RV Rental Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids, Iowa RV Rentals

This under-rated and welcoming city offers much in the way of fun and interesting attractions and events throughout the year. Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa, and has a proud Czech and Slovak heritage that gives this quaint city a classic European vibe. In fact, Cedar Rapids has been ranked as one of America’s Top 10 Cities to Grow Up in, boasting an extremely low crime rate and top-notch school systems.

With so much to do in the region, Cedar Rapids is a great destination for an RV road trip. There’s plenty of great RV rental options to choose from, no matter what your budget. There’s also a plethora of spacious and scenic RV campgrounds that proudly offer the best amenities, like free Wi-Fi, clean and modern shower and laundry facilities, resort-like swimming pools, playgrounds, friendly and caring staff, and much more. Check out all these fun events and attractions and start giving Cedar Rapids some serious consideration as your next vacation destination.

Popular RV Destinations in Cedar Rapids

Brucemore

Brucemore is an impressive and magnificent example of a proper 19th-century mansion that was built in the then-popular Queen Anne style. It’s located on a historic 26-acre estate and in its heyday, it was considered the “grandest house west of Chicago.” It was constructed in 1884 for the young widow, Caroline Brucemore, and her children and sits regally overlooking the main route into town.

The estate changed hands, serving as a primary residence for several prominent families up until 1981, when its final resident bequeathed the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, you can take a fun and informative guided tour of this beautiful 21-room house and enjoy all it has to offer in the way of impressive architecture, decorating styles, furnishings, artwork, landscaping, and antiquities. Brucemore also offers regular theater performances, concerts, social events, and a special holiday decor during the Christmas season.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Cedar Rapids proudly honors its Czech and Slovak heritage and influence with the well-designed and thoughtfully laid out National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library. The museum was actually awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2013 for its world-class exhibits and events. This in-depth look into the storied heritage celebrates philosophy, freedom, and the dignity of the Czech and Slovak people.

Guided tours provide you ample opportunity to learn through permanent exhibits like “Faces of Freedom: The Czech and Slovak Journey,” a multimedia interactive look at life in Czechoslovakia under communist rule and during the World Wars. You can also see a plethora of examples of ethnic art, woodworking, costumes, music, and more. Open seven days a week, the museum also hosts plenty of special programs and events throughout the year.

For even more multicultural education and perspective, be sure to head across the 12th Avenue bridge to see the African American Museum of Iowa.

Paramount Theatre

Originally constructed in the 1920s and known as the “Capitol Theatre,” the Paramount Theatre was purchased by the famous studio of the same name in 1929 and was a mecca of live shows like Vaudeville performances, as well as one of the first movie palaces in the region. It showcased some of America’s greatest artists, including B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and so many more. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this regal and impressive venue has been fully restored to mimic its original grandiose setting. 

The theatre is designed to look like the famous “Hall of Mirrors” in Versailles and true to form, it is a feast for the senses that includes such decorative touches as valuable oil paintings, extravagant and plush furniture and fixtures, and detailed sculptures that are sure to impress you. Just the ambiance alone is reason enough to visit this historic landmark. However, there are still plenty of talented live performances, Broadway plays, and concerts to further entice you to one of only 300 classic movie palaces still left in the U.S.

NewBo City Market

Prominently located in the heart of Cedar Rapids’ New Bohemia Main Street District is the large and funky NewBo City Market. It’s home to a cornucopia of shopping, entertainment, and dining options and is conveniently located inside an eclectic warehouse setting that allows it to be open year-round. The market serves as a hub of activity where visitors can socialize, shop, and meander through the fun and vibrant atmosphere.

Local farmers, businesses, and artisans proudly offer up their best fresh produce, specialty cheeses, baked goods, meat and seafood, hard-to-find foods, flowers, crafts, jewelry, and so much more. The market also hosts live music events each Friday evening from May through September, and if cooking is your thing, be sure to check out the selection of cooking demonstrations and classes that are offered regularly.

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Established in 1905 by the Cedar Rapids Art Club, the venerable Cedar Rapids Museum of Art had steadily grown and evolved over the years to become a comprehensive and appreciated venue not only for the exhibition of famous and local works of art, but as a cultural center that promotes exploration and diversity. It features a steady stream of fresh and different rotating exhibits that keep people coming back often, but also has a solid installation of permanent exhibits, including the world’s largest collection of works from Iowa’s own well-renowned Grant Wood.

