Beginning in the 1870s, thousands of Bohemians flocked to Cedar Rapids in search of a better life. Czech immigrants courageously overcame the difficult conditions of the local packinghouse and the challenge of creating a new home. They maintained a strong cultural identity with Czech music, literature and an undying dedication to family. In the wake of a devastating flood in 2008, the people of Czech Village and New Bohemia re-imagined traditional principles to forge a remarkable resurgence toward a promising future. Author Dave Rasdal travels from the Charles Bridge to the Bridge of Lions in a celebration of Czech heritage and history in Cedar Rapids.

Dave Rasdal is a retired newspaperman. For over two decades, he worked as a columnist at the Cedar Rapids Gazette. He also maintained the blog "Ramblin' with Rasdal." In 2011, the newspaper published Ramblin': Reflections of Hidden Iowa. Rasdal is a graduate of the University of South Dakota.