Things to do & places to visit in Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Iowa City city in Iowa, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 6:40.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Prairie Lights (30 reviews)
- Prarie Lights is exceptional.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

I've gone to Prarie Lights several time and they are really exceptional. Their employees are helpful and VERY knowledgable, their book selection is impressive considering their size, and the readings they hold in the store are very well put on. They also have a small cafe that is very pleasent. Their children's book selection is also worth mentioning, and it includes childrens books in several languages. They also carry a small selection of International newspapers (I got a copy of Le Monde there). Additionally, it is a small, private, local business that keeps your money in Iowa City. See more..
5.0 Hatchet Jack's (10 reviews)
- We Had a Blast!
Friday: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs • Game & Entertainment Centers

Hatchet Jack’s is an alternative form of entertainment for people over the age of 18 in the Iowa City area. We offer a fun, safe environment for groups to hangout and relax and play some of our hatchet throwing games while enjoying a drink if they'd like . It's perfect for any sized group. Whether it’s a corporate team-building event, college greek life event, bachelor/ bachelorette party, friendly get together, or a date night. We’re more than happy to provide the local Iowa City and surrounding areas with an extremely fun and safe activity! Reservations are recommended but not required! See more..
5.0 Riverside Theatre (8 reviews)
- A theater "gem"!
Friday: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Riverside Theatre is a professional theatre and non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization that connects artists and audiences through intimate, engaging, and provocative productions from the classics to new works, and provides an artistic home for regional theatre professionals. Riverside Theatre was founded by Ron Clark, Jody Hovland and Bruce Wheaton in 1981 and is now in its 42nd season. From September through May we produce a full season of work at our theatre on Gilbert Street. In June and July, we produce a summer season centered around the classics. We are affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States, employing actors and designers from all over the country and provide housing, salary, and transportation to visiting actors and directors during their employment at Riverside. See more..
5.0 University of Iowa Special Collections & University Archives (7 reviews)
- Amazing Latinas in Iowa Collection
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Libraries

Rare book room, University Archives, scrapbooks, photographs, sci-fi pulps, artists' books, fine press, comics, broadsides, fanzines, letters and more. Open for researchers, students, and the public. Visit our exhibit space anytime the library is open. Located on the third floor of the University of Iowa Main Library, 8:30AM-5PM Monday-Friday during the summer and 8:30-5:30PM during the school year. See more..
5.0 Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Center (1 review)
- Excellent facility
Sports Complexes
This is a great indoor and outdoor activity enter. The other facilities for soccer and other sports look great. I am mostly writing about the tennis facilities. The outdoor courts are great, good surface, good lighting and nicely maintained. The indoor courts are well-used for lessons, workouts, recreational and good players are all here. For indoor courts the conditions are perfect, nice lighting, surface, temperature are all perfect. The lights are not obtrusive like in many facilities. Overall a great and relativity inexpensive place for tennis. See more..
4.5 University of Iowa (199 reviews)
- Freshman move in was so easy
Educational sites

This Big 10 school's 1,900 acres are centered in downtown Iowa City. See more..
4.5 Old Capitol Museum (160 reviews)
- A museum of Iowa Territorial and early State government
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

The Old Capitol remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the state of Iowa. In the many years since the cornerstone was laid in 1840, the building has served state legislatures, countless university uses, and has undergone multiple additions and renovations. Now a National Historic Landmark, the Old Capitol Museum welcomes you to explore. Located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, the building offers special event venue rentals and also features both permanent and changing exhibitions. Admission is always free. Join us! See more..
4.5 Devonian Fossil Gorge (151 reviews)
- A geologist's dream
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Geologic Formations

The fossil gorge is essentially in the flow path of the auxiliary spillway of the dam that forms Coralville Lake. High flow has washed away the soil, exposing the sedimentary rock beneath, with lots of great fossils. Park in the shade and walk up to the entrance, where you'll find a nicely written brochure with interpretive stops, numbered 1-20. The numbers are little squares of metal (?) that have been affixed somehow to the rock, and some of them are missing - but it's fun to find the fossils that are described in the brochure. There are also some interesting small pools of water in the area that are almost like little oases, with fish even! Make sure to have a camera with you. See more..
4.5 Nile Kinnick Stadium (132 reviews)
- Go Hawks
Sports Complexes