There is also a significant exhibit that displays the works of Wood’s trusted friend and collaborator, Marvin Cone, which includes some of his best landscapes and abstract paintings. The museum has more than 7,000 works of art, primarily focused on 20th century American art and artists. However, it also has a surprisingly large collection that displays over 600 years of early Roman life. With over 60,000 square feet to explore, the museum is sure to keep you entertained and introspective for hours.

Events and Entertainment in Cedar Rapids

One Team Scavenger Hunt

Described as a cross between an adventure race, a scavenger hunt, and an informative self-guided tour, the One Team Scavenger Hunt is a fun and ideal way to get to know the city of Cedar Rapids. This app-lead scavenger hunt is designed for people of all ages and all physical skill levels. You can participate as a couple, an individual, or a group, or even create multiple teams and race each other. You can also play any time of day, any day of the week, at no charge. 

The entire goal is to enjoy and have fun exploring and seeing the unique sights and landmarks of Cedar Rapids. Almost all of the adventures are informative as well as entertaining, with aspects that appeal to all ages. Take your time to complete the hunt over the duration of your stay, or race to be the first team to finish as fast as possible — it’s up to you.

Indian Creek Maple Syrup Festival

In March of each year, you can bring the entire family to a maple syrup extravaganza hosted right next door to Cedar Rapids at the Indian Creek Nature Center. Learn and see firsthand how simple it is to tap maple trees to make rich and delicious maple syrup. You can also take the opportunity to experience cutting edge technology that teaches you all about the weather, chemistry of maple syrup making, tree philosophy, and more. 

People enjoy the process of taking tools to tap a tree, guide the sap, and boil it down into syrup. Visit the Sugar House to learn precisely how sap becomes syrup, and enjoy some complimentary samples. Of course, no trip to the maple syrup festival would be complete without a fun stop at the well-stocked on-site shop to choose the perfect souvenir or gift to commemorate your visit. 

Cedar Rapids BBQ Roundup

Held at the McGrath Amphitheatre each June, the Roundup kicks off the Freedom Festival in one of the best ways imaginable, with four days of food and music. Located along the scenic shores of the Cedar River, the McGrath Amphitheatre is known for hosting a ton of outdoor community events, including live concerts and regular movie nights throughout the summer. For more than 30 years, it has been hosting this iconic kick-off to summer, making it one of the longest-running BBQ festivals in the country.

It’s a family-friendly event that has lots of live concerts and performances throughout its four days featuring famous artists as well as local favorites. The live music provides the perfect backdrop for the multiple national BBQ vendors that come from as far away as Florida and Texas to vie for the prestige of preparing the best BBQ. Seriously, can you think of a better way to kick off summer?

Freedom Festival

Each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the largest two-week festival that is held around America’s Independence Day, the Freedom Festival. Come help celebrate the nation’s birthday, as well as the more than 70 events taking place that lead up to the jaw-dropping grand finale of the 4th of July. The show is one of the largest free fireworks shows in the country, in case you need extra patriotic motivation. 

The Freedom Festival features a ton of activities and events that take place throughout the town to lead up to a successful and energetic grand finale. Experience a wide array of educational opportunities and entertainment that are specifically geared towards specially planned events. It will definitely be a festival to remember. 

Monarch Festival

Also in July and also hosted by the Indian Creek Nature Center is the annual Monarch Festival, which is a one-day family-friendly event that focuses around teaching families all about the fascinating Monarch butterfly. The free event features plenty of crafts, games, hands-on activities, face painting, and more to teach kids in a fun and entertaining way. You can talk with local monarch experts to learn about conservation issues and efforts.

Watch with eager anticipation as some Monarch butterflies are released into the air for the first time. See Monarch butterflies in various stages of development as they make their incredible transition from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly. You can even adopt a Monarch caterpillar if you get there early enough, before they’re all gone.

FAQs:

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Cedar Rapids can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Cedar Rapids?

While most states require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, the legal age to rent one in Iowa is 21. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent.

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Cedar Rapids. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

This policy varies among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Cedar Rapids will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you picked up the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Cedar Rapids?

Many RV and camper rentals in Cedar Rapids are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.