20 Things To Do In Iowa City

Settled along the Iowa River in Johnson County, Iowa City is a compact city with more to offer than you might expect. With a population of over 75,000 people, it’s one of the most populated cities in the state and bursting with life and culture. Home to the University of Iowa, it boasts a vibrant student population and a scholarly atmosphere that earnt it the title of UNESCO City of Literature.

Officially founded as Iowa City in 1839, the area has tons of historical and cultural heritage to explore. From the political history of the Old Capitol building to the natural history of the Devonian Fossil Gorge and unique attractions like the World’s Largest Wooden Nickel, Iowa City offers diverse attractions. Here are the best things to do in Iowa City, whether you’re seeking must-see attractions to fit into a flying visit or need to fill the time on a longer trip.

Iowa City, Iowa

20 Things To Do In Iowa City, Iowa

1- Admire The Old Capitol Museum

Iowa City was the state capital of Iowa from 1841 to 1859 and the Old Capitol Building still stands as the jewel of the city centre.

The grand building features soaring columns and a gleaming gold dome atop its central tower.

Located by the Iowa River, it’s well worth swinging by just to admire the architecture, even if you don’t have time to head inside.

No longer acting as a seat of governance, the building has since been converted into a museum packed with exhibits on local history.

With both permanent displays and special themed exhibitions, a visit to the Old Capitol Museum is the best place to dive into the unique history of Iowa City.

See it at 21 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.

2- View The Works At The Stanley Museum of Art

Displaying thousands of paintings, photographs, and sculptures from cultures around the world, the Stanley Museum of Art is a must visit for anyone with even a passing interest in fine art.

It’s even home to some world famous masterpieces like Jackson Pollocks ‘Mural’.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission.

Visitors are free to explore the building by themselves or take a guided tour to learn more about the various artworks.

Go to 160 W Burlington St, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.

3- Browse The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History covers the natural history of the local area of Iowa, as well as the world at large.

You can view preserved specimens of a huge range of species from birds and mammals to fish and insects. 

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm with free admission.

Visitors can also take guided tours or get involved with the various frequent events like the monthly after hours Art and Write Night held on the first Friday of each month.

Head to Macbride Hall, 17 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

4- Walk Through Time At Devonian Fossil Gorge

If you prefer to experience ancient natural history in situ, then head to the Devonian Fossil Gorge just to the north of Iowa City.

Millions of years ago the area that is now the gorge was at the bottom of the ocean and it is still home to the fossils of many of the ancient sea creatures that once lived there.

Plaques around the gorge tell you what to look out for and provide information on how the prehistoric animals would have looked and lived.

Venture out to 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

5- Appreciate The Plum Grove Historical Site

Once the home of the first Governor of the Iowa Territory, Robert Lucas, the Plum Grove Historical Site lets you step back in time to the 1840’s.

The house has been painstakingly decorated and furnished authentically to the time period when Iowa was first recognized as a state.
As well as the house itself, visitors can also enjoy a walk through the grounds and gardens.

The days and times that the site is open depends on the season, so make sure to check ahead for when it will be open for your visit.

Guided tours are available if arranged in advance.

Go to 1030 Carroll St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

6- Hang Out In City Park

City Park is the perfect place to relax when you want a break from the hustle and bustle without having to trek too far out of the city.

Surrounded by the Iowa River, relax with a waterfront stroll or venture into the wooded area to seek out the old log cabins.

With various sports fields and courts, a children’s play area, a public pool, and an open-air theatre, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained for at least an afternoon.

Swing by 200 Park Rd, Iowa City, IA 52246, United States.

7- Visit The Black Angel

In Oakland Cemetery is a monument that has become a local icon.

Created by sculptor Mario Korbel in 1912, the 8.5 foot (2.6 metre) Black Angel gained an ominous reputation as its once shining bronze weathered to a drab black over the years.

Now it has various legends attached to it, including bad luck befalling those who touch it or walk beneath its wings.

Find it at 704 Reno St, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States.

8- Explore Hickory Hill Park

Hickory Hill Provides an escape to nature at the edge of Iowa City, just a short walk away.

Forested walking and cycling trails will have you feeling miles away, while picnic areas and barbeque stations, make it perfect for getting the whole family to spend a day out in the fresh air.

Head to 1439 E Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

9- Head Along To The Antique Car Museum of Iowa

With over eighty vintage cars in the showroom and models ranging from the 1800s to 1965, the Antique Car Museum of Iowa is a must visit for any petrolhead.

As well as the cars, there is also an antique licence plate collection and a vintage service station exhibit.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Adult tickets are currently $10.

