Iowa City is an active regional college town located in the eastern part of Iowa. This city hosts the University of Iowa which plays a big role in the social and economic activities of this region.
It is one of the oldest cities in the State of Iowa and is home to the Old Capitol. In the downtown area, there is a walkway and it contains shops where you can eat a variety of foods and even facilities for entertaining you.
Here are 20 exclusive things to do in Iowa City for your pleasant visit:
1. Scenic Walk At Devonian Fossil Gorge
If you're up for an interesting break from your regular hiking or camping trips, the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City is a place you need to visit. It's like being inside the history textbook where instead of the pages of the book, you are on stones and fossils.
The gorge was formed by the floods in 1993 and again in 2008 eradicating the overburden of soil and vegetative growth that laid over fossils dating back to more than 375 million years.
Just look around and you will get to witness various fossils embedded in the limestone all over the place. Look out for Coral Fossils, Crinoids, and Brachiopods.
2. Watch A Game At Kinnick Stadium
Kinnick Stadium is a monumental landmark for college football enthusiasts, so if you are an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, do visit. The place could accommodate over seventy thousand people, thus ranking among the largest college football stadiums in the country.
The atmosphere is electric. People wear their colors, black and gold over their hearts, hoping to see the success of their team. However, pre-game events such as tailgating are very big.
This is most probably because more fans come together in the parking lots to grill their meals and have hearty laughs. They offer everything starting from burgers to home-cooked meals.
3. Learn History At Old Capitol Museum
This is no ordinary museum; it is history that is displayed right within the University of Iowa's premises. The Old Capitol Museum is an outstanding example of the Iowa state capitol, now serving as the building of the university.
It has beautiful construction and offers a view and a feel of its historical era. Everything, from the walls to the furniture, screams history when you set foot inside the building.
Three floors of the museum are filled with exhibits that tell the story of Iowa including the early period, government, and civil functions. Visiting here is among the top things to do in Iowa City Iowa.
4. See Performances At The Englert Theater
The Englert is involved on so many occasions throughout the year. It has everything from live performances by local bands and famous musicians to films, plays, and shows. It's a great place to be if you want to watch a performance and some really good entertainment.
Also, the sound quality is excellent and will ensure that every performance will feel like it is up, close, and personal. Moreover, when it comes to the special features of the Englert, the atmosphere is the most valuable asset there.
Its colorful and stunning interiors and nice lighting make it adequate for a date or going out with friends.
5. Explore The Prairie Lights Books and Cafe
This warm location is a reader's sanctuary with friendly company and an incredible choice of literature, from regional writers to worldwide hits. It is staffed by very nice people who always seem eager to lead you to the next good book you might want to read.
Besides, there is a cafe on the second floor which offers good coffee. It is perfect for sipping while you open up a new book and get your reading mood on.
From the open atmosphere and casual dress code right down to the activities such as author book readings, Prairie Lights is not only a traditional book store but a literary center.
6. Pick Your Produce At Wilson's Orchard & Farm
This farm is another good place to visit and it is situated just north of Iowa City making it an ideal fun-filled family day trip! Since 1980, it has been the 'you-pick' apples and pumpkins sight and it has expanded far beyond that service.
You may cater wood-fired pizza or pick up other prepared foods or baked goods such as apple cider doughnuts. Moreover, they recently extended to the neighboring area of Des Moines and offer a very large external patio area and lots of land for animals.
If you happen to visit this neighboring venue, do check out things to do in Des Moines.
7. Explore The Stanley Museum of Art
The best but lesser-known art museum is the Stanley Museum of Art situated in the University of Iowa Iowa City. Founded in 2022, guests discover far beyond 17,000 pieces of painting, pottery, sculpture, and other types of art.
What is awesome is that not only does it display artwork, but also engages students and faculty for exhibitions and proposals. Many of the museums' objectives include making operations and art easily possible for the public with an emphasis on the voices of unrecognized minorities.
Plan your visit and get to know the timing, parking place, and ticket pricing at the Stanley Museum of Art Iowa website.
8. Stroll Around At Iowa City Farmers Market
The Iowa City Farmers Market is a great place, which is rather active early in the morning on Saturdays. It broadcasts on Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp.
During your visit, you will get a chance to purchase crops in their natural form or even get yummy world-class foods from food trucks. They are very friendly to families and you'll often find them offering things such as art for children.
Also, with options for payment such as cash and EBT making payment for the groceries in the market is easy. Do not fail to carry your bags as the use of plastic bags is prohibited.
9. Dine In At Pullman Bar & Diner
This place is quite popular and popular among the youth, offering diner flavors with a twist. The interior design includes wooden furniture brick walls and a splash of color.
This cafe is located at 17 S Dubuque St; business hours are from 8 am to 10 pm. Their menu is fun twists on some good old classics. From the classic burgers to brunch dishes like the Croque Madame, they serve many items.
Also, they offer a great list of cocktails that one can enjoy after a long day. It has a relaxed feel and an informal atmosphere, so going there with friends or family is possible.
10. Indulge In Outdoor Activities At Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
Located on the Iowa River and embracing an area of 207 acres, this park was a quarry in the past but now it is an amazing place for a wonderful walk. You can walk or ride bikes on the beautiful two miles of nature trail, take boats for rent at the marina as well as paddle boards.
There are also many shaded shelters for picnicking. In addition, there is a great lake for fishing and watching birds. It is a cool place to relax, spend some time with friends and/or family, as well as have an exhilarating time in the outdoors with some sunbathing, for instance.
