Iowa City

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

Amana Colonies is a tourist attraction made up of seven villages located among 26,000 acres. The colonies were founded and built by a group of religious Germans who fled to the area to escape persecution. The colony was nearly self-sufficient and inhabitants engaged in crafting and farming. Today the seven villages are a popular tourist attraction with many craft shops and restaurants.

The area boasts a number of bed and breakfasts, hotels, independent shops, and more. Visitors can learn about the history of the colonies as well as traditional arts, crafts, and agricultural operations. The villages frequently host special events and seasonal celebrations.

Address: 622 46th Avenue, Amana, IA 52203, Phone: 319-622-7622

2. Swim in Coralville Lake

Coralville Lake's primary purpose is to prevent floods and control water flow in the area. However, the lake offers many recreational opportunities as well. The surrounding grounds have 500 campsites spread across three campgrounds. Several of the recreational activities that are available include fishing both from the pier and from boats as well as on the nearby river. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the lake's hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming in the lake, sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas. The lake is easily accessible from I-80, making the site a convenient place to spend a day or two.

Address: 2850 Prairie Du Chien Road NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, Phone: 319-338-3543

3. Visit the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is a museum located on the campus of the University of Iowa. The museum was established in 1858 and houses an extensive collection of mammals and birds as well as Native American artifacts.

The museum follows approximately 500 million years of Iowa's history and explores the disciplines of geology, culture, and ecology. The Mammal Hall showcases the evolution, adaptation, and diversity of almost every mammal species. Similarly, the Hall of Birds displays more than 1,000 bird specimens. Guided tours are available with prior reservation and self-guided tours may be taken during opening hours.

Address: 17 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, Phone: 319-335-0480

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

The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art houses one of the leading university art collections in the United States. The museum contains around 15,500 objects and pieces of art with many diverse origins. The art comes from virtually every medium, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, textiles, ceramics, and silver-working.

Some of the prominent collections housed in the museum include the Elliot Collection, which is a collection of post-impressionist European art, and the Stanley Collection of African Art, which contains more than 2,000 objects of African art. Visitors can tour the museum's large collection of art and artifacts. Special group and class tours can also be arranged. There are several temporary gallery spaces on campus and around the state which are listed on uima.uiowa.edu.

5. Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and burial site of the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover. The library and museum is located at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The library houses papers, photographs, and objects that belonged to the Hoover Administration as well as the family's personal belongings. Materials in the library can be used for research with prior arrangement. The museum tells the story of Herbert Hoover's life and features a temporary gallery with changing exhibits. The surrounding park grounds are home to President Hoover's birthplace cottage, gravesite, and several buildings from the period.

Address: 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA 52358, Phone: 319-643-5301

6. Have a picnic in Hickory Hill Park

Hickory Hill Park is a large park in northeast Iowa City. The park contains 190 acres of abandoned fields, forests, prairie, wetlands, and more surrounding Ralston Creek and other streams. The park is home to a variety of amenities, including several picnic shelters, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water fountains, and multi-use trails.

The park is available for public recreational use and is a popular destination for nature lovers who wish to enjoy the outdoors, study nature, or take a hike or run. The park is open all year round with winter activities such as sledding and cross-country skiing being popular cold-weather activities. The trails in the park are dog-friendly as well.

Address: 800 Conklin Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, Phone: 319-356-5000

7. Walk along the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

Iowa has been home to many accomplished poets, playwrights, novelists, and journalists. The Iowa Avenue Literary Walk celebrates and explores the lives and works of 49 authors who are related to Iowa in some way. The walk follows a series of bronze panels that feature quotes from literary works as well as the authors' names. The path features other quotes about books and writing within the sidewalk itself. The walk also features an author section that displays biographical information about each author and explains the author's connection to Iowa. Booklets about the Literary Walk can be purchased at Iowa Book & Supply or Prairie Lights Bookstore.

Address: 123 S. Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, Phone: 319-356-5245

8. See an exhibit in the Iowa Old Capitol Building

The Iowa Old Capitol Building is the former site of the main government building for the state of Iowa. It now stands as a landmark and centerpiece of the University of Iowa campus. The building has been beautifully restored and is used as an exhibit space and for educational programming. Highlights of a visit include the Hansen Humanities Gallery, the Senate Chamber, and the Supreme Court Chamber. The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibits and events. Tour guides lead groups on free tours several times throughout the day. Reservations are required for free public tours as well as private group tours and special events.

Address: 21 N Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, Phone: 319-335-0548