Drive by 200 E 9th St, Coralville, IA 52241, United States.

10- Gaze At The World’s Largest Wooden Nickel

If you appreciate the more peculiar and random landmarks of the world, then you will certainly want to pay a visit to the World’s Largest Wooden Nickel.

Measuring 16 feet (5 metres) in diameter, it’s fairly easy to spot as you travel along Dubuque Street heading north out of the city.

It’s been standing proud in its current spot since 2006, when it was erected in protest against a proposed highway expansion.

See it at 3246-3248 Iowa River Corridor Trail, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

11- Look Out For The Peace Sign

Just a little further down the road from the Wooden Nickel is another roadside attraction to look for.

The trunk of a large tree has been carved into the shape of a human hand throwing up a peace sign.

It’s on a driveway, surrounded by other trees, so this one is a bit more of a challenge to spot.

Find it at 3176 Dubuque St NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

12- Head Out To The Johnson County Historic Poor Farm

This 1850s farm has been preserved as a glimpse back at the history of social welfare and community care in the United States.

The farm was established as a home for the poor and mentally ill where they could work to the best of their particular abilities.

The surviving buildings, including the restored ‘Asylum Wing’ help demonstrate how attitudes towards the socially vulnerable have moved on.

Go to 4811 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA 52246, United States.

13- Visit The Future Birthplace of Captain Kirk

Dedicated sci-fi nerds may already know that Captain Kirk’s hometown is just a few miles south of Iowa City.

The little town of Riverside is quite proud of this claim to fame, with various nods to the Star Trek mythos around the town.

There’s even a small museum dedicated to the Original Series, the Voyage Home Museum.

While the museum itself is fairly nondescript, you should be able to spot it fairly easily by the replica of the iconic starship parked out front or the bronze stature of Captain Kirk standing across the street.

The museum is at 361 W First St, Riverside, IA 52327, United States

14- Explore Kalona Historical Village

Just down the road from Riverside is the Kalona Historical Village.

Seemingly frozen in time since the 19th century, Kalona Historical Village offers a glimpse back at life during the time of the pioneers as well as the current day lifestyles of the local Amish population.

The village consists of twelve buildings, including the old schoolhouse, general store, and family homes.

There’s also a gift shop where you can pick up handicrafts and foodstuffs produced by the Amish community which make charming and unique souvenirs.

Find it at 715 D Ave, Kalona, IA 52247, United States.

15- Stop By The Amana Colonies

Alternatively, you can head out to the Amana Colonies to the northwest of Iowa City.

The community of seven villages joins together to create an immersive German atmosphere, packed with authentic restaurants, craft shops, and local art galleries.

The Amana Colonies also hold various seasonal festivals throughout the year providing plenty of cultural fun to get involved in.

Head out to 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, United States.

16- Take The Kids To The Iowa Children’s Museum

If you’re looking for something to entertain and enrich your kids for an afternoon, take them to the Iowa Children’s Museum.

Various colourful exhibits and fun interactive stations encourage children to learn through play with a range of topics from mechanics and maths to cooking and life skills.

Go to 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, IA 52241, United States.

17- Hop Around DEFY Iowa City

Alternatively, if you need to keep the whole family entertained, DEFY might be a better option.

The trampoline park is perfect for kids and adults of all ages to bounce around and burn off some energy.

Along with trampolines, visitors can also play in foam pits or take on assault course challenges.

There are even massage chairs for any members of your group who prefer to stay on stable ground.

Head to 851 Highway 6 East, #102, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States.

18- View The Johnson County Freedom Rock

Established in 1999, the Johnson County Freedom Rock is a unique monument to United States military veterans.

The rock is the creation of Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, a local artist who repaints the rock with a fresh new mural every year, so it’s worth paying a visit each time it gets a new look.

Spot it at 122 N Chabal St, Solon, IA 52333, United States.

19- Seek Adventure In Lake Macbride State Park

Just north of Iowa City, Lake Macbridge State Park is a wilderness minutes from the city centre.

With 812 acres of water and woodland, you can spend hours exploring the scenic hiking trails, trying your luck fishing in the lakes and rivers, or set up at the picnic sites for a laid-back al fresco lunch.

Head in at 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333, United States.

20- Meet The Critters Of Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area

The diverse landscape of the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area makes it the ideal habitat for a diverse array of wildlife and a popular destination for bird spotting.

Bisected by a particularly windy section of the Iowa River, this is also a fantastic spot for fishing, too.

Just a couple of miles further out than Lake Macbride State Park, Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area has a more remote feel, as well as fewer crowds and families to spoil your peace and quiet.

Venture out to Oxford, IA 52322, United States.