The home of the hawkeyes football team. Amazing atmosphre and always a great place to be a hawkele fan!!! See more..
4.5 Museum of Natural History (99 reviews)
- More Than Expected
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Natural History Museums • Architectural Buildings

Established in 1858, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History has been free and open to the public for more than 160 years. In Iowa Hall, explore 500 million years of Iowa's natural and cultural history in exhibitions featuring dioramas, specimens, and artifacts. Discover the adaptation and diversity of birds and mammals around the planet in the 3rd floor galleries. The museum strives to inspire—in visitors of all ages—an understanding and a sense of wonder, discovery, respect, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds through exhibits, educational programs, and collections. See more..
4.5 The Englert Theater (71 reviews)
- Wonderful old theater with great performances.
Friday: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

100 years old in 2012, the Englert Theatre is one of the Midwest's premier performing arts centers, located in the heart of Iowa City. The Englert is home for musicians, comedians, and artists from around the world and just down the street. See more..
4.5 Wilson Orchard (64 reviews)
- Amazing patio!
Spent < 1 hour Farms

The view was the patio was divine, as was the service and cider flight. We enjoyed a drink on our way between Lake McBride State Park and Iowa City. We had other plans for a late lunch in Iowa City, or we would have definitely eaten here. We'll have to be back to try the menu! See more..
4.5 Terry Trueblood Recreational Area (61 reviews)
- Best Lake Ever
Spent < 1 hour Parks

This lake is so awesome. It looks so amazing and It feels so safe. You should go there. There is not very many people that go there so it is very quiet. See more..
4.5 Carver-Hawkeye arena (18 reviews)
- cool
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

so, This place I think is the best. If you want to go there or a place like it do it!! If you want to go with your family I really think you should. See more..
4.5 Hancher Auditorium (11 reviews)
- World class venue!
Spent More than 3 hours Theaters

We have attended several Hancher events since my last review. We attended a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lecture, Diana Ross concert, Chick Corea concert, Woodward and Bernstein lecture, Rise Up Symphony by Wynton Marsalis with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Iowa Symphony and Choir. I hope to attend more in the future. All events are world class music, art, lectures. The auditorium has wonderful acoustics. The seats are comfortable. Parking is free and plentiful. There isn’t a bad seat in the theater. I recommend attending an event. I love Hancher! It is a beautiful venue. See more..
4.5 Plum Grove Historic House (3 reviews)
- Well Worth the Visit While in Iowa City
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

*Open Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend: Wed-Sun 1:00– 5:00 pm. After Labor Day Weekend to October 31st: Sat-Sun 1:00- 5:00 pm. To arrange a group tour please contact Johnson County Historical Society at least two business days in advance. Plum Grove was the home of Iowa’s first Territorial Governor, Robert Lucas. The seven-room Greek Revival home was constructed in 1844. See more..
4.0 Iowa Avenue Literary Walk (29 reviews)
- Writing As Valued as Sports
Historic Walking Areas

Never been anywhere where their Walk of Fame celebrates key literary figures. This town has it's priorities straight. Hint: Go to Prarie Lights Bookstore and buy the guide to the Literary Walk for $3. See more..
4.0 Mormon Handcart Site (26 reviews)
- Loved It!
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

At this site in the mid-19th century, Mormons prepared for the trip to Salt Lake City. See more..
4.0 Coralville Lake visitor center (8 reviews)
- Cool place to visit and see
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Natural History Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums

The visitor center holds various exhibits of local flora and fauna. They have a neat film run time of 15 minutes explaining the Devonian Gorge area and how it came to be. Fossil hunting and wildlife spotting amongst the many other thousands of things there are to do in this area. Camping and swimming and boating and fishing, etc. The visitor center holds a plethora of info that kids of all ages will love to see and do over and over again. NO FEE is required here. Wheel chair accessible and drinking water and bathroom facilities available. Nice friendly staff eager to answer your questions. Plenty of literature on hand too. Take pictures! Kids will thank you for it. In my opinion, this place is a cool place to visit and see. See more..
4.0 Oakland Cemetery (7 reviews)
- Peaceful walk through scenic terrain
Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

