Iowa City

Travel Guide

Iowa Museum of Natural History showing an administrative building and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum showing interior views
Iowa City
Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes interior views
Iowa City

Iowa’s former state capital is an exciting cultural destination with a Literary Walk, museums, theatres and festivals to enjoy.

With its annual book festival and writing programmes that have produced dozens of great authors, many of themhonored in a “walk of fame,” Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature. Find different entertainment in itsNorthside Marketplace, downtown venues and riverside parks.

About 70,000 people call Iowa City home. Many of the residents have ties to the local university and its hospital.The University of Iowa was the state’s gift to the city when it was decided that Des Moines would replace Iowaas the state capital in 1857.

It’s easy to explore Iowa City on foot. Use public buses to venture beyond the downtown district or hop aboard a free Cambus totravel between major university destinations. If you are driving, selected lots in the central area have free parking for the first hour.Bike trails weave in and out of the city taking you to and from points of interest, dining and entertainment. Eastern Iowa Airport islocated 20 miles (30 kilometres) north in Cedar Rapids.

Admire the exhibits in various locations from the University of Iowa Museum of Art called UIMA or explore theOld Capitol Building to see where the state government used to meet. Let the children run free at the Iowa Children’s Museum or the playground in City Plaza, or “Ped Mall.” Live music almost every Friday and Saturday on the “Ped Mall”along with festivals sprinkled throughout the year.

John Irving and Flannery O’Connor are among the famous writers that were graduates from the University ofIowa’s prestigious Writers’ Workshop. Follow Iowa Avenue’s Literary Walk to read plaques dedicated to 49writers of fame. Kids can swap a book at Little Free Libraries tiny public book deposits that you can findeverywhere. Every summer, the Iowa Book Festival hosts some of the best international authors.

At night, watch a game in a sports bar or an independent movie at FilmScene. The Englert, a 1912 theatre house was renovated in 2004 andreopened to host live performances for the first time in over 60 years. Nationally renowned artists along withtalented locals showcase at the Englert Theatre.

With so much love for culture, books and poetry, it’s no wonder that Iowa City received the title City of Literaturein 2008. Visit any time of year to experience this lively college town with its Midwestern charm. 

Where to stay in Iowa City

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building, a park and heritage architecture

Mann

While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Mann
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Redbird Farms Wildlife Area and Frytown Conservation Area.

Weber
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University Heights

While there might not be top attractions in University Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium.

University Heights
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Lincoln

While Lincoln may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Devonian Fossil Gorge and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse.

Lincoln
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Northside

Northside might not have many top sights, but University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northside
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is S$116 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$116
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,090 reviews)
"Great property near downtown Iowa activities. Had covered parking."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is S$136 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$136
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,064 reviews)
"Overall great! Just that the AC in our room alarmed causing loud noise every five minutes but we were given another room."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
2 out of 5
2216 N Dodge St, Iowa City, IA
The price is S$86 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$86
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It was good."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Iowa City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
3 out of 5
830 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This townhome was absolutely perfect for UofI graduation in May! The location was 2 blocks from commencement making it ideal for every type of event associated with the university. The accommodations included every detail possible - tastefully decorated, a roomy main level kitchen/living area for ..."

Reviewed on 27 May, 2025

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
3 out of 5
830 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye ...
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
Eclectic Iowa City Cottage w/ Fire Pit!
Eclectic Iowa City Cottage w/ Fire Pit!
3 out of 5
Iowa City
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Iowa City. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk are located ...
Eclectic Iowa City Cottage w/ Fire Pit!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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