Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

FREE THINGS TO DO IN CEDAR RAPIDS

Cost-FREE Adventures in C.R.

The weather is starting to warm up and it has us looking forward to getting out and exploring more of Cedar Rapids in the coming months. Sometimes it’s nice to explore a city without breaking the bank. Here are a few things you can do in and around Cedar Rapids that don’t cost a thing.

1. PAINT THE TOWN

Literally! Check out Cedar Rapids’ growing mural scene. Explore Downtown, Kingston Village and The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia to discover the largest concentration of murals on your own. Or follow the City of Cedar Rapids’ convenient self-guided tour to enjoy the newest murals brightening Cedar Rapids.

A collage of vibrant murals in Cedar Rapids, IA.

2. FREEDOM FESTIVAL

With the mission of providing safe, affordable and fun events for the whole family, the Freedom Festival kicks on June 14th and continues through the 4th of July. With 3 weeks of events, the community is alive with free (or free with a Freedom Festival button) events. We recommend Dock Dogs, the Balloon Glow and the pancake breakfast... and everything else! The festival wraps up with the state’s largest fireworks extravaganza on July 4th.

A compilation of exciting activities during the Freedom Festival, from fireworks to hot air balloon rides.

3. INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER

Explore the trails at Indian Creek Nature Center. You can wander around the prairie, through wetlands, or along a woodland path. With over seven miles of trails built to accessibility standards, the Nature Center offers a great opportunity to get outdoors and explore. The grounds and trails are available to explore at no charge. Trails are open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. Visit their website to see the latest hours for the Nature Center and Creekside Shop.

Families enjoying the Indian Creek Nature Center, exploring the outdoors.

4. DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market is a crowd favorite each summer. Wander around the streets of downtown on a Saturday morning and shop for not only fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers, but also handcrafted jewelry, apparel, and other goods from some 200 vendors. Plus, there’s lots of good food to eat while you shop and entertainment for attendees of all ages.

A crowd of people strolling through the vendors of the Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids.

5. OLD MACDONALD’S FARM

Old MacDonald’s Farm at Bever Park has long been (over 100 years, to be specific) a favorite spot for families in Cedar Rapids to explore on the city’s southeast side. This petting zoo features a variety of animals, everything from cows and chickens to rabbits, goats and ducks. Plus, while you are at Bever Park, check out the new playground equipment, splash pad and pool.

Children play with the barn animals at Old MacDonald's Farm in Bever Park.

6. THE DISTRICT: CZECH VILLAGE & NEW BOHEMIA

Visit Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District to experience both the history and the revitalization of Cedar Rapids. A lively mix of art, culture, cuisine, and shopping, this urban neighborhood has endless opportunities and things to see.

People walk around Czech Village and New Bohemia.

7. NEW BO CITY MARKET

This dynamic public space where local entrepreneurs create an environment of fresh, unique food, products and experiences. May through September, come out for free exercise events including walking, biking, running, yoga and cardio. Friday nights, the market has the whole New Bohemian neighborhood rocking on the outdoor stage where live concerts are presented all summer long.

The interior and exterior spaces of New Bo City Market.

8. EXPERIENCE GRANT WOOD

Cedar Rapids native son and painter of American Gothic, Grant Wood, created the world-famous work right here. Experience Grant Wood’s Studio, the largest collection of his work at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and Wood’s largest piece of stained-glass at Veterans Memorial Building.

Multiple artworks of Grant Wood, including iconic paintings and a stained glass window.

9. CEDAR RAPIDS MUSEUM OF ART

The third Thursday of every month is FREE from 5-8pm at CRMA, the home of the largest collection of Grant Wood’s work in the world. You can view works by Cedar Rapids’ famed resident along with a wide variety of other works from the Museum’s collection and traveling exhibitions

The outside entrance and exhibits of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

10. MOUNT TRASHMORE

Visit one of the most notable spots in Cedar Rapids, and take in the city’s best view! Towering over Czech Village and the New Bohemian neighborhoods, the former landfill has been reimagined and transformed into a beautiful spot for hiking, biking or just taking in great view. If you are up for the climb, check in at the base of the hill and then trek to the top using one of the 3 existing paths.

A cyclist bikes at Mount Trashmore, overlooking the Cedar Rapids area.

11. GEOCACHING CHALLENGE - by Linn County Parks

Take the Linn County Parks Geocaching Challenge and explore 25 Linn County parks, preserves and historic sites. Whether you are a seasoned geocaching expert or just learning, this is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. 

Families stand on a bridge during the fall at a park in Linn County.

12. VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

Located in the heart of downtown on Mays Island, Veterans Memorial Building is FREE and open to the public. Serving as a memorial to all veterans, you discover multiple military exhibits and the only stained-glass window commissioned by Grant Wood. Measuring 20 by 24 feet, the window is a moving tribute to those who served their country.

Aircraft models and military uniforms on display at the Veterans Memorial Building.

13. NATIONAL CZECH & SLOVAK MUSEUM & LIBRARY

The First Saturday of each month, students of all ages (preschool through college) are welcomed admission-FREE to experience the engaging permanent and traveling exhibits during normal business hours.

The exhibits and exterior space of National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

14. GRAND LODGE OF IOWA

The Grand Lodge of Iowa (also known as the Iowa Masonic Library & Museum) is reputed to be the largest Masonic library in the world with more than 100,000 volumes. The Library’s museum also contains three exhibits featuring an original Grant Wood painting, a Civil War flag from an Iowa regiment, Asian armor, Native American weapons as well as pottery and decorative arts from around the world. Hours by appointment only, Admission is free.

The outside exterior of Grand Lodge of Iowa, as well as an old American flag and stained glass art.

15. WICKIUP HILL

Enjoy the Wickiup Hill Learning Center's Wandering Woods—a children’s outdoor natural playscape open year round from sunrise to sunset—where children are encouraged to build, create, climb, balance, move and get messy with natural materials. Go inside to explore Oliver & Ava’s River Raft Adventure Exhibit, designed around a story of a school-aged boy and girl who follow a magical dragonfly on a learning adventure related to Native American history, nature and watersheds. 

Children play and climb the play area of Wickiup Hill.

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Featured Partners
NewBo City Market Inc.

NewBo City Market Inc.

NewBo City Market is a year-round public market in the heart of Cedar Rapids' New Bohemia neighborhood, a place for shopping,…

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…

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses more than 7,200 works of art spanning many eras-from Roman antiquity to the present. The…

Veterans Memorial Building

Veterans Memorial Building

The Veterans Memorial Building is managed and maintained by the Veterans Memorial Commission. The Building is on the National…