If you trail run, Oakland Cemetery is the place to run. Technically in town, but as soon as you cross over into the hollowed grounds instant peace and tranquility. Great place to watch the sunset as well. See more..
4.0 University of Iowa Museum of Art (5 reviews)
- Small Space, Varied Collection, Worth The Visit. Don't Miss The Dagger Drawers!
Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

Background: On a Vermont to Mid West drive, we stopped over at the Iowa House Hotel in Iowa City. Located within the same building is the University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA). Before restarting our road trip, we hung around for UIMA to open. We're glad we waited! Verdict: Though UIMA is located in a small space, it has a varied collection of objects displayed in tasteful, thought provoking ways. Many cultures were on display; don't miss the drawer of antique daggers drawn from all over the world or the modern Andrew Warhol print, Another hidden gem were two Charles Eames Compact Sofas situated outside the museum doors. We're glad we visited; it was well worth the slight delay in our travel schedule! Would definitely return for another visit if we return to Iowa City! See more..
4.0 University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame (1 review)
- Great to reminisce the great Hawkeyes performances
Speciality Museums
We were in town for the day and decided to visit the HOF museum. It’s free which makes it even better. When we arrived we found it to be a 3 story building housing the history of Iowa’s sports. It was great to see the displays of the teams and players that made the Hawkeyes proud. It was fun to see and read of all the big moments in Iowa history. We spent 1-1/2 hours there and probably could have spent more. Well worth the stop. See more..
4.0 St. Mary of the Visitation (1 review)
- Great looking church
Churches & Cathedrals

I spotted this really great looking church as I was driving towards the main square in Iowa City. Outside it’s a red stone structure stretching quite high. Inside it has a lot of statues around the altar as well as great glass and a large organ. Friendly folks too. See more..
4.0 Veterans Trail (1 review)
- A nice trail to honor the Veterans
Spent < 1 hour Hiking Trails

Not far from the Iowa River spillway and next to the East Overlook Day Use Area is a very nice wooded trail honoring Veterans from Johnson County. The trail itself is a fairly short circuit, probably no more than 1/4 of a mile, with both concrete and wood surfaces and wheelchair accessible. Be aware, the wood surfaces are very slippery since very little sunlight reaches through the trees to dry it out. There are numerous stopping points along the trail with placards dedicated to fallen Veterans and a short description of their service. There are also a few engraved stones dedicated to fallen soldiers to read. Halfway around there is also a bird blind if you wish to take a break and watch nature. This is a very nice little trail but is kind of hidden from view. If you are traveling west on Prairie Du Chien road and have crossed over the dam, you've gone too far. If you are traveling east on Prairie Du Chien road, turn at the second parking lot after crossing over the dam.... this is also the drive to get to the boat launch. See more..
3.5 World's Largest Wooden Nickel (24 reviews)
- Americana
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

A quick stop less than one mile off I 80. A fun quick 5 minute stop to stretch your legs. It sits in the middle of the field. See more..
3.0 Black's Gaslight Village (8 reviews)
- Disappointing!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

As an artist myself and hearing about the place, I went out of my way to find the village. It was a waste of my time. The village needs some love and attention. For an artist colony it lacks public art and presence. One could drive right by and not even know you were at some place of "significance". From the outside it looks like rundown student housing. See more..
2.5 Johnson County Historic Poor Farm (3 reviews)
- Brilliant!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Open by appointment only. Please contact Johnson County Historical Society at least two business days in advance to schedule a tour. The Johnson County Poor Farm site is important to Iowa’s history, telling the story of the county’s care for its citizens from the earliest days until today. See more..
Upscale Resale (0 review)
Antique Shops
See more..
Hickory Hill Park (0 review)
Jogging Paths & Tracks
See more..
Field House (0 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Sports Complexes
See more..