CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA REAL ESTATE

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Cedar Rapids IA Real Estate

Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in the state of Iowa after the state capital, Des Moines. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 126,396 in 2007. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River. Cedar Rapids’ City Hall and County Courthouse are located on Mays Island, which is an island in the river. Cedar Rapids is one of only a few cities in the world to have their government offices on a municipal island.

Cedar Rapids is a flourishing center for arts and theatre in Eastern Iowa. The city is home to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the Paramount Theatre, and the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance. Cedar Rapids is also an economic hub of Iowa.

Cedar Rapids is nicknamed the “City of Five Seasons” for the traditional four seasons and the fifth which is a time to enjoy the other four. The symbol of the five seasons is the Tree of Five Seasons sculpture in downtown Cedar Rapids. The name “Five Seasons” and representations of the sculpture appear throughout the city in many forms.

Cedar Rapids History

The first permanent settler, Osgood Shepherd, arrived in Cedar Rapids in 1838. The town was established in 1839, and a man by the name of William Stone called the town “Columbus.” In 1841, Columbus was renamed “Cedar Rapids” because of the river and the rapids near the site. Cedar Rapids was officially incorporated on January 15, 1849.

Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation

There are many beautiful parks and recreational spots to enjoy in Cedar Rapids. The Cedar Rapids Recreation Department maintains many parks and fields for your use. Visit one of the great parks in the area or spend the day at one of the city’s farmers markets. You are also welcome to visit the Indian Creek Nature Center or play a round of golf at St. Andrews Golf Club. You won’t want to miss out on the fun, educational opportunities that Cedar Rapids has to offer you and your family!

Cedar Rapids Recreation Department
The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department manages over 4,040 acres of city-owned property. There are 73 named parks along with hundreds of acres of undeveloped green space. There are also many ball diamonds for games, playgrounds, and restroom facilities throughout Cedar Rapid’s park system.

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department maintains all weather basketball courts, the trail system, splash pads, sand volleyball courts, a BMX dirt track at Cheyenne Park, rugby field, an off-leash dog exercise area, 23 pavilions, baseball and softball fields, and picnic areas. The Department also operates 12 spray pools and 7 splash pads, the Tuma Soccer Complex, Bever Park Children's Zoo, and Noelridge Park Flower Gardens. There are two Frisbee golf courses that are located at Shaver Park and Jones Park.

Farmers Market
There are two farmers markets that the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department operates from May to October. At the markets you can find fruits, vegetables, meats, and crafts available for local consumers.

Riverside Skate Park
Riverside Skate Park provides a safe environment for extreme sports such as in-line skating, skateboarding, and biking. Riverside Skate Park consists of a concrete surface with nine steel obstacles and ramps. These include a half-pipe, ramps, railings and more.

Riverside Park also has a playground, a wading pool, a walking trail and a softball diamond. Restrooms and running water are available during the regular operating season.

Indian Creek Nature Center
The Indian Creek Nature Center is a private, non-profit nature center providing environmental education for all ages. The center is located on over 210 acres with four miles of trails provide woodlands, prairies, wetlands and riparian forests for a unique outdoor classroom. The Nature Center staff and volunteers provide leadership for a variety of learning experiences.

The interpretive center features a remodeled 1932 dairy barn, houses exhibits, an auditorium, offices, gift shop and restrooms. The grounds near the barn contain a butterfly garden, Vermont-style maple sugar house, herb garden, frog pond, bee hives, bat houses, bluebird trail, sugar bush and prairie. Picnic tables are also available.

St Andrews Golf Club
St Andrews Golf Club and Driving Range is an 18 hole par 70 course with yardage from 4926 yards for the ladies to over 6300 yards for the longer hitters and a little shorter from the white tees. The course has small undulating greens on the front side and larger greens on the back with water coming into play as a hazard on 14 holes. The course has bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways.

For more information on Cedar Rapids events and attractions, please click here

For the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce website click here

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