Brucemore, Northwest Iowa Travel Guide

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Explore a grand 19th-century estate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a Queen Anne mansion, historic gardens, and captivating family stories.

Brucemore, a National Trust Historic Site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a 26-acre estate with a Queen Anne-style mansion that was home to three prominent families from 1884 to 1981. Visitors can explore the mansion, gardens, and grounds, and learn about the families who shaped Cedar Rapids' history.

A brief summary to Brucemore

2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52403, US
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Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
Thursday 10 am-3 pm
Friday 10 am-3 pm
Saturday 10 am-3 pm
Sunday 1 pm-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Brucemore.

Check the Brucemore website for upcoming events, concerts, and theatrical performances held on the estate.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the 26-acre estate and exploring the gardens and grounds.
Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history of the mansion and the families who lived there.
Visit during the spring or summer to see the gardens in full bloom.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

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Plum Grove Historical Site

Ushers Ferry Historic Village

Dodge House-Historic General

Explore Brucemore on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Brucemore, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Brucemore is located at 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. From downtown Cedar Rapids, head southeast on 1st Avenue SE, then turn left onto 16th Street SE. Continue onto Linden Drive SE, and Brucemore will be on your left. Free parking is available on-site near the mansion entrance.
Public Transport

Cedar Rapids Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Check the Cedar Rapids Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules to reach Brucemore. From the Ground Transportation Center in downtown Cedar Rapids, several routes may offer connections to the vicinity of Brucemore. A one-way fare is typically around $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Cedar Rapids. A ride from downtown Cedar Rapids to Brucemore typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip.

Discover more about Brucemore

Brucemore stands as a living landmark, charting the history of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, through the stories of the three families who called it home. Built between 1884 and 1886 by Caroline Sinclair, the widow of meatpacking industrialist T.M. Sinclair, the estate later became home to the Douglas and Hall families. Each family left its unique mark on the mansion and grounds, contributing to the social and economic growth of Cedar Rapids.The 21-room Queen Anne-style mansion showcases the tastes and styles of the families who lived there, with features like the 1925 Grant Wood Sleeping Porch, the 1929 Skinner player pipe organ, and the 1930s Grizzly Bar and Tahitian Room. The estate's 26 acres include formal gardens, an orchard, and a serene woodland section.Visitors can explore the mansion through guided tours, which delve into the history of the families and their contributions to the community. Special tours, such as the "Nooks and Crannies" tour and the "Hired Help" tour, offer deeper insights into the mansion's architecture and the lives of the servants who worked there. The grounds are open for free exploration, allowing visitors to wander through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic estate.