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National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, IA

Photo: ArtisticAbode, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

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National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

1400 Inspiration Place SW · Cedar Rapids, IA

Why you should go…

Founded in 1974, this Smithsonian Affiliate in Cedar Rapids preserves Czech and Slovak history and culture through exhibitions and a research library. Its collection of kroje, traditional folk dress, is the largest outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with pieces dating to the 16th century. After the 2008 flood, the 1,500-ton building was moved 480 feet to higher ground in 2011. In 2024 the museum dedicated a Prague-style astronomical clock with carved figures of immigrant trades.

  • #history museum
  • #czech heritage
  • #slovak heritage
  • #immigration history

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Amana Colonies

    Free

    Wander seven historic German villages with a working woolen mill, bakeries, craft shops, restaurants and small museums.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

    Free

    Tour Herbert Hoover's two-room birthplace cottage, a blacksmith shop, a Quaker meetinghouse and the Hoover gravesite.

    26 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Maquoketa Caves State Park

    Free

    Hike six miles of trails linking about 13 caves, a 50-foot natural bridge and a 17-ton balanced rock.

    46 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Field of Dreams Movie Site

    Free

    Walk the baseball diamond cut into an Iowa cornfield for the 1989 film and tour the original farmhouse.

    48 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Iowa 80 Truckstop

    Free

    Browse a huge trucker's store, eat at several restaurants and see antique rigs at the free trucking museum off I-80.

    51 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions