Quick Summary: On the eastern side of Iowa lies a fun college town with an artsy vibe. Cultural experiences here include exploring the university's art and natural history museums as well as a charming literary walk. Iowa City has been named a UNESCO City of Literature and many accomplished authors have called the town home, in part due to the outstanding writing program at the university.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Learn about the history of the colonies at Amana Colonies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Learn about the history of the colonies at Amana Colonies | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Amana Colonies

2. Swim in Coralville Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Swim in Coralville Lake | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Courtesy of Bob Randklev - Fotolia.com

3. Visit the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Category: Museums & Culture
Visit the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History | Things to Do in Iowa City
© University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

4. View the paintings at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture
View the paintings at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art | Things to Do in Iowa City
© University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art

5. Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

6. Have a picnic in Hickory Hill Park

Category: Activities
Have a picnic in Hickory Hill Park | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Hickory Hill Park

7. Walk along the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

Category: Activities
Walk along the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

8. See an exhibit in the Iowa Old Capitol Building

See an exhibit in the Iowa Old Capitol Building | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Courtesy of Jesse Kunerth - Fotolia.com

9. Stroll through the Iowa City Farmer's Market

Category: Shopping
Stroll through the Iowa City Farmer's Market | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Iowa City Farmer's Market

10. Enjoy the views of Lake Macbride

Category: Activities
Enjoy the views of Lake Macbride | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Courtesy of faykatriona - Fotolia.com

11. Pick up a snack at NewBo City Market

Category: Shopping
Pick up a snack at NewBo City Market | Things to Do in Iowa City
© NewBo City Market

12. Visit Plum Grove Historic House for free

Category: Attractions
Visit Plum Grove Historic House for free | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Plum Grove Historic House

13. Go kayaking in Terry Trueblood Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Go kayaking in Terry Trueblood Recreation Area | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Terry Trueblood Recreation Area

14. Have dinner at Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack

Have dinner at Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack

15. See the fossils at Devonian Fossil Gorge

See the fossils at Devonian Fossil Gorge | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Courtesy of watcherfox - Fotolia.com

16. Pick your own apples at Wilson's Orchard

Category: Activities
Pick your own apples at Wilson's Orchard | Things to Do in Iowa City
© Wilson's Orchard

17. Watch a movie at FilmScene

Watch a movie at FilmScene | Things to Do in Iowa City
© FilmScene

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