After years of debate over moving the county seat to Cedar Rapids, it was put to a vote in 1919.

Each year, the city hosts the annual "Swamp Fox Festival", a celebration of Marion's heritage named in honor of the "Swamp Fox", Francis Marion's nickname during the Revolutionary War.

The event typically includes a 5K run, parade, fireworks, and many other family friendly activities.

The town was the home to St. Berchman's Seminary, established in 1905 by the Sisters of Mercy as a boarding school for small boys.

One of the most famous residents was actor Don Ameche, who lived in the facility as a boy; he went on to star in the movie Cocoon.

The current site of the Indian Creek Country Club was once the home of a sulky horse racing track.

In November 2019, Mayor Nick AbouAssaly won a second term over Mary Lou Pazour with 70 percent of the vote.

The Granger House Museum is a restored middle-class family home, representing the structural design of the American Victorian age.

The brick carriage house, built in 1879 next to the Granger home, is an untouched treasure and the only one of its design in the Midwest.

The Granger house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and embodies the lifestyle of a middle-class family living in the late 19th century.

The museum has guided tours, demonstrations, and seasonal activities bringing the town's history to life.

Lectures, workshops and other cultural events are scheduled to provide insights into the town's past.

In 2008 the center became the permanent home for the fresco mural Communication by Mail painting, by the artist Dan Rhodes in 1939.

Some of the many scheduled events include a golf outing, picnic in the park, live music, craft show, 5K run and fun walk, a pancake breakfast and a community parade.

[16] The Uptown Marion Market features fresh produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, plants, meat, wines, and an array of artisan items.

The front nine winds through a development while holes 10–18 are narrow with many ponds and wetlands entering the field of play.

The Gazette is the primary daily newspaper for the Cedar Rapids / Marion metro area.

Seventh Avenue is the major arterial road heading toward Cedar Rapids.

Until 1971, the Milwaukee Road operated several streamliner passenger trains from major cities in the west to Chicago in the east, making their Cedar Rapids regional stop at Marion station.

[26] Marion also has a small public airport on the east side of the city limits just south of U.S. 151.