Location: Iowa City
Top Things to do in Iowa City
7 Things to do Good for Kids in Iowa City That You Shouldn't Miss
Iowa City is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is the home of the University of Iowa and county seat of Johnson County, at the center of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 74,398 in 2016, making it the state's fifth-largest city. Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County. The metropolitan area, which encompasses Johnson and Washington counties, has a population of over 164,000.
Restaurants in Iowa City
1. Devonian Fossil Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By janetdK794GW - Burlington, United States
If you love fossils and like to examine them close-up, do not miss this place! It's actually an outlet for the dam built across the Iowa River upstream from Iowa City. No one knew there were Devonian bedrock fossils here until two floods (one in 1993, the second in 2008) revealed them by washing away 17 feet of soil. The tours are self-guided. Visitors can step across the bedrock and examine fossils of brachiopods, crinoids, and several types of coral common to the inland sea that once covered this region. No two natural displays are alike because the majority of these fossils are still embedded in the limestone their shells created. The Devonian period of Earth history occurred 375 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs. If you enjoy geology or how the Earth evolved, don't miss this fascinating walk among ancient fossils. It is difficult for those on crutches and nearly impossible for visitors in wheelchairs to visit the actual fossil beds, but beyond the parking lot there is a display available for those who prefer not to attempt the stairs and the uneven footing of the lake outlet. The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center near the east end of the dam provides more information regarding the fossils and how they were discovered. The staff here is friendly, and can answer most questions. Brochures are also available here.
2. Nile Kinnick Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By 449brycep - Iowa City, United States
First thing to know, it is only known as "Kinnick Stadium." The stadium was named after the only Heisman trophy winner from the University of Iowa. Kinnick died in a training accident in 1943 flying his plane from the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-16), which was off the coast of Venezuela in the Gulf of Paria. Also the first Heisman trophy winner ever to die. Second thing to know, that picture is from a wrestling match where UIOWA set the attendance record for a wrestling team dual at 42,287 in 2015.
3. Wilson Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Jake060 - Iowa City, United States
We visit this orchard every fall to pick apples or just buy at their store. The orchard is beautiful and we enjoy taking a hay rack ride with our grandkids. We always stock up on their delicious frozen pies to use during the winter and their awesome apple turnovers.
4. Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By kaylees599 - Iowa City, United States
TT park is a beautiful area, especially for walking the trail around the pond. The buildings are available to rent for a fair price. Cost of renting kayaks, paddleboards, etc seem a little high but worth it.
5. Carver-Hawkeye arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By TLV007 - Rhinelander, United States
I, of course, being a supporter of a College Wrestling team from another state was a little trepidated going to Squawkeye ground zero. I had a wonderful time.....because in part, this was for an international wrestling meet......the 2018 Worldcup. ON the way in, I saw some Squawkeye fans and mentioned that I was going to feel very strange cheering for the same wrestlers that they were....one correctly pointed out the for this weekend, we all cheering for American Wrestlers. The Arena is magnificent. There is not a bad seat in the house. You can watch the action directly on the mat, and/or watch it on all of the screens set up around the perimeter and on the big screen over the mats. Good food, albeit expensive as in $13 for 2 hotdogs (ok, they were a foot long...but still!! And 13 buck for 2 large bottles of water. Considering why we were there, it was worth it. Good time....good place...and I have to admit, that those Iowa fans really know their wrestling and appreciate great performances from wrestlers other than their own. I know that both the Cuban and Japanese teams enjoyed their reception from the crowd.
6. Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Explore our world at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History- Iowa’s gateway to the global environment for over 150 years. Walk through 500 million years of our natural and cultural heritage, culminating in the landscape we see today and how it affects the story of agriculture. Discover the adaptation and diversity of birds and mammals around the planet.
Reviewed By gsdirks5253 - Iowa City, United States
This museum is packed with history of the area, and has fabulous taxidermy. There are special displays that are very old and so well preserved. I highly recommend it for families, and anyone who enjoys natural history. We have been going for nearly 40 years and it never gets old, it is a beloved adventure each visit. The gift shop is very nice.
7. World's Largest Wooden Nickel
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By FrugaliciousDiva
Drove to Iowa City, and made a quirky first stop at the World’s Largest Wooden Nickel. It's cool and fun to visit. It's just off I-80. Pull over, snap a pic and go!!
