Scroll
Plan your visit to Cedar Rapids

Three Days in Cedar Rapids, IA

Plan an unforgettable visit to Cedar Rapids with this three day itinerary.

Day 1

Grab Lunch

Grab a quick lunch at Gianna’s Italian Beef in downtown Cedar Rapids. Get your sandwich wet, dry, dipped or with a side of gravy. Don’t forget shoestring fries on the side and a refreshing Italian ice!

Throw An Axe Or Send It Into Fifth Gear

Head right next door to Civil Axe Throwing for a some sharp competition! Or take a few quick turns around Speedeezz Indoor Karting.

Make It A Taco Night

Enjoy the fun and cool street taco joint, Caucho, in the heart of the NewBo neighborhood. Grab your photo across the street in front of the Greetings from NewBo mural.

 

Rest Up for Tomorrow

Overnight at one of our many wonderful hotel partners.

 

Day 2 

Coffee & Donuts

Start your day with coffee and the best (Donutland) donuts in town at Lu’s Deli in New Bohemia.

Get Outdoors

The kids and kids at heart will love Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park, featuring farm animals and North American waterfowl. Open daily into October, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and from 12:45 p.m. - 6 p.m.  

Classic Video Arcade

Seeking something a bit more low-key? Check out family-friendly Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery. Vintage arcade and pinball games, fantastic pizza and in-house brews will make for a great evening.

Shopping

Head north to Uptown Marion to enjoy a stroll around the Uptown Artway with a stop at Scout of Marion boutique, the Iowa Magic Shop and many more!

Shake It Up

Cedar Rapids has more than American fare when it comes to our dining scene. Check out options including Persis Biryani Indian Grill, Bari Italian, La Cantina, Pita’z, Mandarin Spice Asian Grill and even more option here.

Enjoy A Ballgame Or Evening At The Races

Spring traditions are returning! Cheer on the Cedar Rapids Kernels, High-A team of the Minnesota Twins. The Kernels will play 60 home games in 2021 between May 4 and September 5. 

If racing is more your style, check out Hawkeye Downs Speedway. This paved, oval track runs weekly Friday night races beginning in May and additional Enduro races on a number of weekends. 

Day 3 

Brunch in A Beautiful Setting

Start your day slowly with brunch at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. Enjoy vineyard vistas from the warm, but spacious indoor seating.

Visit with Llamas

Get moving with a Llama visit at Prairie Patch Farm. These gentle animals are sure to delight!

Stop for Ice Cream & Sight Seeing

A stop for ice cream at Dan & Debbie’s Creamery in Ely is up next and it is guaranteed to bring out the kid in everyone! Follow that by stopping in at Bass Farms for more local goods on the way back to Cedar Rapids. Be on the lookout for the American Gothic Barn, right along Highway 30. Carefully pull over if you would like to take a few photos.

Soul Food

Check out Vivian's Soul Food, a family owned restaurant serving traditional southern soul food with a home-cooked flair. Dine inside, on the patio or get carryout.

Start planning your getaway today! Request a copy of our visitors guide and explore all of the fun things to do here.

Featured Partners
Gianna’s Italian Beef

Gianna’s Italian Beef

Fast casual, city inspired cuisine. Offering Italian Beef, beef combo’s, Italian Sausage, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, grilled chicken,…

Lacayo

Lacayo

Formerly Caucho, we have created our menu to include influences from Latin America & the Iberian Peninsula. Our food is…

Uptown Artway

Uptown Artway

Take a stroll through Uptown Artway, the redefined gathering space that runs behind 7th Avenue in the heart of Marion’s business…

SCOUT of Marion

SCOUT of Marion

SCOUT is a lifestyle shop, located in historic Uptown Marion, that offers a curated selection of home goods, personal care, pantry,…

Cedar Ridge Distillery

Cedar Ridge Distillery

Cedar Ridge Distillery is a family owned winery and distillery nestled in the countryside between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. We…

Lu’s Deli

Lu’s Deli

Lu's Deli is locally owned and operated. Serving fresh, homemade subs, salads, pasta and desserts. We can cater your next business…

Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center

Escape into the beauty and wonder of nature at Indian Creek Nature Center, featuring four miles of well-groomed trails through…

Hawkeye Downs

Hawkeye Downs

Iowa's only full-time asphalt track, featuring weekly race nights in the summer, as well as special events. Also featuring a 35,000…


Cedar Rapids Tourism: Best of Cedar Rapids

Read Reviews