Neighbors

Marion

Distance from C.R.: 1 mile • Population: 43,000+

From weekend getaways to staycations, Marion is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities – and one of the youngest. Located just minutes north of Cedar Rapids, get lost in the historical buildings, boutique shopping, delicious cuisine and beautiful parks of this quaint urban village. cityofmarion.org

Mount Vernon/Lisbon

Distance from C.R.: 15 miles • Population: 4,400+

Experience the charm of two historic communities in a one-day trip to historic Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Your experience starts at the intersection of the Lincoln Highway and the Old Military Road, and will include distinctive, nationally recognized restaurants, art galleries and studios, antiques, specialty shops and bed-and-breakfast inns. Take walking tours of Mount Vernon’s three registered national historic districts, including the entire Cornell College campus, the downtown shopping district and a charming neighborhood of restored Victorian homes. Tour the Lisbon History Center, take a walk through Palisades-Kepler State Park, or attend one of 14 annual festivals including Chalk the Walk, Iowa’s largest Madonnari Festival. visitmvl.com

Hiawatha

Distance from C.R.: 6 miles • Population: 7,300+

Located just north of Cedar Rapids, along the Avenue of the Saints (Interstate 380), the 72-year-old town of Hiawatha is a hot spot for expanding businesses and the birthplace of 2010 Medal of Honor recipient, Salvator Giunta (the first living award recipient since the Vietnam War). During your visit, enjoy the lush parks, shop local retail and travel the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. hiawatha-iowa.com

Central City

Distance from C.R.: 25 miles • Population: 1,200+

Located northeast of Cedar Rapids, along the Wapsipinicon River, experience the quiet beauty of the scenic river valley. Visit the 966-acre Pinicon Ridge Park where you can camp, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bike and climb an observation tower to see more of the wooded bluffs. Stop in for a draft at BIT Brewery and during the spooky season, scare up some fun at Circle of Ash Haunted Attraction. centralcityia.gov

Ely

Distance from C.R.: 10 miles • Population: 2,000+

Founded in 1872, Ely recently celebrated its Sesquicentennial (150th) birthday. While experiencing rapid growth, the community has not forgotten its past and celebrates the continued use of many historical buildings including Ely’s historic Dows Street business district and City Hall’s current residence in the old Ely School House. Both areas are included on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. elyiowa.com

Fairfax

Distance from C.R.: 8 miles • Population: 2,800+

Home sweet home, Fairfax. Just a short trip down Highway 151, discover the charm of Fairfax. Step back in time when you visit local favorite, Star Bar & Grill (a former 1800s Saloon, Hotel & Livery rumored to occasionally host infamous outlaw, Jesse James). Visit the new Sports & Park Complex, snap a selfie in front of the beautiful, gothic-style St. Patrick’s church or catch a game of indoor golf at Four Seasons Indoor Golf. cityoffairfax.org

Palo

Distance from C.R.: 7 miles • Population: 1,000+

7 short miles outside of Cedar Rapids, Palo is a small-town community with big-city accessibility. Enjoy a juicy Inferno or BBQ Burger at Whiskey River Grill after a relaxing day at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Pleasant Creek is an ideal stop for fishing, boating, camping, hunting or to hike more than 8 miles of well-maintained trails winding through restored prairie and scenic overlooks. cityofpalo.com

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