Cedar Rapids Group Itineraries
It Takes a Village
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
- 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!
- 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. Brucemore, while it was home to only a few, carries the history and memories of a community. The beautiful Queen Anne-style mansion sets 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 over 150 years of history in Iowa’s second largest city!
- Then, enjoy lunch in the Czech Village at Al’s Blue Toad where you can experience an authentic Czech meal complete with potato dumplings!
- Next stop, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in the Czech Village. Take in the exhibit “Rising Above – The Story of a People and the Flood” followed by demonstrations of kolache-making by local Czech bakers. Save time to shop in the Museum Store!
- Explore the shops in the village ranging from the Czech Cottage, to antique treasures to the Sykora Bakery.
- You may choose to relax for the evening or spend a night on the town at any of our unique restaurants, theatres and entertainment venues!
Day Three – Kalona Historical Village
- Travel the scenic back roads and take an “insiders” view of Amish life in Kalona, Iowa. Begin at the Kalona Historical Village followed by Amish Farmers Markets, a local Cheese Factory and Amish Country Stores. Plus, you’ll be served a home-cooked meal in an Amish-Mennonite home!
Shop the Lincoln Highway
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, art galleries and cutting edge antique shops line the charming route including Temptations Fine Candies and Campbell Steele Gallery.
- From Marion, follow the Lincoln Highway to Cibo Fusion Restaurant and Lounge for lunch in their banquet room featuring a mural depicting the Chicago skyline!
- Next, the Lincoln Highway leads you to Mt. Vernon, Iowa. If you’ve got the itch for something fun, creative and out-of-the-ordinary, you’ll need to check out the Silver Spider. Another great stop is Czech Feather & Down Company where handcrafted feather and down pillows, comforters and feather beds are the specialty.
- After a day of shopping along the historic Lincoln Highway, your travels will take you to The Lighthouse Inn Supper Club in Cedar Rapids! A Midwest tradition with a long history of good food, good beverages and good times – if walls could talk!
Day Two
- Your journey along the Lincoln Highway continues with a stop at the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum. 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 Carl and Mary Koehler History Center for engaging exhibits and tours! Learn about the history of Iowa’s second largest city!
- Take a detour from the highway for lunch at Cooper’s Mill Restaurant where you can order the best breakfast in town all day long!
Come On Over-all’s Tour
You’ve seen it … the second most recognized painting in the world next to the Mona Lisa. Come on over to Cedar Rapids and learn more about American Gothic and its artist, Grant Wood.
Day One
- Begin your afternoon at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art 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 – 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!
Day Two
- The first major landscape depicted in Woods paintings was Stone City, Iowa. 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 followed by a tour of Grant Wood Country School!
Cultural and Culinary Delights
Delight your senses as you explore the cultural and culinary treats of Cedar Rapids!
Day One
- Indulge in fresh pastries at Sykora Bakery in the Czech Village. Visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library and unique shops in the village.
- Next, savor the samples of Cedar Ridge Vineyards Winery & Distillery. Delicious pizza cooked outdoors in the wood-fired brick oven will be served for lunch!
- Then, walk down memory lane at Duffy’s Collectible Cars and view restored cars from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Following that, experience the African American Historical Museum & Cultural Center of Iowa. Finish off your day with a culinary masterpiece served at Ced-Rel Supper Club!
Day Two
- During select Saturdays between May and October, the Downtown District Farmers’ Market is a must see! Thousands gather in downtown Cedar Rapids for fresh produce, baked goods, artisan gifts, live music, and street performances! More than 200 local Iowa vendors participate!
- For a taste of just about everything else, check out Brambles for eclectic gifts, crafted furnishings, artistic findings and antiques located in a historic church!