Things To Do

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Visitors to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum begin their tour of the permanent galleries in a rotunda area. The exhibits in the Museum galleries tell the life and times of Hoover from his birth, to his life as an engineer, Secretary of Commerce, President of the United States, and his post-presidential work. Select the photos below to further explore the exhibits.

Hickory Hill Park

Hickory Hill Park is a large park in northeast Iowa City. The park contains 190 acres of abandoned fields, forests, prairie, wetlands, and more surrounding Ralston Creek and other streams. The park is home to a variety of amenities, including several picnic shelters, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water fountains, and multi-use trails. The park is available for public recreational use and is a popular destination for nature lovers who wish to enjoy the outdoors, study nature, or take a hike or run. The trails in the park are dog-friendly as well.

Prairie Lights Books & Cafe

As one of Iowa's largest bookstores and the major independent bookstore in the hometown of the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop, the building continues to play a role in its region's literary culture. President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to the store after a speech in Iowa City on March 25, 2010. He visited the store after using Prairie Lights as an example of small businesses struggling to pay for health care coverage for their employees. During his visit he bought a couple of children's books.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Learn about Iowa’s 500 million years of history, see 1,000 birds on display and say hi to Rusty the giant sloth replica.

Bluebird Diner

Founded in December, 2008, they take our "Midwestern Soulfood" much more seriously than they tend to take ourselves. They make just about everything that they can from scratch.

Baroncini Ristorante Italiano

30Hop Iowa River Landing

Locally owned & operated dining & drinking establishment; Rooftop patio & 60+ beers on tap!

Backpocket Brewing

Backpocket Brewing is an Iowa-based production brewery and taproom inspired by German brewing techniques. The facility includes a state-of-the-art German brew house, which offers a variety of regular and seasonal brews. Backpocket is also home to award winning brick oven pizzas that pair perfectly with your favorite brew.

Iowa City Farmers Market (May-Oct)

The City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department operate farmers markets at two locations, two days a week during the summer season. The Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Chauncey Swan Ramp, 415 E. Washington Street. Please see website for opening and closing dates, plus event times.

NewBo City Market

NewBo City Market is a community-based economic development organization with art, music, learning, and a range of activities that bring together visitors and neighbors alike. The Market hosts several free and family friendly events such as evening concerts by local musicians, wellness activities like yoga and group bike rides.

Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Big Grove Brewery and Taproom is a 26,000 sq-ft brewery, restaurant and entertainment venue. Stop in for one of their award winning beers on tap, enjoy casual dining from a menu of street-food inspired small plates and sandwiches, play a game of ping pong, foosball or soak in some live music. In the Spring and Summer months, enjoy their huge outdoor patio and lawn featuring bocce ball courts, a kids play area and enough space for picnics and frisbee tossing. For summer nights, they have five patio fire pits to kick back with friends, sip a beer and enjoy a beautiful Iowa sunset.

Thai Spice

Masala Indian Cuisine

Trumpet Blossom Cafe

The Trumpet Blossom is a purveyor of local, organic and deliciously flavored vegan cuisine. They specialize in creative seasonal dishes while focusing on sustainability by using no animal products and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible.

Maggie's Farm Wood-Fired Pizza

Pullman Bar & Diner

Vue Rooftop Bar

There are great views of Iowa City from here.

Palisades Road Southwest

Palisades-Kepler State Park lies along the beautiful Cedar River in Linn County. The 840 acre park has dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees, a large variety of wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife. This park has a historic past. Visitors can enjoy hiking and taking in the nature and history of the park.

Coralville Lake

Coralville Lake is located between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities. Activities include boating, swimming, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, bird watching, Devonian Fossil Gorge and camping.

FilmScene

FilmScene is a nonprofit cinema organization dedicated to enhancing Iowa City through the presentation of film as art.

Wilson's Orchard

Wilson’s Orchard is a great family place. Enjoy fresh fruit at its best, as you walk around our bit of heaven. On weekends, take a tractor ride out to do your picking and strolling. At the barn you’ll find our famous apple turnovers, hot out of the oven. Fresh apple cider is on offer as well as dried fruit and plenty of other cool stuff. Fruit, family and fun – they all come together at Wilson’s Orchard.

Louie's Wine Dive Coralville

Pedestrian Mall

The pedestrian mall (ped mall) is a main place of congregation for many Iowa City residents. Stores, bars and restaurants, a park for kids and other businesses occupy the pedestrian mall’s brick pathway.