemore.org


319-362-7375


Jan 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24  7:30 PM
Jan 25  2:30 PM
A Modern Salon At Brucemore
A Modern Salon is held in the Great Hall of Brucemore. The theme of the evening’s entertainment is love and features SPT performers along with local guest violinist and harpist, Annie Savage. Guests will experience an eclectic song list from classical harp and violin to rock and roll. Special guests, Howard and Margaret Hall, played by Scott Humeston and Aimee Lee, will provide an excerpt from Brucemore’s upcoming Valentine’s Day event, Dear Sweetheart: The Letters of Howard and Margaret Hall. Tickets for A Modern Salon at Brucemore are $40 per person or $35 for Brucemore members and include pre-show wine tasting and appetizers hosted by First Avenue Wine House and blend restaurant starting a half an hour before each performance. Champagne, soft drinks, coffee/tea, and desserts will be served at intermission. Evening dress is encouraged. For more information call Brucemore, (319) 362-7375. Availability is limited to 60 patrons each performance.

Jan 24  10:30 AM
Seasonal Landscape Hike Winter
The trees and grounds glisten under a blanket of un-tracked snow. Brucemore’s ever-changing landscape is beautiful even through the cold days of winter. Join the Brucemore gardeners on Saturday, January 24, at 10:30 a.m. for a guided hike through the estate’s 26 acres of natural outdoor winter beauty. Admission is $10 per person and free to Brucemore members. Space is limited, call (319) 362-7375 for reservations or register online now!




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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

Jan 16, 30  10:30-11:30 AM
Story Time at the CRMA: The Cedar Rapids Public Library will conduct a Story Time reading and related art making activity on a series of Fridays throughout the run of the Mary GrandPré exhibition.

Jan 24  6:30-11 PM
Wingardium Extravaganza - A Night Of Magic And Illusion
Presenting a magnificent evening of entertainment in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Carnegie Library Wing. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, strolling magicians, trickery and surprises, a Las Vegas style show by renowned illusionist, Keith West.

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

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Coe College Permanent Collection of Art
www.coe.edu



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Czech Village 
www.czechvillageiowa.com

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

Jan 6  WMT Farm Ag Show
Jan 10  Hawkeye Downs Racing Auction
Jan 16  Cedar Rapids Boat Show
Jan 17  Cedar Rapids Boat Show
Jan 18  Cedar Rapids Boat Show
Jan 23  Cedar Rapids Home Show
Jan 24  Cedar Rapids Home Show
Jan 25  Cedar Rapids Home Show


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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"

"May's Island: Then And Now"
Through Dec 6

"Civil War Re-Enactors"
Dec 13  10 AM-2 PM
Jan 10  10 AM-2 PM
Feb 14  10 AM-2 PM
Mar 14  10 AM-2 PM

Re-enactors representing the 24th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment will be in the History Center gallery, giving visitors a chance to observe and visit with Civil War characters and learn about life during the 1860s. Focus will be on Iowa's role in the Civil War

"Preview: Madame Butterfly" 
Jan 8   Noon
The Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre presents a preview excerpt of its upcoming performance of Madame Butterfly at noon upstairs at the History Center.

"History After School: 19th Century Fun"
Jan 8  4-5:30 PM
Step back in time after you get out of school. Experience life as a 19th century kid and find out how kids had fun at the turn of the century. Each session brings a different activity. You'll build physics toys, optical toys, shadow puppets and toy theaters. Four more after school sessions will be held in February.

"Share Your Stories: Memoir Writing Worshop"
Jan 17  2 PM
The Carl & Mary Koehler History Center invites you to share your memories at this monthly program for adults, Share Your Stories. The January topic is Stories from Mom's Recipe Box. Participants may bring cookbooks and recipes that stir memories and are asked to be prepared to write and share. The workshop meets at the History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Call Beth Miller at 362-1501 for more information. No registration. Join our group anytime! The workshop is free, but donations to the History Center are always welcome.

