Group Tours

Delight your senses as you explore the cultural and culinary treats of Cedar Rapids!

Day One

• Visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (319-362-8500) and unique shops in the Czech Village (319-432-9785).
• Next, savor the samples of Cedar Ridge Vineyards Winery & Distillery (319-857-4300). Enjoy pizza cooked outdoors in the wood-fired brick oven for lunch!
• Save room for a stop at the NewBo City Market (319-200-4050) – a year-round public market where local entrepreneurs create an environment of fresh, wonderful food, products and experiences - open Thursday through Sunday.
• Following that, take time to visit the African American Museum of Iowa (319-862-2101) just down the street.
• Finish off your day with a culinary delight served at one of our group friendly dining spots, followed by a show at one of two beautifully restored theaters in downtown – Theatre Cedar Rapids (319-366-8591) or the Paramount Theatre (319-398-5226).

Day Two

• During select Saturdays between June and September, the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market (319-398-5317) is a must-see! Thousands gather in downtown Cedar Rapids for fresh produce, baked goods, artisan gifts, live music, and street performances. More than 225 local Iowa vendors participate.
• For Downton Abbey fans, consider a visit to the beautiful Brucemore (319-362-7375) mansion and 26-acre estate. Explore the grounds, gardens and this historic home. Select from tours that range from behind the scenes to hired help, and even a walk of the surrounding neighborhood.

You’ve seen it... the second-most recognized painting in the world. Learn more about American Gothic and its artist, Grant Wood.

Day One

• Begin your afternoon at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (319-366-7503) where more than 7,200 works of art can be viewed, including the world’s largest collection by Grant Wood. A visit to the museum’s gift shop is a must!
• From there, step back in time as you enter Grant Wood Studio at 5 Turner Alley, the fascinating original studio where Grant Wood lived and worked.
• Blocks away, you’ll visit the Veterans Memorial Window, a lasting memorial to our veterans as depicted by Grant Wood. The actual size of the window is 24 feet high and 20 feet wide, with 10,000 pieces of glass! Read our blog on the Veterans Memorial Building (319-286-5038) for more information.

Day Two

• The first major landscape depicted in Wood’s paintings was Stone City, Iowa (319-462-4101). Today, you’ll travel to the area and see where Grant Wood was born as well as explore the Stone City Quarry, Church and Blacksmith Shop.
• Next, enjoy lunch at the Stone City General Store (319-462-4399) followed by a tour of Grant Wood Country School.

Discover the landscape and hidden treasures along the Lincoln Highway as you celebrate the first road across America!

Day One

• Begin your journey along the Lincoln Highway in Marion, Iowa. Boutique-style gift, home and clothing shops line the charming route, including Scout of Marion and The Marion Chocolate Shop.
• In Marion, allow the group to choose their lunch spot at one of the many downtown dining spots including the hip-stir, Shorts Burgers & Shine, MIX Sushi, Uptown Coffee Company and more!
• Next, the Lincoln Highway leads you to Mt. Vernon, Iowa - get the insider information from the Mt. Vernon visitor center by calling 319-210-9935. Enjoy shopping, coffee and more throughout the downtown area.

Day Two

• Your journey along the Lincoln Highway continues with a stop at the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum (319-365-1438). Housed in a gleaming white marble structure, the library is recognized as the most complete Masonic library in the world.
• Just blocks away, visit the The History Center (319-362-1501) for engaging exhibits and walking tours. Learn about the history of Iowa’s second-largest city.
• Take a detour from the highway for lunch and fun vintage pinball and arcade games at The Quarter Barrel Brewery & Arcade (319-200-4140). They often host themed Trivia Nights and may be willing to add this on for your group.

Experience the villages that help define our society in and around Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during this three-day exploration.

Day One

• The Seven Villages of the Amana Colonies - contact the Amana CVB at 319-622-7622.
• Meet at the Amana Heritage Museum to view an award-winning, informative video regarding the history of the Amana Colonies, one of America’s longest-lived communal societies.
• On to tour the historical sites of the Amana Villages and meet artists and artisans of handcrafted products.
• Indulge in lunch at one of the well-known German/American family style restaurants such as the Ox Yoke Inn (319-622-3441).
• Then, spend the afternoon browsing in the many unique shops and galleries in the village of Amana.
• Return to warm and friendly overnight accommodations in Cedar Rapids!

Day Two

The Czech Village and More

• Experience grandeur with a visit to Brucemore–A National Trust Historic Site (319-362-7375). Brucemore, while it was home to only a few, carries the history and memories of a community. The beautiful Queen Anne-style mansion sits among a park-like estate, inviting exploration of its stunning gardens, fascinating history and magnificent 21-room mansion!
• Next, a city tour with step-on guide to explore more than 150 years of history in Iowa’s second-largest city.
• Then, enjoy lunch in the Czech Village at Lion Bridge Brewing Company (319-200-4460).
• Next stop, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (319-362-8500) in the Czech Village. Take in their exhibits, followed by demonstrations of kolache-making by local Czech bakers. Save time to shop in the Museum Store!
• Explore the area shops, from the Czech Cottage (319-366-4937) to antique treasures.
• You may choose to relax for the evening or spend a night on the town at any of our unique restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues.

Day Three

Kalona Historical Village - contact the Kalona Chamber of Commerce at 319-656-2660.

• Travel the scenic back roads and take an “insider’s” view of Amish life in Kalona, Iowa.
• Begin at the Kalona Historical Village (319-656-3232) followed by Amish farmers’ markets and Amish country stores.

Please reach out directly to The History Center at (319) 362-1501 or office@historycenter.org for a list of walking tours they offer to groups.

Do you need a bus rental for your group? Try one of our recommended partners:

Windstar: 319-366-0352

CIT Signature Transportation: 515-303-3438

Please reach out directly for specific pricing, private room information, and additional information.

Downtown Cedar Rapids
The Quarter Barrel Brewery & Arcade, 319-200-4140, thequarterbarrel.com
Black Sheep Social Club, 319-200-7070, iamtheblacksheep.com

NE Cedar Rapids
Biaggi's, 319-393-6593,biaggis.com/locations/cedar-rapids
Granite City, 319-395-7500, gcfb.com/location/cedar-rapids-iowa
Kingstons Steak House, 319-536-7898, kingstonssteakhouseia.com

Czech Village / NewBo District
Parlor City Pub & Eatery (sit down for up to 77), 319-247-0000, parlorcitypub.com
NewBo City Market (open Thursday - Sunday), 319-200-4050, newbocitymarket.org
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (ask about an authentic Czech inspired meal),319-362-8500, ncsml.org

Surrounding Area
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, 319-857-4300, crwine.com
Ox Yoke Inn, 319-622-3441, oxyokeinn.com