Iowa City, population 63,000, is home to the University of Iowa. The former territorial capital is a river city with a strong medical, educational, agricultural, and industrial economy.
The University of Iowa resides on the state's original capital grounds. Along with Big Ten basketball and other sports, the university houses medical, art, and natural history museums. The university's Finkbine Golf Course hosts NCAA tournaments. On campus, the Old Capitol Town Center caters to students and visitors with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Coral Ridge Mall provides the city's most popular shopping and entertainment venues. More than 120 stores, an ice skating rink, children's museum, carousel, and movie theater provide year round activities.
Coralville Lake's Devonian Fossil Gorge is Iowa City's most popular outdoor destination. Fossils cover the 15-foot-deep gorge's bedrock surface. The 5,400-acre lake provides fishing, boating, and swimming access.
Several excellent daytrip destinations are close to Iowa City. To the west, visit the German villages of Amana Colonies and the Amish village, Kalona. To the east, visit West Branch, home of the Herber Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library-Museum.
Iowa City is located 32 miles south of Cedar Rapids and 115 miles east of Des Moines. It is accessible via Interstate Highways 80 and 380. Lodging options include national chain hotels/motels and bed and breakfasts.
