Cedar Rapids Facts
Fact 1: Residents of Cedar Rapids are justifiably proud of their Czech and Slovak roots. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is located in the city, Czech Village shops sell goods imported from the Old World, and restaurants serve traditional Eastern European treats. Plus, the Czech Plus polka band plays at local venues almost every weekend.
Fact 2: Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second largest metro area and the state's most central city, is built on the banks of the Cedar River. The city, in fact, is named for the churning white water visible from many downtown areas.
Fact 3: Cedar Rapids is home to the world's largest Masonic library. Free to the public, it offers general interest volumes as well as an extensive collection of books about Masons and Masonry.
Fact 4: Artist Grant Wood – best known as the painter of "American Gothic" – is a Cedar Rapids son. The city's Museum of Art boasts the world's largest collection of his artwork.
Fact 5: The planet's largest cereal company is proudly located in Cedar Rapids. The North Star facility is more commonly known as "Quaker Oats."
Fact 6: Despite its reputation for having an extreme climate, Iowa promises summers that are balmy without being overly hot and winters that are brisk without being frigid. The average summer temperature in Cedar Rapids is a comfortable 73°F, and the average winter temperature is a reasonable 24°F.
Fact 7: Cedar Rapids, the seat of Linn County, has approximately 122,542 residents. This figure does not include the seasonal "bump" when the city's four residential colleges and universities are in session.
Fact 8: Often confused with the Amish, who also left Germany in search of religious freedom, the people of the Amana Colonies were known as the Community of True Inspiration. They arrived in Eastern Iowa in 1855 and lived a communal lifestyle for 150 years until the group decided to privatize enterprises. Past and present members of the Amana community embrace hard work and a high standard of craftsmanship, and their exquisite furniture and home goods are quite desirable. An entire day can be spent exploring the Colonies, sampling traditional foods, and visiting museums that chronicle the fascinating group's history.
Fact 9: The City of Cedar Rapids operates the largest municipal parks department in the state. Trout fishing, water skiing, golf, kayaking and cross-country skiing are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed within the city limits.
Fact 10: Several sites in the Cedar Rapids area have been recognized as culturally and historically significant. The National Trust for Historic Preservation – the private, non-profit group founded in 1949 and headquartered in Washington, DC – recognizes Brucemore on their list. Furthermore, the National Register of Historic Places – founded in 1966 and administered by the National Park Service – takes pride in The Amana Colonies and Seminole Valley Farm.
