National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library - Czech Points of Interest in Cedar Rapids

Masaryk Park
14th Avenue SE at the Cedar River

Dedicated October 28, 1994, it is named for Thomas G. Masaryk, the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic. Masaryk was president from 1918 to 1935 and died in 1937 at the age of 85. The park is dedicated to the Czech, Moravian and Slovak immigrants. It was founded by the Federation of Czech Groups, Inc. and the Czech Heritage Foundation, Inc., both of Cedar Rapids.

The Bridge of Lions (16th Avenue Bridge)
16th Avenue SW at the river (14th Avenue on SE side)

This bridge was constructed in 1989 to replace the bridge built in 1910. It is decorated with antique-style lights and guarded by eight concrete lions, traditional symbols of the Czech people.

Sokol Park
16th Avenue SW at the Cedar River

Dedicated October 25, 1997.

Bridge of Lions - Historical and Architectural Reconaissance Survey Report for Downtown and Industrial Corridors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prepared for the City of Cedar Rapids Department of Development Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission, by Marlys A. Svendson, Svendson Tyler, Inc., Sarona, Wisc., April, 1997.

Sokol Park - Historical and Architectural Survey Report for Community Development Block Grant Neighborhoods - Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prepared for the City of Cedar Rapids Department of Planning and Redevelopment Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission, by Marlys A. Svendson, Svendson Tyler, Inc., Sarona, Wisconsin, September, 1995.

Masaryk Park - Linn County Timelines, Volume 3, #11, November, 1997. Article entitled Western Fraternal Life Association: Century Award Winner.