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


Jan 10  9:30-11:30 AM
Girl Scouts: Animals Try It
Discover the differences between your pets and wild animals. Find out what all living things need to survive. Learn how animals move and communicate, and meet some of Iowa's wildlife up close. $8/girl
                Noon
Indian Creek Nature Center Calling All Middle Schoolers!
We need your help! The Nature Center would like to offer more prigramming for you, but first we need to hear what you like to do at the Center. Bring a friend, join us for free pizza, and tell us what outdoor adventures you enjoy!
Call by 4 PM on Friday, Jan. 9 to register
                1-1:30 PM
Girl Scouts: Frosty Fun Badge
Learn all about dressing for the cold and how animals are able to stay active in winter. Become active yourself by building snow sculptures, snowshoeing, and enjoying outdoor winter fun. Make sure to bundle up! $8/girl
                7 PM
Moon Of The Popping Trees
Intense cold causes trees to explode with a popping sound in the north woods. Iowa does not usually get that cold! Join us for a full moon walk to explore winter in our woods. MEMBER:$3-NONMEMBER:$5-Children:$1

Jan 11  2 PM
Destination: Base Camp, Mt Everest
Gil Janes shares his insights, experiences, and photos of Nepal. Learn about the rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and hiking challenges of this extraordinary country. CALL 362-0664 TO REGISTER. MEMBER:$3-NONMEMBER:$5-CHILDREN:$1

Jan 13  9:30-10:30 AM
Birds Of Prey For Pre-schoolers & Parents
As birds of prey, owls and eagles share special features. Learn about these great hunters and discover how many children fit into an eagles's nest. Use your "eagle eyes" to look for these majestic birds soaring near ICNC. Call 362-0664 by 4 PM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12 TO REGISTER. MEMBER CHILD:$4-NONMEMBER CHILD:$5-ADULTS:FREE

Jan 16  Noon
ICNC Guild's Annual Luncheon and Meeting
FREE ADMISSION-Current, past and potential Guild members are invited. Bring a dish to share and your table service. Meeting will follow lunch.

Jan 17  10-11 AM
Birds Of Prey For Pre-schoolers & Parents
As birds of prey, owls and eagles share special features. Learn about these great hunters and discover how many children fit into an eagles's nest. Use your "eagle eyes" to look for these majestic birds soaring near ICNC. Call 362-0664 by 4 PM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12 TO REGISTER. MEMBER CHILD:$4-NONMEMBER CHILD:$5-ADULTS:FREE
               1 PM
Rainwater Is Not Runoff! Rainwater Is A Resource
CREATE A RAIN GARDEN-MEMBER:$8-NONMEMBER:$10-As citizens of the earth we have a responsibility to manage run-off from our property and yard. Learn how to capture water from hard surfaces and roofs in rain gardens. Rain gardens are beautiful and environmental! Native seed and plant sources, planting methods, and care will be discussed. CALL 362-0664 BY 4 PM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12.
              2:30 PM
Rainwater Is Not Runoff! Rainwater Is A Resource
BUILD A RAIN BARREL-A MATERIALS FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THIS PROGRAM-Good ideas keep coming back! Our grandparents had a rain barrel and cistern to capture water from roofs. Water was then used for everyday household needs. Get creative and make your own rain barrel with Master Gardener Deb Walser. CALL 362-0664 BY 4 PM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12.

Jan 22  7-9 PM
Beginning Bee Class, Session 1
MEMBER: $55/SERIES-NONMEMBER: $85/SERIES-This eight session series is designed for individuals serious about starting a beekeeping hobby. The series will take the participant through the annual cycle of beekeeping from establishing a hive to harvesting and marketing the honey produced. The class members will be actively involved in learning activities by working with the hives at the Indian Creek Nature Center.
Purpose: To show and explain the equipment and materials needed for beekeeping.
1. Essentials for a functioning beehive and total costs.
2. Demonstration of the assembly of the hive body and class participation in assembling frames.
3. What to wear when working bees and options in ordering equipment and bees.
4. Pooling of eqipment and bee orders.

Call 362-0664 to register.

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

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Iowa Masonic Library & Museums 
www.gl-iowa.org
 

Free tours Mon-Fri

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National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
www.ncsml.org


New location at Lindale Mall

Permanent    Homelands: The Story of the Czech & Slovak People   


Opening of NCSML at Lindale
4444 1st Avenue NE, in the corridor n ext to Younkers and behind Holley’s Store for Men

Science Station
sciencestation.org



Closed due to flood

Science Station memberships now being honored at the Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville and the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center in Cedar Rapids!

