Cycling Adventure

With miles of trails and great attractions along the way, the Cedar Rapids area is perfect for bicyclists of all interests and abilities!

One of the best ways to explore and experience the Cedar Rapids area is by bicycle. Our progressive community has been named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, and more than 20 miles of bikeways have been added in the last 10 years. Cedar Rapids was the first in Iowa to install green bike lanes and protected bike lanes. Bring your bike to get a front row seat to amazing views!

A Day Trip

Permission to Carb Load

8:00 A.M. Start the day right with fuelin gyour body before your morning ride at Cafe Saint Pio or Lucky's on 16th in Czech Village.

Ready to Ride

9:00-10:00 A.M. Double check your bike gear before leaving Sokol Park for an out–n-back bike ride. Head south on the Cedar River Trail-South for a mildly hilly ride of 7.2 miles. This paved trail promises wonderful scenery along the Cedar River. Continue south and connect on to the Hoover Trail for an additional 2.7 miles to Ely. It’s a treat cycling on a tree lined paved trail as the day starts to warm up. Take a turn around the main street area of Ely to catch another mile or so. Restrooms and water can be found at various businesses in Ely. Check out the Linn County Trails Map to find your way.

10:00 - 11:00 A.M. Head back north on the Hoover Trail and north on the Cedar River Trail to Sokol Park for a total ride of almost 20 miles.

Lunch Break

11:30 A.M. Now that you’ve burned off breakfast, how about some lunch? Bike across the Bridge of Lions to the NewBo District and take a left on 3rd Street SE to the heart of the District. There are a plethora of lunch possibilities including:

  • Parlor City Pub & Eatery: Enjoy a Jucy Lucy stuffed burger and one of the 56 beers on tap while you take in all of the Cedar Rapids memorabilia.
  • NewBo City Market: No one can decide what to eat? You’ll find multitude of options here including Asian, Mexican, Cajun and Indian cuisines, pizza, chocolates and more!
  • Lu's Deli: Grab a delicious homemade sandwich, soup, salad or dessert to enjoy on the patio. Plus they have Donutland donuts!
  • Almost Famous Popcorn: Make sure to swing by for some premium ice cream or a uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn.

Culture Crawl

1:30 P.M. Let your lunch settle as you take a quick trip back across the Cedar River to stroll through the latest exhibits at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and learn more about Czech and Slovak culture.

Local Brews

3:00 P.M. Take a break with an award winning micro-brew at Lion Bridge Brewing Company. This neighborhood brewery was awarded a gold medal from the 2014 and 2016 Great American Beer Festival for their brew, Compensation, so be sure to get a sample!

History Lesson

4:00 P.M. Need to stretch those legs? Saunter through some of the antique shops in Czech Village and do a little reminiscing, or take a quick jaunt over to Veterans Memorial Building and view the only stained glass window by Grant Wood, famous for painting American Gothic.

Sit and Sip

5:00 P.M. It’s dinner time! Check out one of the area's many patios including Local Pour Streetfood in Kingston Village.

Rest Your Weary Head

When you’re ready to call it a night, find a comfortable room here.

And That’s Not All! Check out some helpful resources for your next ride: