Location: Iowa City
Top Things to do in Iowa City
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What to do and see in Iowa City, Iowa (IA): The Best Free Things to do
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. Prairie Lights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By TroubledByTribbles - Cedar Rapids, United States
A great bookstore & an Iowa City institution. I frequently visit it if I am in town. The upstairs has a coffee shop. Prairie Lights hosts book readings & sells some University of Iowa textbooks to students.
2. University of Iowa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
This Big 10 school's 1,900 acres are centered in downtown Iowa City.
Reviewed By cassandramayb
This is a great campus! The streets are always clean and the people are friendly. I moved here from another state without visiting first and was extremely shocked. This campus is set in a nice location with a nice downtown area. The buildings are all very beautiful and historic looking. If it's a football home game weekend, everyone gets into it. The fan base here is awesome and there is so many places to cheer on the Hawkeyes from if your not in the stadium. You should give Iowa City a visit and look into this School.
3. Old Capitol Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
This was the seat of government when Iowa City was the state capital.
Reviewed By 773dkc - Rock Island, United States
Beautiful old building that was the State's capitol building back in the day that Iowa City was Iowa's state capitol. Entire building is the museum... every room is as it was back then, old old books in old old bookcases, desks with inkwells and feather quills, gavels, wood stoves for heating each room, really really nice to walk from room to room and see how it was. A tiny little elevator makes the building wheelchair accessible but limited street parking means parking a block away in the parking garage (1st hour free, $1 per hour). Good news is price is right (FREE) plus it's right next door to the Museum of Natural History as well as lots of little shops and restaurants across the street add up to a day of fun!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Mormon Handcart Site
8. 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.
9. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Quest10816783188
Take a walk around the block and read the poems and passages embedded in the sidewalk. It's a great idea and more cities should follow this model.
10. 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!!
