1. A Great Place to Experience the Midwest

Cedar Rapids, located in Iowa, is situated on both sides of the Cedar River, just 20 miles north of Iowa City and 100 miles east of Des Moines, the state capital and largest city. This city is a great destination for those looking to explore the beauty of the Midwest, as it offers a variety of activities and attractions, from outdoor recreation to cultural events. With its convenient location, Cedar Rapids is the perfect place to experience the best of Iowa.

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2. City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The Island of Government

The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is unique in that it is one of only a handful of cities in the world to have governmental offices located on a municipal island. This exclusive list includes the likes of Paris, France, making Cedar Rapids a truly special place. The island, located in the middle of the Cedar River, is home to the city's government offices, as well as a number of other attractions, such as a museum, a theater, and a park. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique experience that can't be found anywhere else.

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3. Cedar Rapids - A City of Arts

Cedar Rapids, located in Eastern Iowa, is a vibrant hub for art and culture. Home to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, the Paramount Theatre, Theatre Cedar Rapids, the African-American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, and the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, the city offers a wealth of cultural experiences. From the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which features a variety of permanent and rotating exhibitions, to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, which celebrates the history and culture of Czech and Slovak immigrants, to the Paramount Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances, to Theatre Cedar Rapids, which produces a range of theatrical productions, to the African-American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, which celebrates the history and culture of African-Americans in Iowa, to the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, which works to promote and support the arts in the region, Cedar Rapids is a city that truly celebrates the arts.

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4. A Major Economic Hub

Cedar Rapids is a major economic hub for the state of Iowa, boasting a diverse range of industries and businesses. The city is home to a number of large companies, including Rockwell Collins, Quaker Oats, and Transamerica, as well as a number of smaller businesses. The city's economy is bolstered by its strong agricultural sector, which includes a variety of crops, livestock, and dairy products. Additionally, Cedar Rapids is home to a number of educational institutions, including the University of Iowa, Kirkwood Community College, and Coe College, which provide a steady stream of educated workers to the city's businesses. With its strong economy and diverse range of industries, Cedar Rapids is an important economic hub for the state of Iowa.

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5. The City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Home to Two Popular Works of Art

The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the setting for two popular works of art: the musical The Pajama Game and the comedy film Cedar Rapids. The Pajama Game, a musical comedy, was first performed on Broadway in 1954 and has since been revived multiple times. The film Cedar Rapids, released in 2011, follows the story of an insurance salesman who attends a convention in the city and gets caught up in a series of misadventures. Both works of art have been praised for their humorous and lighthearted take on life in Cedar Rapids.

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6. Influential Figures in US History

Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been home to some of the most influential figures in American history. From Grant Wood, the painter behind the iconic American Gothic, to William L. Shirer, the renowned journalist and historian, to Carl Van Vechten, the celebrated writer and photographer, to Dr. Alexander Lippisch, the aerodynamics pioneer, Cedar Rapids has been residence to some of the most famous figures in the United States.

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7. Hollywood's Biggest Stars Call Cedar Rapids Home

Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been home to some of Hollywood's biggest stars, with Bobby Driscoll, Ashton Kutcher, Elijah Wood, and Ron Livingston all hailing from the city in the 1990s and 2000s. Driscoll was a child actor who starred in Disney's Peter Pan and Treasure Island, while Kutcher is best known for his roles in That '70s Show and The Ranch. Wood is a critically acclaimed actor who has starred in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Livingston is known for his roles in Office Space and Sex and the City. Cedar Rapids has certainly made its mark on Hollywood!

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8. Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The City of Five Seasons

The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is affectionately known as the "City of Five Seasons". This nickname is derived from the idea that the fifth season is a time to enjoy the other four. During this fifth season, locals and visitors alike can take advantage of the city's many outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, and fishing, as well as its vibrant cultural scene, with its numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Cedar Rapids has something for everyone to enjoy.

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9. Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Home to Professional Athletes

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has a long history of producing professional athletes, including Ryan Sweeney, a Major League Baseball outfielder; Trent Green, a former NFL quarterback; Zach Johnson, a professional golfer who won the 2007 Masters Tournament; and Kurt Warner, a former NFL quarterback and two-time NFL MVP. These athletes have all achieved success in their respective sports, and their accomplishments are a testament to the athletic talent that Cedar Rapids has to offer.

10. The City of Corn Processing

Cedar Rapids is a major hub for corn processing, making it one of the largest cities in the world for this industry. The city is home to a number of large corn processing plants, including Quaker Oats, General Mills, and Archer Daniels Midland, which together process millions of bushels of corn each year. The city also hosts a number of smaller corn processing facilities, such as the Cedar Rapids Corn Processing Plant, which produces corn syrup, corn oil, and other corn-based products. With its abundance of corn processing facilities, Cedar Rapids is a major player in the global corn industry.