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.
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
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Plan a 72-Hour Tour of Iowa City, Iowa’s Beer, Food and Culture Scenes
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.
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.
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.