All the above-mentioned activities conclude that visiting this place is among the fun things to do in Iowa City.
11. Admire The Beauty of University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is one of the best Iowa City attractions famously associated with a colorful campus life and a host of amazing buildings. The school has a definite history behind it, especially in connection with its renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop, which has nurtured tons of Pulitzer Prize winners.
Besides, it is black and gold, which makes it so classy. From sports activities, and artistic performances to friendly gatherings there is always action all through. Not to mention the equally mouth-watering local cuisines.
If you seek warm people and a good academic experience, Iowa is the place for you. Do check other things to do in Iowa as well.
12. Visit The Maquoketa Caves
Maquoketa Caves State Park is approximately 50 minutes' drive from Iowa City thus making for a perfect day's trip. The park is accessible during the year, however, it is advisable to visit from April to October when the caves can be visited.
In the spring and autumn seasons, the climate is temperate, and the place is attractive due to the blossoming of flowers or the fall of florets, respectively. The park contains a designated 13 caves as well as beautiful tracts ideal for trekking.
But if you are planning to venture into the caves be sure to bring a flashlight with you.
13. Take Your Kids To The Iowa Children's Museum
This vibrant museum is supposed to be educational for children to learn about the world most effectively through play. Present on 1451 Coral Ridge Ave in Coralville, it is close to Iowa City at only approximately five miles distance.
The museum opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 Am to 6 pm while it remains closed on Monday. The best time to visit is in the middle of the week and early morning when the crowd isn't very high.
Their entry fees stand at $12 for children and adults, but the park is free every last Friday of the month between 5 and 8 PM.
14. Taste Amazing Drinks At Cedar Ridge Distillery
The Cedar Ridge Distillery tour is all about relaxing and having a good time. It is the first legally operating distillery since prohibition ever in the state of Iowa. The weekend tours are relatively inexpensive at $5 and come with two samples and branded glass.
When there, get to taste their award-winning whiskey and wine not to mention quality wood-fired pizza. The place sometimes has a tasting room and the views from the place are serene enough to encourage relaxation.
This makes it the ideal trip for anyone interested in craft spirits or anyone who just wants a bit of a sophisticated session on Sunday.
15. Shop or Eat At Coral Ridge Mall
Today Coral Ridge Mall is a large shopping center located in Coralville City Iowa. It started in 1998 and has a very large mall for trading and other related activities such as amusement.
Some of the recognized merchandising stores in the mall are Target, Dillard's, and Barnes and Noble. It also includes numerous food courts and an amusement ice for kids who love to skate.
Every year about 10 million people visit to shop and have fun. Currently, the location of the mall is advantageous as it is located close to Interstate 80 the major transport highway. It is one of the most entertaining things to do in Iowa City IA.
16. Ski Lift At Sundown Mountain Resort
Sundown Mountain Resort has six ski lifts, which allow visitors to access the territory and ski calmly. These reliefs include four chairlifts and two surfaces as well as protecting different categories of alpine skiers.
The total capacity for hauling of passengers is 6,800 per hour, so the queues will be as small as possible. The longest chairlift is 549 meters long and the shortest of them is 433 meters long. The vertical drop of the resort is the highest in Iowa with a dropping of 475 feet.
Night operation is possible, which is more entertaining after darkness prevails. The fields and slopes of this resort are breathtaking and very well-maintained.
17. Spend Time At Brush And Barrel
Brush and Barrel Iowa is an artistic hub of entertainment that brings together a fun dose of creativity. The center is based in Cedar Rapids and has painting classes for all different classes of learners.
It also keeps participants comfortable as they watch and follow the steps provided by great instructors. The studio offers the students all the materials they need including canvases, brushes, and paint.
Great for those with friends, loved ones, or people who would like to unleash the artist inside them. Explore the Brush and Barrel website and find out about holding private parties or even meetings in teams.
18. Enjoy Scenic Drive With The Rail Explorers
Located in Boone, this one is an adventure that will take you up 12.5 miles for a round trip through the Des Moines River Valley. They ride railbikes that are fitted with an electric assist system, therefore it does not matter whether a person is young or old, it will be fun.
You will ascend the Bass Creek High Trestle which has a length of 750 feet and a height of 156 feet with great scenery. The tour takes about two hours during which the guests also get to have snacks at Rose's Landing.
It is better to make a booking, and the tours take place every day and can be combined with sunset and lanterns.
19. Play Games At SpareMe Bowl & Arcade Iowa City
SpareMe Bowl and Arcade, Iowa City is an energetic two-level place situated in the Chauncey Building. They include twelve bowling alleys, two dart-throwing courts, eight pinball machines, and other arcade games of the golden age.
It has a fine dining look and is thus suitable for people of all ages. The facility offers a pretty great food selection, comprising hand-tossed pizza, signature wings, craft cocktails, and local beer.
Bowling is $40 per hour for up to five people; there is also the option and additional charge for a lounge rental for the larger parties. It is an excellent place for enjoyment, meals, and cribbage.
20. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
This is both the library and also the place where Hoover was buried. Some of the sections hosted at this museum are Hoover's early life, his education at Stanford University, as a mining engineer, and also as president from 1929 to 1933.
Park patrons have an option of permanently installed galleries and a 22-minute-long film known as American Adventure. It costs $10 to get into the venue and $5 for seniors and military people.
The museum is public and there is Hoover's burial ground nearby. It is a precious source for studying him and the history of America at the same time.
