Modern-day Cedar Rapids was the territory of the Fox and Sac tribes, and the first colonist to set foot in Cedar Rapids was Osgood Shepherd. Shepherd claimed the land without legal title and constructed a log cabin in 1837 next to the Cedar River, known as Red Cedar. The city's founders are George Greene (a surveyor) and Nicholas Brown (a miller). In 1841, Greene and Brown formed a partnership that bought out Shepherd's claim and proceeded to plot out a town which was first called Rapid's City. The duo planned to build a mill next to the Cedar River where they could use the rapids and transport the goods downriver to the Mississippi. Rapid's city initially had its primary location around the east side of the Cedar River, but eventually, a village named Kingston formed on the west side of the river. This village was for the resident King David, who ran a rope ferry across the Cedar River. The city became formally incorporated by the Iowa State Legislature in January of 1849. At this time, it was named Cedar Rapids, after the rapids in the Cedar River. In 1849, the population of Cedar Rapids was a bit less than 400, but this grew in the 1950s when Czech immigrants inhabited the town. Residents also attempted to increase trade with other villages and markets by purchasing the town's first steamboat. Its first locomotive arrived in 1859. In 1870, Cedar Rapids annexed Kingston and built a bridge across the river to connect the two communities. The city then experienced a boom in economic growth in 1871 after establishing the Sinclair meatpacking company. This company employed 400 people and was one of the largest factories of its kind at the time. In addition, in 1873, an oatmeal mill was built and became the largest cereal mill in the world. In 1909, May's Island became the seat of government, which lies in the middle of the river between Cedar Rapids and Kingston. Officials selected this spot for the government seat because some residents on either side of the river harbored ill feelings towards each other. In 1919, Cedar Rapids became the county seat after the city donated a third of May Island for use as a new county courthouse and jail.

Cedar Rapids offers you entertainment on every level, so real estate investors, home buyers, tourists, and residents can enjoy a range of activities, such as:

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library: This museum and library feature rotating exhibitions on the culture, art, and history of Czechs and Slovaks. It also has a two-room 1880s Czech immigrant house that has been home to five generations.

NewBo City Market: This market is a community-based economic development organization that brings together art, music, and learning.

Paramount Theatre: This theater seats 1,693 people and hosts a variety of concerts, theater, and live events throughout the year.

Indian Creek Nature Center: Residents appreciate that this nature center provides a space for learning, growth, and unstructured play outdoors. It also has an Indian Creek exhibit and a Creekside Forest School.

Clock House Brewing: Inside a 107-year-old Clock House building, this brewery offers crafted brews that are sure to hit the spot.

Between fantastic things to do, Cedar Rapids also offers new real estate investors and homeowners a top-quality schooling system.