If you’re into bacon, beer and artisan-made everything, this town is for you.
Although Iowa City, Iowa, is best known as a Big Ten college town, it also has a serious farm-to-table scene going on — with farmland in every direction, eating locally has always been a thing here. There’s a craft-beer scene, too, which comes in handy with 34,000 students in town. That youthful population gives this Midwestern metropolis a funky, edgy energy that makes for a fun foodie weekend. Be sure to travel out of town to visit Coralville’s cultural Iowa River Landing and, a bit farther afield, the Amana Colonies, once a settlement of German immigrants.
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Explore Iowa City

  • Coralville
  • Downtown
  • University Heights

Coralville

Overview

A lively little satellite city to the Big Ten burg next door, Coralville’s main draw is the Iowa River Landing, a pedestrian-friendly complex devoted to shopping, dining and the arts. Stroll the riverfront Sculpture Walk, visit the rooftop patio of 30hop (for brews and views) and, if you have kids in tow, drop into the Iowa Children’s Museum.

Known For

Restaurants, Cultural Attractions, Children’s Museum

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Downtown

Overview

Downtown Iowa City gives off a whole lot of Big Ten college-town energy — from the brewpubs to the quintessential campus buildings.

Known For

Restaurants, Bars

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University Heights

Overview

Kinnick Stadium is the Hawkeye-proud, black-and-gold heart of the University Heights neighborhood — which is also close to downtown, a golf course and City Park.

Known For

Campus, Stadium, Residential Area

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Nearby Hotels and Resorts

Stay in the Center of it All

Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.

Showing 1-9 of 11 Hotels in Iowa City1-9 of 11 Hotels
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Plan a 72-Hour Tour of Iowa City, Iowa’s Beer, Food and Culture Scenes

A nighttime view of the University of Iowa campus reflected in a lake

Cruise the Campus

Start your Iowa City experience in downtown’s Ped Mall (the pedestrian plaza), which is ringed with buzzy bars and chic boutiques. Rent a bike to trace the shoreline of the Iowa River, then dine on farm-to-table fare.

 

A steak on a wooden cutting board

See the Stadium and Visit Coralville

 Visit Kinnick Stadium to be swarmed by Hawkeyes — that’s the University of Iowa’s team name and mascot. Then travel to Coralville’s Iowa River Landing, an arts-and-culture hub. For dinner it’s the Iowa River Power Restaurant for craft beer, cocktails and farm-fresh food.  

 

A close-up of handmade soaps

Meet the Colonists

Travel back in time (and some 30 miles west) to the Amana Colonies, a beautifully preserved German settlement. Start at the Amana Heritage Museum, then shop the High Amana Store for locally made objects and food. Take your Sunday supper like the town founders did with platters of sausage, sauerkraut, coleslaw and freshly made bread.

 

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