The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Iowa City, Iowa Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | January 2020
Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City was the first capital city of the state. Downtown Iowa City is full of vibrance and energy. Steeped in rich history, its historic buildings tell the story of the city and trace back to the roots of its beginning. Stroll along the sidewalks and take in the sights of fascinating architecture and public art as you engage your curiosity.
Image courtesy of Think Iowa City
1. THE HIKING
Home to over forty parks and natural areas—there are many hiking trails around Iowa City. Situated on the bluffs of the Iowa River, Waterworks Prairie Park has three miles of several paved trail loops that meander around ponds, wildflower patches, prairies and woodlands.
Image courtesy of Think Iowa City
With its prominent positioning on the Iowa River, a canoe and kayak landing is located off the parking lot.
2. THE ART
The art scene in Iowa City is buzzing. Tired brick walls have been given new life and are now home to colorful, vibrant murals that you can’t help but notice. Scattered around downtown in plain sight or even hidden away in alleys—the most eye-catching of the murals rises 45-feet high and is full of brightly colored flowers, bugs and animals.
Image courtesy of Think Iowa City
The murals have energized Iowa City and helped create a lively, productive discourse around public art in the community as a whole.
To learn more about the talented artists’ behind these inspirational visions, visit Iowa City Mural Project.
3. THE COCKTAILS
Located on the top floor of the distinctly modern Hilton Garden Inn, experience a high-energy rooftop bar with spectacular views of the downtown Iowa City skyline and beyond at Vue Rooftop. With cutting-edge gastronomic selections and locally inspired libations, we recommend trying the “Iowa Punch” for your artisanal, handcrafted cocktail fix—concocted with Plymouth gin, Cointreau, lavender, strawberry and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Vue Rooftop at the Hilton Garden Inn in Iowa City, Iowa
With a fresh, contemporary spin on inventive flatbreads and creative entrées, Vue Rooftop favorites include small plates ideal for mixing and mingling. You’ll love their decadent “Coconut Shrimp” with mango chutney and pineapple, as well as the “Grilled Iowa Bone-In Pork Chop” with Iowa corn succotash and cherry bourbon gastric.
And for those craving Sunday brunch, be sure to soak in the panoramic views while savoring “Iowa Eggs Benedict” with La Quercia Coppa Americano, cage-free eggs and hollandaise sauce. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
The Harvest Preserve is situated on one-hundred acres in the Northeast corner of Iowa City and is landscaped with rolling native Iowa prairie, floral, fauna and woodlands. Discover the visionary stone, art and sculptures that make this unique preserve a spiritual sanctuary.
Beginning about twelve thousand years ago, this land was home and hunting grounds for various indigenous groups. In 1682, French explorers staked a claim of ownership, although the area was then home to the Iowa, Ottawa and Sioux Indian tribes. In 1803, the land was acquired from France by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Built in 1874, the Italianate-style Close Mansion was one of the great mansions of Iowa City and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at the corner of Gilbert and Bowery in Iowa City, the Close family was involved in a linseed oil company and a glove factory.
The Close Mansion in Iowa City, Iowa