Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids

General Information
Name	Cedar Rapids
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	41°58 59°N
Map
Population
Total	137,710
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type	Council-manager
Leader	Tiffany O'Donnell
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-6
DST	UTC-5

Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa, United States, and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, 20 miles north of Iowa City and 100 miles northeast of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city. Cedar Rapids is a part of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor of Linn, Benton, Cedar, Jones, Johnson, and Washington counties.

History

Cedar Rapids was incorporated in 1849. The city has a rich history, with its development closely tied to the Cedar River. The river has been a source of both opportunity and challenge, providing water power for mills and factories, but also posing a flood risk.

Economy

Cedar Rapids is an economic hub of the state, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, food processing, and high-tech industries. Major employers include Rockwell Collins, Quaker Oats, and General Mills. The city is also known for its grain processing industry.

Culture

Cedar Rapids is known as the "City of Five Seasons," which refers to the traditional four seasons and a "fifth season" to enjoy life. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and art galleries. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses the largest collection of works by Grant Wood, a native of the area.

Education

The city is served by the Cedar Rapids Community School District, which is the second-largest school district in Iowa. Higher education institutions include Coe College, Kirkwood Community College, and a branch of the University of Iowa.

Transportation

Cedar Rapids is served by the Eastern Iowa Airport, which provides flights to several major cities. The city is also a hub for several major highways, including Interstate 380, U.S. Route 30, and U.S. Route 151.

Notable People

• Grant Wood - Artist known for "American Gothic"
• Ashton Kutcher - Actor and entrepreneur
• Terry Branstad - Former Governor of Iowa and U.S. Ambassador to China

See Also

• List of cities in Iowa
• Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

External Links

• Official website of Cedar Rapids
• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance