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DOWNTOWN. Iowa's African American Heritage Foundation was founded in 1994, but not until 2003 did this museum open its doors. Visiting researchers often choose to peruse the reference library and archives, but casual attendees typically stick to the main galleries. Their exhibits focus on plantation life and slavery, free black migration to Iowa, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and military and church history in African American life. A special section recognizes black Iowans in the arts, agriculture, business and athletics, and the Africa Gallery recounts life on a slave ship and elucidates the Middle Passage from West Africa to Iowa. The Nikee Museum store sells drums, sculpture, hand-made jewelry, art prints and books.
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Brucemore
2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 · 319-362-7375
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DOWNTOWN. This Queen Anne-style mansion, built between 1884 and 1886, has been a National Trust historic site since 1981. Tour tickets are sold in the visitor center, which occupies a renovated carriage house. This structure also houses a flower shop, museum store and exhibitions chronicling the lives of the three families who have lived at Brucemore. The 26-acre estate is more than a historic home and museum – throughout the year numerous garden tours, concerts and plays are featured on the grounds.
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DOWNTOWN. This museum is best known for having the world's largest collection of art by Grant Wood, Iowa's native son who painted "American Gothic." In fact, the museum owns and operates Wood's studio in downtown Cedar Rapids (at 5 Turner Alley). CRMA's eight-gallery permanent collection features Roman portrait busts, sculpture by Malvina Hoffman, Regionalist art from the 20th century and multimedia works and photos by Iowa artists. Since all 5,000 items can't be accommodated at one time, the museum rotates its holdings regularly. The museum store carries a wonderful selection of ceramics, stationery, jewelry, hand-crafted wooden toys and decorative glass items.
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DOWNTOWN. At this facility, more than 35,000 artifacts tell the story of Cedar Rapids and Linn County in the 1900s. Displayed items, curiously enough, are as small as a hat pin and as large as an electric car. Many exhibits are interactive and allow visitors to guide their own experiences. Other highlights include a virtual 3-D "time machine tour" of downtown as it was a century ago and an archives and library (reservations requested). A museum shop sells everything from Grant Wood note cards to hand-dipped candles.
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DOWNTOWN. The world's largest and most complete Masonic library is located in a large, white marble building in downtown Cedar Rapids. More than 100,000 volumes are housed in the imposing structure, and both Masonic and general interest texts are included. The public may use the library free of charge. Free tours are also available.
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CZECH VILLAGE. When it comes to Czech and Slovak history, this museum is one of the country's most comprehensive. Exhibits feature fine art, maps, stamps, handmade ceramics and decorative glass objects, and folk costumes from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. A museum highlight is the recreated immigrant home, furnished as it would have been by late 19th-century settlers. The museum shop sells hard-to-find goods imported from the Old Country.
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DOWNTOWN. Learn about weather, magnets, electricity, the human body, outer space and much more at this hands-on science museum. Located in a renovated fire station dating to 1917, it offers 12,000 square feet of space and holds more than 130 interactive learning exhibits. A special pre-K area delights kids with a sand table, climbing wall and puppet theater. Connected to the museum is Iowa's only IMAX dome theater.
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CEDAR RAPIDS. Visiting this museum is like taking a trip to Grandma's farm – circa 1900 – and is an especially enlightening experience for youngsters. The farm is listed on the National Register and includes the farmhouse itself, along with a barn, tool shed, summer kitchen, smokehouse, chicken coop and, of course, outhouse. Once you've experienced all of these components, take in one of the Seminole Valley Farm Theater's living history productions.
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CEDAR RAPIDS. At Ushers Ferry Historic Park, every day is November 8, 1903, and modern conveniences are just a future vision. More than 30 buildings are spread across ten acres, recreating life in a typical Iowa town before the introduction of electricity and indoor plumbing. Visit the general store, the post office, the church and a typical home to see what early life was like and to learn about the daily activities of yesteryear's Iowans.
If you're a history buff, art aficionado, archaeology fiend, or dabbler in the sciences, our museum picks are perfect for a rainy day or afternoon excursion! Our selections center around notable collections of historical and cultural items. Many have excellent rotating displays in addition to exceptional permanent collections.
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