Discover the landscapes that inspired Grant Wood, walk the bluffs of the Cedar River in Palisades-Kepler State Park, enjoy the charms of Uptown Marion or create your own adventure all within a short drive.
MARION
Population: 42,000+
From weekend getaways to staycations, Marion is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities – and one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities – and one of the youngest. Located just minutes north of Cedar Rapids, get lost in the historical buildings, boutique shopping, delicious cuisine and beautiful parks of this quaint urban village. cityofmarion.org
CENTRAL CITY
Distance from C.R.: 25 miles
Population: 1,200+
Located northeast of Cedar Rapids, along the Wapsipinicon River, experience the quiet beauty of the scenic river valley. Visit the 966-acre Pinicon Ridge Park where you can camp, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bike and climb an observation tower to see more of the wooded bluffs. Stop in for a draft at BIT Brewery and during the spooky season, scare up some fun at Circle of Ash Haunted Attraction. centralcityia.gov
ELY
Distance from C.R.: 10 miles
Population: 2,000+
Founded in 1872, Ely recently celebrated its Sesquicentennial (150th) birthday. While experiencing rapid growth, the community has not forgotten its past and celebrates the continued use of many historical buildings including Ely’s historic Dows Street business district and City Hall’s current residence in the old Ely School House. Both areas are included on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. elyiowa.com
FAIRFAX
Distance from C.R.: 8 miles
Population: 2,800+
Home sweet home, Fairfax. Just a short trip down Highway 151, discover the charm of Fairfax. Step back in time when you visit local favorite, Star Bar & Grill (a former 1800s Saloon, Hotel & Livery rumored to occasionally host infamous outlaw, Jesse James). Visit the new Sports & Park Complex, snap a selfie in front of the beautiful, gothic-style St. Patrick’s church or catch a game of indoor golf at Four Seasons Indoor Golf. cityoffairfax.org
HIAWATHA
Distance from C.R.: 6 miles
Population: 7,300+
Located just north of Cedar Rapids, along the Avenue of the Saints (Interstate 380), the 72-year-old town of Hiawatha is a hot spot for expanding businesses and the birthplace of 2010 Medal of Honor recipient, Salvator Giunta (the first living award recipient since the Vietnam War). During your visit, enjoy the lush parks, shop local retail and travel the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. hiawatha-iowa.com
MATSELL BRIDGE NATURAL AREA
3742 Matsell Park Rd., Central City, IA
At 1971-acres, the Matsell Bridge Natural Area is the largest of Linn County’s recreation areas. Wander through the diverse terrain that is home to native Iowa wildlife and plants. Enjoy numerous one-of-a-kind facilities within the Linn County Park system. Take a solo, family or group trip into the Iowa wilderness. You will find a primitive year-round cabin, boat ramp to the Wapsipinicon River, hunting, fishing, equestrian camping, shooting range and unique historical features.
MORGAN CREEK PARK & ARBORETUM
7212 E Ave. N.W., Cedar Rapids, IA
Surround yourself in steep, wooded hills to the east and gently rolling hills to the west as you take a relaxing stroll along Morgan Creek. More than 4 miles of trails allow you to explore every corner of the park all year long. Enjoy the bluebells in spring, the summer prairie flowers, fall colors in the arboretum and cross-country-skiing through a winter wonderland. Find more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, a butterfly arboretum, a modern campground, reservable open shelter, wildlife and a new state-of-the-art playground.
MOUNT VERNON/LISBON
Distance from C.R.: 15 miles
Population: 4,400+
Experience the charm of two historic communities in a one-day trip to historic Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Your experience starts at the intersection of the Lincoln Highway and the Old Military Road, and will include distinctive, nationally recognized restaurants, art galleries and studios, antiques, specialty shops and bed-and-breakfast inns. Take walking tours of Mount Vernon’s three registered national historic districts, including the entire Cornell College campus, the downtown shopping district and a charming neighborhood of restored Victorian homes. Tour the Lisbon History Center, take a walk-through Palisades-Kepler State Park, or attend one of 14 annual festivals including Chalk the Walk, Iowa’s largest Madonnari Festival. visitmvl.com
PALISADES-KEPLER STATE PARK
2700 Kepler Dr., Mount Vernon, IA
10 miles east of Cedar Rapids on U.S. Highway 30, experience Iowa at its finest. The dramatic bluffs along the Cedar River invite hiking, exploring and picnics. A popular spot all year long, the 970-acre park features a boat launch, fishing, camping, hiking, a rustic stone lodge for day use and rentable cabins during spring, summer and fall. At night, peak into the stars at the Eastern Iowa Pal-Dows Observatory on the Palisades-Dows Preserve. The observatory features the largest telescope available for public use and free public programs with the facility’s high-powered telescopes that is entirely run by enthusiastic volunteers.
PALO
Distance from C.R.: 7 miles • Population: 1,000+
7 short miles outside of Cedar Rapids, Palo is a small-town community with big-city accessibility. Enjoy a juicy Inferno or BBQ Burger at Whiskey River Grill after a relaxing day at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Pleasant Creek is an ideal stop for fishing, boating, camping, hunting or to hike more than 8 miles of well-maintained trails
winding through restored prairie and scenic overlooks. cityofpalo.com
PINICON RIDGE PARK
4729 Horseshoe Falls Rd., Central City, IA
When you visit Pinicon Ridge Park, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Linn County from the 72-foot observation tower and wander across the 520-foot Mary Lundby Bridge overlooking the Wapsipinicon River. Stay for the week in the modern cabins or at the amenity-packed campground. Your days will be stacked... pack a picnic lunch and hike to Horseshoe Falls, play a round
at the disc golf course, launch out in a canoe or kayak or just relax in nature watching for local wildlife.
PLEASANT CREEK STATE RECREATION AREA
4530 McClinktock Rd., Palo, IA
One of the state’s premier destinations for fishing and boating, this accessible recreation space is just minutes outside of downtown Cedar Rapids. Get away from it all on this no-wake lake open to all water craft and boat motor sizes. Launch a kayak or go wind surfing. Enjoy seasonal fishing, hunting and trapping. Hike the 8 miles of winding trails connecting scenic overlooks. The area offers 3 modern campgrounds and rustic pine cabins. Or just enjoy a calm afternoon at the beach!
WICKIUP HILL LEARNING CENTER
10260 Morris Hill Rd., Toddville, IA
Visitors of all ages will want to come back time and again as they learn about nature, wildlife and Native American history
at the Wickiup Hill Learning Center. The grounds include a nature center with exhibits and habitats, interpretive trails,
an observation deck, a wetland boardwalk, a nature playscape and so much more to discover.
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