Top 10 Things to do in Iowa City, United States

February 22, 2018 Stefan Strunk

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. University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA 52242 +1 319-335-3500
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 173 reviews

University of Iowa

This Big 10 school's 1,900 acres are centered in downtown Iowa City.

Reviewed By James W - Birmingham, Alabama, United States

this is a great Midwestern university and it has lots of green space and a river runs through it, the Iowa.

2. Old Capitol Museum

21 Old Capitol, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 +1 319-335-1508
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Old Capitol Museum

This was the seat of government when Iowa City was the state capital.

Reviewed By Mack3065 - West Lafayette

This was our first visit to the University of Iowa and we were surprised to see the Old State Capitol situated in what seemed the center of campus. There’s no admission charge and a small gift shop. The student docent gave us a basic orientation and we made a quick tour of rooms and exhibits on the main floor and basement. This is an impressive restoration and the displays are nicely done. Fairly easy to find, near student shops, and worth a stop.

3. Nile Kinnick Stadium

825 Stadium Drive, Iowa City, IA +1 319-335-3500
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 104 reviews

Nile Kinnick Stadium

Reviewed By Marcia M - Riverside

We've had football season tickets for the past few years and enjoy attending games at Kinnick Stadium. There is plenty of staff present for assistance. The restrooms are well maintained and can accommodate many. Food and beverage selections are many. Traffic control (both vehicle and pedestrian) is usually done well.

4. Devonian Fossil Gorge

Iowa City, IA +1 319-338-3543
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

Devonian Fossil Gorge

Reviewed By Susan R - Iowa City, Iowa

You will find something different each time. My first time visiting was right after the flood that uncovered the Devonian gorge. I was fascinated then--even though I didn't quite understand what I was seeing. The joy of discovery took over. Now, there is a display area that educates and points out things to find. This is popular with children because they tend to be eager explorers naturally. You can find the eager explorer in you and enjoy the Devonian Fossil Gorge.

5. Terry Trueblood Recreational Area

4213 Sand Rd SE, Iowa City, IA 52240-9367 +1 319-356-5000
Excellent
67%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Terry Trueblood Recreational Area

Reviewed By Cheryl H - Iowa City

TT is relatively new addition to Iowa City recreational services. You can walk, bike, picnic, rent paddle boats or kayaks, rent a party building, and/or pick up a bike trail that goes along the scenic Iowa River. TT is set into a landscape that's being developed, so I expect that in future years the forest-ing will improve and spread. Nice option for the south side of town.

6. The Englert Theater

221 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240-3952 +1 319-688-2653
Excellent
60%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

The Englert Theater

Reviewed By Jason R - New Hampton, Iowa

I got second row tickets to a show for waaay less than I ever would have imagined. We saw a nationally touring comedian and really enjoyed the show. The theater itself is a neat place. The parking ramp is two blocks east and it's in the middle of the ped mall, so plenty to eat before and after the show. I'm a bigger guy, but I found the seats to be comfortable to sit in and plenty of leg room. The staff are great. The only real knock is the location of the bar. My wife says that if there is a line for booze the women's restroom is blocked off

7. Museum of Natural History

Macbride Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 +1 319-335-0606
Excellent
38%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 85 reviews

Museum of Natural History

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 Issa M - Beirut, Lebanon

there are three flours...in one of the floors you will learn about American history and native Americans; statues and explanation...one floor is dedicated to all birds so lovely...another one is made by students and professors also animals...it's nice to see...

8. Wilson Orchard

2924 Orchard Ln NE, Iowa City, IA 52240-7758 +1 319-354-5651
Excellent
72%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Wilson Orchard

Reviewed By ktmck1 - Iowa City, Iowa

Wison's Orchard has long been known for apples and apple cider. A few years ago, apple turnovers, hot from the oven on Sat morning drew small crowds to sample and take the kids on a tractor ride. Now, another delight! A restaurant seems to have magically appeared, and it overlooks the scenic rolling hills of the apple orchard. Inside are culinary delights, and a number of hard ciders to sample. I enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner-we all savored our delicious meals!
Coming soon, if not done already, is an outside sitting area to further enjoy the beauty of the orchard. And if you need a large venue, the lower level of the restaurant is waiting for your reservation.

9. Mormon Handcart Site

Iowa City, IA
Excellent
34%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 24 reviews

Mormon Handcart Site

At this site in the mid-19th century, Mormons prepared for the trip to Salt Lake City.

Reviewed By guildencrantz - Chicago, Illinois

I'll be honest: we went to see what this was all about because the site name is, well, a bit odd. It's really just a nice walking path through the woods with a few signs marking significant spots and detailing the history.

If it's on your way in or out of town or - as another reviewer said - you happen to need a walking trail, then this is a lovely spot to stop. Though it may seem a rather random site to commemorate, those of the Mormon faith may find deeper significance or simply enjoy a lovely natural spot to pray.

10. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

Iowa Avenue from Clinton Street to Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA
Excellent
35%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 21 reviews

Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

Reviewed By GailCheryl - Iowa City, IA

Stroll around downtown to see writing from the many folks who have written their famous works while in Iowa City...or maybe were inspired by others who walked before them.

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