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Iowa City is a college city of about 75,000 people on the Iowa River in eastern Iowa. It served as the first capital of the state of Iowa, and the Greek Revival Old Capitol, completed in 1842, still stands at the center of the University of Iowa campus with its golden dome. When the capital moved to Des Moines in 1857, the building was given to the university.
The University of Iowa dominates the city, and its famous Iowa Writers' Workshop, the oldest creative writing program in the country, has produced dozens of Pulitzer Prize winners. In 2008 Iowa City became the first UNESCO City of Literature in the United States, and quotes from famous writers are set into the sidewalks of the Literary Walk downtown.
The Pedestrian Mall, at the heart of downtown, has bars, restaurants, independent bookstores like Prairie Lights and the Englert Theatre. The Stanley Museum of Art and Hancher Auditorium bring culture, Hawkeyes football fills Kinnick Stadium on fall Saturdays, and trails follow the Iowa River through the city.
Gold-domed Greek Revival building completed in 1842 as Iowa's first state capitol, now a free museum on the University of Iowa campus. Visitors see restored legislative chambers and a spiral staircase. It stands at the center of the Pentacrest; check opening days before visiting.
Square of five historic university buildings around the Old Capitol, with lawns that host gatherings and festivals. Macbride Hall here holds the natural history museum. Walk across it between downtown and the Iowa River, especially lovely in fall.
University of Iowa art museum reopened in a new building in 2022, home to Jackson Pollock's famous Mural and a strong collection of African art. Admission is free. Allow one to two hours and check the schedule for talks, tours and changing exhibitions.
Natural history museum in Macbride Hall on the Pentacrest, founded in 1858, with bird and mammal halls, Iowa Hall on the state's geology and peoples, and a giant ground sloth skeleton. Admission is free; it is a good short visit with kids. Check opening hours.
Car-free heart of downtown with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, a playground and a fountain, busy with students and families. It hosts summer concerts, festivals and the Friday night series. Visit in the evening when it is liveliest; parking ramps are close.
Celebrated independent bookstore downtown, famous for its author readings and close ties to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, with three floors of books and a cafe upstairs. It reflects the city's status as a UNESCO City of Literature. Check the readings calendar.
Series of bronze relief panels set into the sidewalks of Iowa Avenue, each quoting a writer with Iowa ties, from Flannery O'Connor to Kurt Vonnegut. It is a free, self-guided walk of about two blocks. Start near the Old Capitol and read your way toward downtown.
Restored 1912 theater downtown that began as a vaudeville house and movie palace and now hosts concerts, comedy, film and literary events. It is a lovely, intimate venue. Check the online calendar and buy tickets early for popular touring acts.
University of Iowa performing arts center on the Iowa River, rebuilt and reopened in 2016 after the 2008 flood. It presents Broadway tours, orchestras, dance and world music in a large modern hall. Book tickets ahead and arrive early to enjoy river views from the lobby.
Home of Iowa Hawkeyes football, seating about 69,000 fans, known for the Hawkeye Wave, when the whole crowd waves to children at the hospital next door after the first quarter. Game days fill the city; book lodging early and plan to walk or use shuttles.
Paved trail following the Iowa River through the University of Iowa campus and city parks, connecting to other trails toward Coralville and the south side. It is flat and good for walking, running and biking. Start near the art museum and head north or south.
Large natural park on the northeast side with woods, restored prairie and miles of unpaved trails over rolling hills. It feels far from town and is popular for hiking, trail running and birding. Wear sturdy shoes and use bug spray in summer; parking is at several entrances.
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