Canada Goose
ParkIowa, US
Mays Island
Mays Island is a historically rich civic hub in the heart of Cedar Rapids.
About
Mays Island is a historically rich civic hub in the heart of Cedar Rapids.
This unique island, nestled in the Cedar River, stands as a testament to the city's history and resilience, much like Paris's Île de la Cité. It serves as Cedar Rapids' distinguished civic center, housing significant Beaux-Arts architectural gems such as the Veterans Memorial Building and the Linn County Courthouse. Beyond its administrative functions, Mays Island provides picturesque river views and a tranquil green space amidst the urban landscape, offering a focal point for community gathering and reflection.
Visitors can marvel at the striking Beaux-Arts style of the Veterans Memorial Building, which boasts a magnificent 24-foot-tall stained-glass Memorial Window, famously designed by Iowa artist Grant Wood, his only work in stained glass. The building also features a cenotaph honoring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an eternal flame, and a powerful Iwo Jima statue on its steps. Nearby, the grand Linn County Courthouse showcases impressive Great Depression-era murals and a three-story rotunda, while recent enhancements include vibrant new green spaces and the interactive "Cedar Rapids" sign, perfect for memorable photos.
Mays Island is a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve into Cedar Rapids' architectural heritage, civic pride, and ongoing story of recovery and community spirit. Its blend of monumental history, public art, and revitalized green areas makes it a compelling destination for both residents and tourists. The island's strategic location and ongoing developments, including new trees and public art installations, solidify its role as a vibrant and evolving center of downtown life. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.
Mays Island began as a low, marshy piece of land in the Cedar River, often serving as a hiding spot for horse thieves in the days before Cedar Rapids was incorporated. In the 1850s, Major John May acquired the island with ambitious plans to establish a town. Though his initial vision of "May Island" was thwarted by frequent flooding, he later championed the idea of the island as a unifying civic center for a growing Cedar Rapids. The city officially acquired much of the island in 1909, initiating efforts to build seawalls and raise its elevation to combat flooding. This transformation solidified its role as a civic hub, culminating in the construction of the Linn County Courthouse and jail by 1925, and the Veterans Memorial Building in 1927. The island, along with an adjacent block, was recognized as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Despite significant damage during the devastating 2008 flood, Mays Island has undergone extensive recovery and remains a powerful symbol of Cedar Rapids' resilience.
What to do here
Walk across the historic bridges, take photos with the "Cedar Rapids" sign, explore the architectural details of the government buildings, and visit the Veterans Memorial Museum. Enjoy the enhanced green spaces and recent tree plantings.
Seasonal info
Spring/Summer: Ideal for enjoying the newly planted trees and vibrant green spaces. Watch for community events and outdoor activities.
Fall: Experience beautiful foliage along the river.
Winter: The architectural elements and memorials remain impressive, though outdoor exploration may be chilly.
Accessibility
The island features paved areas and pathways, ensuring general accessibility. Most public buildings have accessible entrances. The Veterans Memorial Building's main entrance is specifically noted for ease of access to the Memorial Window.
Don't miss
1
Veterans Memorial Building
Admire its Beaux-Arts architecture and the iconic Grant Wood Memorial Window.
2
Linn County Courthouse
Explore its impressive Beaux-Arts design and historical murals inside.
3
"Cedar Rapids" Sign
A new, interactive landmark perfect for photos and expressing civic pride.
4
Iwo Jima Statue & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Reflect at these poignant memorials on the Veterans Memorial Building grounds.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Start at the Veterans Memorial Building
This building offers a fantastic starting point for its architectural grandeur and the famous Grant Wood Memorial Window.
Capture the "Cedar Rapids" Sign
Don't miss the opportunity to take photos with the large, interactive "Cedar Rapids" sign, a recent and popular addition to the island.
Walk the perimeter
Stroll along the island's edges to fully appreciate the river views and the unique way the buildings integrate with the narrow landform.
Explore the Courthouse
Take time to admire the Beaux-Arts architecture of the Linn County Courthouse, especially its interior murals and rotunda if publicly accessible.
Consider flood history
Reflect on the island's resilience, especially in the context of the 2008 flood, to fully appreciate its protective infrastructure and redevelopment.
Parking
Look for available parking ramps or street parking nearby. The May's Island Ramp is a known parking option.
Frequently asked questions
- Mays Island is home to several important landmarks, including the Veterans Memorial Building, the Linn County Courthouse, and the Linn County Jail. The island itself, along with an adjacent block, is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
- While the buildings primarily house government offices, the Veterans Memorial Building often allows public access to its main areas, including the Grant Wood Memorial Window and the Veterans Memorial Museum, during specific hours. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for current public access information and tour schedules.
- Mays Island has recently seen significant revitalization efforts, including the installation of a new, interactive "Cedar Rapids" sign and enhanced green spaces with new tree plantings. These initiatives aim to "activate" the island for increased community use and engagement, making it a more vibrant public space.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
May 31, 2026
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