Cedar Rapids is a city in Linn County, in eastern Iowa. The city covers 64.4 sq mi (166.8 sq km) and has a population of 126,000 (2011 estimate). It is the second largest city in Iowa after Des Moines, the state capital, and is has a metropolitan area with a population of 255,000.

Cedar Rapids, IowaCedar Rapids, Iowa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Cedar_Rapids.jpg
Author: Davumaya
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Cedar Rapids straddles the Cedar River. It is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Iowa City and 100 miles (160 km) from Des Moines. It was founded around 1838 and was originally called Columbus. The settlement was renamed to Cedar Rapids in 1841, in reference to the rapids in the Cedar River.

When the Sinclair meatpacking company established itself in Cedar Rapids, its presence help to fuel the growth of the town, which developed into a city with four quadrants. These quadrants are today apparent most of the city addresses.

Mays Island, Cedar Rapids, IowaMays Island, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Author: Davumaya
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Visiting Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is on Interstate 380 which connect it with Des Moines to the south and Waterloo to the northwest.

Places of Interest in Cedar Rapids

  1. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
    Local art museum (presently closed) with its collection of 21 Roman busts.

  2. Mother Mosque of America
    Built in 1934, it is the longest standing mosque in North America, and the second oldest after the 1929 mosque in Ross, North Dakota.

  3. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
    The place to get to know Czech and Slovak culture and heritage in America.

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