Travel Destinations Iowa Iowa City, Iowa Top Things to Do in Iowa City The University of Iowa anchors the state’s original capital, where the old statehouse, a vaudeville-era theater and eclectic dining enliven a stay. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 25, 2022 Hancher Auditorium. Photo: Courtesyt of Miriam Alarcon Avila Do Coral Ridge Mall An indoor ice arena and children's museum amp up the fun. coralridgemall.com The Englert Theatre The 1912 former vaudeville theater and opera house typically offers shows like readings, musicals, plays, dance performances and concerts. englert.org Hancher Auditorium A sleek, curving $176 million performing arts center replaced the University of Iowa's original auditorium, destroyed by flooding. Check the website for the latest information about events. hancher.uiowa.edu Jason Donnelly The Iowa City Pedestrian Mall Abutting the University of Iowa campus, the Ped Mall is home to restaurants, bars and shops. A facelift added new seating, plants, and lighting. downtowniowacity.com Prairie Lights Books Three floors of books and the long-running Live from Prairie Lights reading series have endeared this indie store to both locals and travelers. prairielights.com University of Iowa Museum of Natural History Two museums on campus merit a visit. At the Old Capitol Museum, retrace the footsteps of the state's founding fathers in Iowa's original Capitol; check for events like lectures. At the 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. mnh.uiowa.edu Eat and Drink Baroncini Soft music and cozy booths set the tone for an evening of contemporary Italian dishes, such as house-made agnolotti pasta stuffed with local beef and pork in a brown butter sauce. baroncinirestaurant.com Big Grove Brewery. Austin Day Big Grove Brewery The international street food should clue you in that this isn't a typical brewpub. Come for the diverse menu as well as live music, brewed-on-site beers, the game room and an expansive patio. biggrovebrewery.com Hamburg Inn No. 2 A burger specialist comes in at 4 a.m. daily to make the patties for this downtown diner established in 1948. hamburginn.com Iowa River Power Restaurant In a former power plant, enjoy expansive views of an Iowa River dam and prime rib au jus or ahi tuna with pineapple salsa. iowariverpower.net Maggie's Farm Wood-fired Pizza A beloved local farmers market stand is now a brick-and-mortar hot spot for those craving Napoli classic creations. maggiesfarmpizza.com Oasis Falafel It's the place to go for authentic, inexpensive Middle Eastern fare, such as a pita bursting with falafel, hummus and Mediterranean salad. oasisfalafel.com Pullman Bar and Diner The modern diner serves food both familiar and unexpected—fried chicken and corned beef hash, yes, but also roasted marrow bones with bacon jam. pullmandiner.com Wilson's Orchard. Adam Albright Wilson's Orchard Ciderhouse In a barn overlooking Wilson's Orchard 15 minutes from downtown, this upscale restaurant serves cocktails made with Wilson's excellent hard cider, and dishes inspired by local products. wilsonsorchard.com Stay Graduate Iowa City A lobby filled with bookcases, reading nooks and (literally) writing on the walls reflect literary inspiration from the University of Iowa at this 231-room downtown hotel. graduatehotels.com The Highlander Hotel A retro rehab brought new life (and in-room record players) to this 1967 building, once a popular supper club. highlanderhotel.us More information: thinkiowacity.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit