Things to do in Iowa City

Find and book 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 which includes interior views
Iowa City

Iowa City Attractions

Whether you plan to shop up a storm or sample local cuisine, there are tons of fun activities in Iowa City. This city is home to many exciting attractions that'll keep your itinerary full and you on the move. Whatever your interests, this place has something special in store for you.

Discover the best sights in Iowa City with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {1 fun activities in Iowa City fun activities in Iowa City}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the ultimate vacation.

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Recommended things to do in Iowa City

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature: $13
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Iowa City

Free Things to Do in Iowa City

A visit to Iowa City need not blow your budget. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

Old Capitol Museum - Chock-full of fascinating displays and objects, this gallery is heaven for inquisitive minds.

University of Iowa - This popular landmark is an excellent backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

Iowa City Public Library - Look up your guidebook and discover why this place is worth a spot on your travel itinerary.

Things to Do in Iowa City with Kids

Iowa City has loads of close by fun activities for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep everyone entertained for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Iowa City? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Iowa City

Old Capitol Museum which includes a city, an administrative buidling and a park

Old Capitol Museum

4.5/5(40 reviews)

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
The first Capitol of the state of Iowa, before it was moved to Des Moines. Now part of the University of Iowa campus, Go Hawkeyes!!

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

4.5/5(553 reviews)

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

4.5/5(136 reviews)

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

4.5/5(175 reviews)

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

4.5/5(126 reviews)

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

4/5(56 reviews)

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Iowa City

Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Mann

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

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

Weber
The best omelette...

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

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Iowa City

Riverside

Riverside

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site which includes a house

West Branch

Frequently asked questions

Is Iowa City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of cycling and walking trails, there are many things to do in Iowa City. While you're here, head to The Englert Theater, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Iowa City?
Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk are two good places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Iowa City while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Iowa City?
The Englert Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in Iowa City and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Iowa City?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city highlights, including The Englert Theater, Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue Literary Walk. The average stay in Iowa City is two days. If you have the time to extend your vacation, Cedar Rapids isn't far away.
Is Iowa City a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your style of vacation, Iowa City is a perfect destination. Find major attractions, like The Englert Theater, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll around Mann, a hip neighborhood located about 1 mile from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Iowa City with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in Iowa City with kids.
What to do in Iowa City for adults?
From tasty dishes and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and unique experiences, there are many great things to do in Iowa City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Iowa City?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Iowa City is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Old Capitol Museum is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.