Bever Park | Cedar Rapids

Information

Landmark: Bever Park
City: Cedar Rapids
Country: USA Iowa
Continent: North America

Bever Park, Cedar Rapids, USA Iowa, North America

Bever Park is a municipal park located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. It is situated in the eastern section of the city.

Visual Characteristics

The park covers approximately 100 acres. It features mature deciduous trees, primarily oak and maple, providing significant canopy cover. Open lawn areas are interspersed with wooded sections. A central pond, approximately 5 acres in size, is a prominent water feature. The terrain is gently rolling.

Location & Access Logistics

Bever Park is located at 2700 17th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. It is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) northeast of the Cedar Rapids city center. Access is via 17th Street NE, which connects to Edgewood Road NE. Ample paved parking is available at multiple points within the park, including a main lot near the playground and a smaller lot near the pond. Public transport options include the Cedar Rapids Transit bus line #3, which stops at the intersection of 17th Street NE and Edgewood Road NE, a 0.3km walk to the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Bever Park was established in 1927 through a donation of land by the Bever family. The park's development was overseen by the Cedar Rapids Parks Department. Ecologically, the area is part of the prairie pothole region, with the pond being a man-made feature designed to retain stormwater and provide recreational space. The surrounding vegetation is a mix of native and introduced species, managed for park use.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include playground use, picnicking at designated tables, walking on paved trails (totaling approximately 3km), fishing in the pond (catch and release encouraged), and birdwatching. The park contains a disc golf course with 18 baskets. Seasonal events, such as concerts, are held in the amphitheater.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in two locations: one near the main playground and another by the pond. Several picnic shelters offer shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable throughout the park. No on-site food vendors are present, but convenience stores are located within 1km of the park entrances.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) offers soft light and fewer visitors. Late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) also provides favorable lighting. The best months for general park use are May through October, with peak foliage in September and October. The pond is accessible year-round for walking around, but ice fishing is not permitted.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the pond was once home to a large snapping turtle, though this has not been verified. The park's original design included a small zoo, which was decommissioned in the 1950s.