Main Content
Cedar Rapids
As the second-largest city in the state, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a vibrant hub of industry and culture located in the heart of the Cedar River Valley. Known as the 'City of Five Seasons,' Cedar Rapids offers a unique mix of urban amenities and small-town community spirit.
The Community
It is a major economic center in the Corridor, hosting global employers like Collins Aerospace and Transamerica, as well as the world's largest cereal plant, Quaker Oats. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, diverse housing options ranging from historic districts to new developments, and easy access to the Eastern Iowa Airport. Whether you are relocating for work or seeking a family-friendly community with top-tier schools like the Cedar Rapids Community School District, this dynamic city is the perfect place to put down roots.
Cedar Rapids History
Cedar Rapids was originally surveyed in 1841 as 'Rapids City,' named for the swift waters of the Cedar River that powered its earliest mills. It was officially incorporated as Cedar Rapids in 1849 and quickly grew into a major industrial hub, particularly after the arrival of the railroad in 1859. In the late 19th century, a booming meatpacking industry attracted thousands of Czech immigrants, who established the vibrant 'Little Bohemia' neighborhood, a cultural legacy that lives on in today's Czech Village and NewBo districts.
You may know us as the 'City of Five Seasons.' This nickname, adopted in the 1970s, represents spring, summer, autumn, winter, and a fifth season: time to enjoy the other four. Today, that spirit is reflected in our resilience. Following the historic flood of 2008, the community rallied to rebuild stronger than ever, transforming the riverfront into a symbol of progress while preserving the heritage that makes Cedar Rapids unique.
Cedar Rapids Attractions
Cedar Rapids School District | 319.558.2000
Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa and a global leader in corn processing and food ingredients, boasting a large number of manufacturing plants and Fortune 500 companies like Quaker Oats and Archer Daniels Midland. The city is home to Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, and the world's first and oldest Masonic library. Cedar Rapids is also known for its public art, a miniature Statue of Liberty replica in Green Square Park, and the unique, repurposed Mount Trashmore landfill, now a popular trail.
- Shopping
- Entertainment