Tree of Five Seasons
1st Ave & 1st St NE





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Ushers Ferry Historic Village
www.cedar-rapids.org/ushers 


Events may be located in different areas
  
Join us every Thursday morning for this great story hour activity for Mom's and kids!
Jan 8  10 AM
Fairytale Funtime: Rumplestiltskin
Jan 15  10 AM
Fairytale Funtime: The Emperor's New Clothes
Jan 22  10 AM
Fairytale Funtime: Snow White
Jan 29  10 AM
Fairytale Funtime: Hansel & Gretel

Jan 10, 17 & 24  1-2:30 PM
Workshop: Make Old Fashioned Crochet Lace
Learn the basics of this beautiful old-fashioned craft. You'll make a round doily, learn the fun art of filet crochet, and design your own doily, centerpiece or wall sampler. Thread and hooks will be provided. Cost: $35 for residents, $40 for non-residents. Price includes all three workshops

Jan 16  6:30 PM
Silent Movie Night
Settle into a chair with your pop, popcorn and a date because the moving pictures are coming to Ushers Ferry! This evening of hilarious silent film is a great date opportunity and fun for the whole family. Enjoy a series of Edison Shorts, finished off with a few feature length films by Buster Keaton. Admission: $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-14, 2 and under are free

Jan 31  3-4:30 PM
Doll Tea Party
Bring your favorite doll to tea and make a new one while you are at it. We'll provide the supplies and teach you how to make an old-fashioned rag doll. When you finish, sit down to a real tea party with all of your new friends. Cost: $16 for residents, $21 for non-residents

Feb 1  1-7 PM
Winter Festival At Ellis Park
Families, friends or businesses, come and join us for fun in the snow! Participate in the snowman contest in the afternoon, then spend an evening of fun including a luminary walk and vote for the best snowman. Enjoy live music, stories games and balloon characters. Take a historic tour of Ellis Park on a horse drawn trolley provided by Country Gentleman's Horse & Carriage Service, Inc. Early Cedar Rapids pioneer, Robert Ellis will ride along and share memories of the park in the days when it was still his farm. Gourmet hot chocolate, baked goods and concessions swill be available for sale in the Ellis Park Golf Course Clubhouse. For more information, click here.

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Westdale Mall
2600 Edgewood Rd SW  319-390-4759
shopwestdale.com

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



Every Sunday 1-4 PM  Learning Center Exhibits


Jan 10  10:30 AM-6 PM
Quad Cities Bald Eagle Bus Tour
Join the Linn and Buchanan County Conservation Boards on Saturday, January 10 for a one-day bus tour to experience Bald Eagle Days on the Mississippi River. We will spend part of the day atthe Quad Cities Expo Center to watch live birds ofprey - bald eagles, owls, and falcons fly over theaudience and see over 30 live animals from the Niabi Zoo. Enjoy more than 100 displays and information booths about solar power, wind power, green roof and recycling. There will also be a 20-foot climbing wall to scale, if desired. Don’t miss the Scheers Lumber Jack Show with chainsaw carving, axe throwing, log rolling and much more. There will also be a wildlife art show and a Native American cultural display. We will stop at locations along the river to view wild bald eagles. A variety of foods will be available for snacks or lunch at the expo center. Bus pick-up time will be 7:30 am in Hazelton and 8:30 am in Hiawatha. Cost: Adults - $40; Children ages 5-12 - $37; and children 5 and under - $36. Call 892-6485 for more information. Registration deadline is December 23rd.

Jan 14  10-11 AM
Science For Squirts: Meet Jack Frost
In this new program for children ages 3-5, we’ll experiment with ice and snow, learn how bubbles are changed by the cold, and read a chilly winter tale. Please register by January 12.

Jan 17  7:30-9 PM
Telescopes In America
This is the 100th anniversary of the 60 inch telescopeat Mount Wilson and the 60th anniversary of the 200 inch at Mount Palomar. Your host, Carl Bracken, of the Cedar Amateur Astronomers will share his travels to these observatories as well as Kitt Peak,Arizona, Griffith Observatory, California, and Mauna Kea, on Hawaii’s big island where he observed the “world’s best sunset”

Jan 24  9-11:30 AM
Kids Ice Fishing Clinic
Bring the kids to the backwater area of Pinicon Ridge Park to learn the fine points of ice fishing. Participants will practice jigging with an ice fishing rod, learn how a depth finder works, and attempt to view fish from an ice shack. All youth will receive a prize for their participation.
The North Linn Fish and Game Club will co-sponsor this clinic.