Marion, Iowa has become much more than a city near Cedar Rapids. Over the last decade, it has continued to grow into a destination of its own — with a thriving Uptown district, local events, parks, trails, new city improvements, expanding neighborhoods, and a business community that continues to gain momentum.
Whether you are searching for things to do in Marion, Iowa, planning a summer day in the area, or considering a move to one of Eastern Iowa’s fastest-growing communities, Marion has a lot to offer.
Things to Do in Marion, Iowa
If you are looking for things to do in Marion, Iowa, Uptown Marion is a great place to start. The district is home to local shops, restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues, and community events throughout the year. During the summer, Uptown becomes a central gathering place for residents and visitors looking to enjoy live music, markets, outdoor dining, and local businesses.
Popular Marion activities often include:
- Visiting Uptown Marion shops and restaurants
- Attending Marion by Moonlight concerts
- Exploring the Uptown Marion Market
- Spending time at local parks and trails
- Enjoying community festivals and seasonal events
- Visiting Lowe Park, Hanna Park, or other Marion recreation areas
- Exploring nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Photo courtesy of the City of Marion.
Summer Activities
Summer is one of the best times to experience Marion. The city offers a variety of outdoor events and community activities that make it easy to enjoy the season close to home.
From farmers markets and outdoor concerts to family-friendly festivals and recreation programs, Marion gives residents plenty of ways to stay connected to the community. Events like Marion by Moonlight and the Uptown Marion Market bring people together while supporting local businesses, vendors, and organizations.
For those who enjoy being outside, Marion’s parks and trails are another major benefit. Whether you want to go for a walk, take the kids to a playground, enjoy a picnic, play disc golf, or spend time in open green space, Marion has outdoor options for a wide range of ages and interests.
Recent Improvements in Marion
Marion’s growth is especially visible in Uptown. Since 2013, Uptown Marion has seen more than $55.7 million in private dollars invested, 136 business starts and expansions, and more than 12,000 volunteer hours supporting the district’s continued momentum. Today, Uptown Marion is home to more than 60 boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues, making Uptown one of the clearest examples of Marion’s continued growth and momentum.
One of the most visible examples is the 7th Avenue Streetscape & Plaza Project, a $6.5 million investment in Marion’s core that included reconstructed streets, improved walkability, updated infrastructure, and new plaza space in the heart of the central business district.
The Central Plaza has added even more energy to the area. Designed as a year-round gathering space, the plaza includes an ice-skating loop, live performance area, interactive water features, public art, and flexible event amenities. The project was recently recognized with Main Street Iowa’s Signature Project Award, reinforcing Uptown Marion’s role as a regional hub for arts, culture, community life, and local business.
Photo courtesy of the City of Marion.
Why Are People Moving Here?
People are moving to Marion, Iowa because it offers a strong combination of community connection, convenient amenities, schools, recreation, business growth, and housing opportunity. While Marion still gives residents easy access to the Cedar Rapids metro, the city has built an identity of its own over the last decade — with a revitalized Uptown district, growing local businesses, expanding neighborhoods, and public spaces that make the community feel active year-round.
That growth shows up in the numbers. Marion added 6,767 people between the 2010 and 2020 Census counts, and the city’s 2024 estimated population was 42,542. From 2020 to 2023, Marion also had the 13th highest numeric population gain of all Iowa communities, according to the City’s population estimate report.
For families, professionals, empty nesters, and homebuyers looking for new construction, Marion offers many of the features people are looking for in a place to call home:
- A growing local business community
- Access to parks, trails, and recreation
- Community events throughout the year
- A revitalized Uptown district
- Convenient access to Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas
- Established neighborhoods and new construction opportunities
Marion’s continued investment in public spaces, long-term planning, and community improvements makes it especially appealing for those who want to live in a city that is actively growing while still maintaining its local charm. For homebuyers, that balance of established amenities and new development makes Marion a great place to put down roots in Eastern Iowa.
New Homes at Boulder Ridge
As Marion continues to grow, new construction communities are giving homebuyers more ways to put down roots in the city. For
those exploring new homes in Marion, Iowa, Skogman Homes’ Boulder Ridge community offers an exciting opportunity to build in a growing area of a city that has truly come into its own.
Boulder Ridge is our newest single-family community in Marion. Located across from Boulder Peak Intermediate School and within the Linn-Mar School District, Boulder Ridge offers a convenient location near everyday amenities, recreation, shopping, dining, and major roads including Highway 13 and Highway 151.
Marion continues to offer more reasons to visit, stay, and call it home. With its own events, businesses, public spaces, neighborhoods, and momentum, it has become a fast-growing community with a strong sense of place. For homebuyers looking for new construction, Boulder Ridge by offers the chance to enjoy everything people love about Marion while building a home designed for the way they live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marion, Iowa
What are some popular things to do in Marion, Iowa?
Popular things to do in Marion include exploring Uptown Marion, attending summer concerts and markets, visiting local parks, enjoying trails and recreation areas, shopping at local businesses, and attending community events throughout the year. Uptown Marion is home to more than 60 boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues, making it a great place to start.
Is Marion, Iowa growing?
Yes. Marion grew from 34,768 people in the 2010 Census to 41,535 people in the 2020 Census, an increase of 6,767 people. The Census Bureau’s 2024 estimate lists Marion’s population at 42,542.
Why are people moving to Marion, Iowa?
People are moving to Marion for its growing community, quality-of-life amenities, local business growth, recreation opportunities, and access to new home communities like Boulder Ridge. The City of Marion reported that from 2020 to 2023, Marion had the 13th highest numeric population gain of all Iowa communities.
How is Uptown Marion growing?
Since 2013, Uptown Marion has seen more than $55.7 million in private dollars invested and 136 business starts and expansions. Recent improvements like the 7th Avenue Streetscape & Plaza Project and Central Plaza have added more gathering space, walkability, and year-round activity to the district.
Where can I find new homes in Marion, Iowa?
Skogman Homes offers new construction opportunities in Marion at Boulder Ridge, a single-family home community located across from Boulder Peak Intermediate School in the Linn-Mar School District.
Select photos featured in this blog are courtesy of the City of Marion.