The Interurbans of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The Interurbans of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

with John Nicholson

A special members-only, Zoom-only program on Friday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Iowa was known as the “land of the steam road trolleys” as its interurbans were generally built to high standards, which permitted the interchange of carload freight with neighboring steam railroads. By 1960 all interurban passenger service in Iowa had ended, yet fully 70% of the trackage remained in operation for freight service.

Cedar Rapids was home to two prominent and long-lived interurbans: Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway (CRANDIC) and the Waterloo Cedar Falls and Northern. Passenger service on both routes survived into the 1950s and Crandic still operates today as a diesel-powered freight shortline.

Join MCERA John Nicholson as he takes us on a visual tour over both of these fascinating interurban lines. You’ll be able to ride in stately splendor on the open-air observation platform on a WCF& N classic heavyweight or “swing and sway the Crandic way” on a former Cincinnati & Lake Erie highspeed lightweight. 

It’s bound to be a colorful and informative evening so join us. Be aware that admission is to CERA members only so consider joining us and gain access to TWO Zoom programs a month.

The Zoom program can be found at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84039965430?pwd=NjVaWU1iaGs2bXpXRVRVbzdpQ3Yydz09

Meeting ID: 840 3996 5430

Passcode: 572661

Dial in: +1 305 224 1968 US

Or simply type this link into your browser: tinyurl.com/CERAonZoomApril2023