Students look forward to summer—whether it’s a break from early mornings, a chance to soak up the sun or more time with friends. But with inflation and rising living costs, a big summer getaway isn’t always realistic. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun, affordable options right here in the Corridor and beyond.
Although Iowa is known for hogs, corn, soybeans and pastoral countryside, events throughout its cities and towns are plentiful. From the three-week Freedom Festival in June and July in Cedar Rapids to Adventureland in Des Moines to the Mississippi River Aquarium in Dubuque to Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo and so much more, Iowa has a lot offer for fun in the sun.
On a smaller scale, many Iowa towns throughout its farmland and prairies hold festivals in the summer. One might go to Strawberry Point for the Strawberry Festival, one of the several events held in the Amana Colonies, or any number of fairs and festivals announced with handmade signs, Facebook pages, and on town websites.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, Iowa’s gorgeous parks, natural areas, trails and waterways are yours to enjoy. Just a short drive from Cedar Rapids, Palisades-Kepler State Park, Lake MacBride State Park and Wapsipinicon State Park all offer camping, hiking and picnic shelters for recreational use.
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail runs from Evansdale to Hiawatha, with well-maintained paved, gravel or limestone sections making biking and walking a breeze. Coralville Dam Complex’s fossil beds and camping make for a pleasant weekend of exploration and relaxation. Indian Creek Nature Trail and Prairie Park Fishery are options for enjoying Iowa’s varied ecological areas nestled in the southeast side of Cedar Rapids.
For the more indoorsy people, there are concerts scheduled throughout the state, many options to enjoy the local nightlife and museums of all types. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, African American Museum and Czech-Slovak Museum all offer a climate-controlled experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the many exhibits covering a variety of historical events and artworks.
If you’re itching to get back into the classroom, Kirkwood offers recreational classes throughout the season as well, which you can find at https://www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education.
Thinking of challenging yourself this summer? A trek up Mt. Trashmore, the landfill-turned-park overlooking Cedar Rapids, grants the opportunity to do just that. Through the process of completing the challenge, participants can walk, bike or run up the capped landfill 140 times, the distance equivalent of traversing Mt Everest. You can register on the Trashmore Challenge website at https://app.trashmorechallenge.com.
Another option to issue yourself a fun challenge is the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. RAGBRAI is in its 52nd year and is the largest, oldest, longest bicycle tour in the world. This year’s weeklong ride is July 19-26. The 406 mile journey passes through Orange City, Milford, Esterville, Forest City, Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls, Oelwein and Guttenberg this year.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your summer break, Iowa has something to offer at every price point, no matter if you’re close to home or exploring the state.
Have fun and make the most of summer break. After a school year of hard work, you’ve earned it.
Categories: Feature
