Things To Do
Lake Macbride State Park
A favorite spot where we like to hike, camp, and kayak.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Enjoy the wonderful Cedar Valley bike trail that runs from Solon through Ely, Cedar Rapids, Center Point, Brandon, Urbana.....all the way up to Cedar Falls/Waterloo if you're really ambitious! We love to ride on this old rail trail that stays pretty flat with lots of great hydration stops along the way! Be sure to swing by and see our friends at Goldfinch Cyclery in Cedar Rapids to take care of any biking needs you have before you hit the trail.
Harvest Preserve
One of the true hidden gems of Iowa City! We enjoy spending time along a scenic pond and cabin while exploring all of the hiking trails and hidden sculptures in the area. This preserve has become a special place for our group of friends in Iowa City. Access is restricted to members and their invited guests. If you would like to check this area out, let us know! We will provide you with the code to enter.
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
We love to take our bikes and kayaks out around this local park, and especially love lazy afternoons swimming and hanging out on the beach. You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, paddle boards, and canoes on site.
Devonian Fossil Gorge
This is a great way to spend an hour or two exploring cool rock formations exposed by the floods of '93 and '08, searching for fossilized remnants of 400 million year old coral reefs from the Devonian Period. This is a great activity for kids and adults alike!
Wilson's Orchard & Farm
We make a point to come out here every fall to pick apples and enjoy apple cider donuts, turnovers, and cinnamon ice cream - maybe even a hard cider to wash it down. Enjoy dinner and/or cocktails on site at Rapid Creek Cidery.
Palisades-Kepler State Park
A favorite hiking spot that we have frequented with friends over the past decade. Enjoy scenic hiking trails along the Cedar River with rock bluffs and overlooks.
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Check the hours to make sure they're open, but this is a great stop to take a self guided tour of some of the unique artifacts and exhibits on display at this free-to-the-public museum. It's a fun and educational way to kill a little time in the heart of downtown Iowa City.
Big Grove Brewpub-Solon
Across the street from our venue, Big Grove Brewery is one of our favorite spots to enjoy delicious food and craft beers especially during bike rides and kayak trips in the area. There's also an Iowa City location close to where we live and another frequent stop for live music and bike rides that we highly recommend if you have some extra time in the area.
Sutliff Bridge / General Store / Farm & Cider House
Sutliff is a tiny town with a General Store / Bar / Restaurant next to a historic bridge over the Cedar River. We have enjoyed bike rides out here, live music, and also bought our tandem kayak from somebody a couple blocks from the bridge. Also nearby is Sutliff Farm / Cidery where you can sample local hard ciders in a beautifully restored old barn.