What to do in Iowa City, IA

Activities, attractions and tours

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum which includes interior views
Iowa City
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
Iowa City
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What to do in Iowa City

Popular places to visit

Iowa Old Capitol Building

Iowa Old Capitol Building

You can find out about the history of Iowa City with a visit to Iowa Old Capitol Building. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Iowa Old Capitol Building
Old Capitol Museum featuring a city, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Old Capitol Museum

Gaze up at the emblematic golden dome that tops the roof of a historic building containing the region’s cultural gems.

Old Capitol Museum
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring interior views

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Marvel at a gigantic whale skeleton, see an impressive cyclorama of a Hawaiian bird island and spot the giant panda.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

University of Iowa

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Iowa during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of Iowa

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

If University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City.

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

Kinnick Stadium

Catch an event at Kinnick Stadium during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Kinnick Stadium

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Catch an event at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during your trip to Iowa City. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Mercy Hospital

If Mercy Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City.

Mercy Hospital

The Englert Theater

You can enjoy a show at The Englert Theater during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

The Englert Theater

Explore areas of 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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University Heights

While there might not be top attractions in University Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

University Heights
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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

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

Weber
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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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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

Day trip destinations from Iowa City

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site showing a house

West Branch

Frequently asked questions

Is Iowa City worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Iowa City is explore The Englert Theatre. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's cycling and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Iowa City?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, spend some time enjoying Iowa City's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Iowa City?
The Englert Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Iowa City and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Iowa City?
Three days in Iowa City is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. The Englert Theatre, Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Cedar Rapids.
Is Iowa City a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Iowa City, including The Englert Theatre and Old Capitol Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Iowa City is Mann and Northside is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Iowa City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Iowa City with kids.
What to do in Iowa City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's a range of things to do in Iowa City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Iowa City?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Iowa City is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Old Capitol Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.