Things to do in Iowa City

Activities, attractions and tours

Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Old Capitol Museum showing 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

Old Capitol Museum featuring an administrative buidling, a park and a city

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
Iowa Old Capitol Building

Iowa Old Capitol Building

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

Iowa Old Capitol Building

University of Iowa

Explore the campus of University of Iowa, during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

University of Iowa

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

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

Though University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City while you are here.

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics

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

The Englert Theater

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

The Englert Theater

Mercy Hospital

Though Mercy Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City while you are here.

Mercy Hospital

Areas of Iowa City

Iowa Museum of Natural History showing heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a garden

Mann

If you're spending some time in Mann, University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are top sights worth seeing.

Mann
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University Heights

When in University Heights, you can plan a visit to Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

University Heights
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Twain

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Twain and surrounding area, you can visit Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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Weber

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

Weber
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Northside

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Northside and surrounding area, you can visit University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Northside
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Lincoln

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lincoln and surrounding area, you can visit Devonian Fossil Gorge and Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse.

Lincoln

Frequently asked questions

Is Iowa City worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Iowa City is explore The Englert Theater. 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 Theater 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 travelers spend two days on average. The Englert Theater, 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 Theater and Old Capitol Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from central Iowa City is Mann and Northside is 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Iowa City with kids?
Whether you're vacationing 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 neighborhoods, 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.