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Cedar Rapids Travel Guide, Iowa

Cedar Rapids, the second largest city in the U.S. state of Iowa, is a perfect example of a modern city. The city has a strong economic base and infrastructure. The city’s rich cultural heritage is clearly manifested in the people’s fondness for various art forms. Cedar Rapids has unique nicknames; and one such name is ‘City of Five Seasons’. If you go visiting the downtown of the city, you will get to see the Tree of Five Seasons sculpture. Of course, it is not the only one and you will come across many such representations of the Five Seasons throughout the city.

Statistics

Area: 166.8 sq km

Population: 126,396

Language: English

Currency: USD

Architecture

There are some majestic buildings within the city’s bounds - there is the City Hall and the County Courthouse (standing just behind the City Hall), the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the Paramount Theatre, the 12-storey Roosevelt Hotel and other similar imposing structures. Nevertheless, Cedar Rapids is not all steel and concrete structures because every attempt has been made to soften the effect through proper planning. This is done by introducing greenery in some places and by keeping structures close to the water bodys.

Economy and Infrastructure

With several large businesses and industries like GE Commercial Finance, Quaker Oats, Toyota Financial Services, GreatAmerica Leasing and others based in Cedar Rapids, the city is the hub of economic activities. The city’s inclusion in the Technology Corridor has brought many technological businesses and industries into the city; this has proved particularly favorable for its residents as their wages and standard of living are consistently rising.

Cedar Rapids has suitable infrastructure to support everyday existence and tourism.

Educational and healthcare facilities are commendable. Accommodation facilities are aplenty. As for transportation, the city is served by national and state highways and major railroads. Buses and taxis are the available means of transportation. The city also has a series of skywalks for foot traffic. Cedar Rapids also has a regional airport, The Eastern Iowa Airport.

People and Culture

Non-Hispanic whites make a large section of the Cedar Rapids population and these people are mostly of European origin; but then the city also has African Americans, Asians and Hispanic communities. There is also an Indian settlement of the Sac and Fox of the Mississippi. Cedar Rapids residents are predominantly Roman Catholics; however, followers of Islamic faith are also found here.

A rich cultural center, Cedar Rapids has been the home to many stalwarts (mostly belonging to the world of art). The city has many theaters and concert halls, where plays and live performances are staged year-round. There are a few art museums in the area where art exhibitions are held. The residents also practice various sports including baseball, basketball, volleyball and ice-hockey.

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