Iowa City Things To Do

Iowa City offers visitors great restaurants, a rich cultural history, and plenty of interesting activities.

Iowa City

Downtown – Lots of restaurant and bars crowded in a small downtown, make Iowa City an exciting little town. Check out the pedestrian mall. It’s closed to cars and gets packed when the college is in session. It hosts concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer as well as festivals on weekend days. You’ll find plenty of shopping there as well.

The Old Capitol Building – sits on a knoll above the Iowa River. It served as the original capitol building until 1849 when Des Moines became the state capitol.

Johnson County Courthouse – If you enjoy architecture, visit the Romanesque style Johnson County Courthouse Building.

Iowa Avenue Literary Walk or Lit Walk – In 2008, Iowa City UNESCO designated Iowa City as its third ‘City of Literature’.

Robert Lucas Home – Robert Lucas served as Iowa Governor from 1832 to 1836. He lived in this home, now a historical site, for his entire tenure.

Devonian Fossil Gorge – Fossil lovers will want to trek out to this area below the Coralville Lake Spillway. Various fossils became uncovered when a flood washed out the area in 1993.

The University of Iowa

University of Iowa Campus – The Iowa River separates the east and west sides of the beautiful University of Iowa campus. Granite buildings with stone columns line most of the paths.

The College of Law Building – Don’t miss the impressive silver domed College of Law building which sits on the edge of a small forested ravine.

The College of Dentistry Building – The University Of Iowa College Of Dentistry Building has a roof that looks like an inverted molar, reinforced by orthodontic wires.

The Iowa Hawkeyes – If you’re visiting during football season, and can get tickets, go to a Hawkeyes game. The amount of energy will amaze you, especially if they win.

The Natural History Museum – Along with a number of reasons to visit, McBride Hall, located on the University of Iowa campus, houses an excellent natural history museum.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Iowa City.

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