Top Hangout Spots Near the University of Iowa

The Midwest state of Iowa is a really beautiful area to visit. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the west. It is home to charming rural towns and villages, some of which exhibit significant Dutch, German, and Scandinavian culture and tradition. Discover the greatest places to visit with our list of the top things to do in Iowa City, whether you’re travelling there for studying at the University of Iowa or just to experience the city’s culture. Here are the top hangout spots near the University of Iowa.

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About the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa, a public university, was established in 1847. The campus is 2,122 acres in size and has a total undergraduate enrolment of 21,608 (fall 2021). It is located in a city. The academic calendar is based on semesters. 

The University of Iowa is ranked #83 nationally in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges. $9,942 is the in-state tuition and fees, while $31,904 is the out-of-state tuition and fees.

The University of Iowa provides outstanding academic programming in over 100 different subjects. Students who want to improve their leadership abilities have many options as well.

They can sign up for the six-day LeaderShape Institute workshop or take part in one of the many activities offered by the Centre for Student Involvement & Leadership, including multicultural and arts programmes.

The university’s 11 colleges provide programmes in 200 different subject areas, including business, computer science, management, engineering, law, medicine, dentistry, education, and the arts and sciences. Additionally, it provides distance learning courses in liberal arts, strategic communications, and social work.

There are over 500 student organisations and clubs at the school, with interests in a wide range of things like games, sports, politics, lifestyle, dance, music, and drama. 22 sports teams compete in various college events under the name Hawkeyes. Students from 115 different nations and all 50 U.S. states make up the university’s student body.

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Top Hangout Spots near the University of Iowa

Now that you have a brief overview of the university campus, admissions and courses, let’s check the top hangout spots near the University of Iowa to help you plan your day off/ free time better.

Coralville Reservoir

Within a 15-minute drive of Iowa City, there is a sizable impoundment of the Iowa River called the Coralville Reservoir. Although the reservoir’s main function is flood control, the region is best recognised for its wealth of recreational opportunities.

The Coralville Reservoir, sometimes known as “the Res,” is a favourite outdoor location for people living in and visiting Iowa City.

Boating, fishing, and swimming are all permitted at specified beaches around lakes. Among the entertaining activities along the shores of the forest are hiking, mountain biking, camping, and disc golf.

Kinnick Stadium

Every time the Hawkeyes play at home during the football season, the city of Iowa City comes to life. Before kickoff, tailgating activities always take place, encircling the renowned Kinnick Stadium on the west bank of the river. The festivities frequently last all day long and spill out onto the streets and into downtown.

However, Kinnick Stadium is where Hawkeye Football is exciting. This rowdy stadium, which can hold close to 70,000 shouting football fans, regularly registers on the Richter scale during a successful season. Special activities during home games include jet flyovers and fireworks in addition to the on-field action.

Located in: The University of Iowa

Address: 825 Stadium Dr, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-335-9327

Capacity: 69,250

Opened: 5 October 1929

Old Capitol Museum

The Old Capitol, the focal point of the Pentacrest on campus, is a reminder of the illustrious past of the city. This campus area is stunning and teeming with students, greenery, and civic activity. Additionally, the annual Fourth of July fireworks display is held in this well-kept space.

The Old Capital Museum, located inside the Old Capitol, provides insight into Iowa City’s legislative background. There are a few ancient spaces that can be seen, including a second-floor rotunda and an outdated supreme court chamber. 

The museum features changing exhibitions that showcase the history and culture of the region. Except for Mondays and public holidays, the museum is open every day and entrance is always free.

Address: 21 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States

Phone: +1 319-335-3491

Opened: 1842

Architect: John F. Rague

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The Englert Theatre

The Englert Theatre, Iowa City’s final remaining historic theatre, opened in 1912 as a venue for vaudeville performances. The location changed into a theatre and was nearly transformed into a nightclub in the early 2000s. But the Englert Theatre is still a top venue for live performance and art thanks to community efforts.

The Englert hosts a variety of live performances, from intimate musical acts to laugh-out-loud comedy presentations. A show’s experience includes taking in the aesthetic of the auditorium, which was restored to the theatre’s glory in the 1920s thanks to renovations.

Address: 221 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-688-2653

Capacity: 725

Opened: 1912

Hickory Hill Park

The north side of Iowa City is home to the 180+ acre Hickory Hill Park. A vast network of paths can be accessed from the main entrance on Bloomington Street. Hikers, photographers, and lovers of nature, in general, enjoy Hickory Hill, which is a passive nature reserve.

You can enter Hickory Hill Park by a different entrance by passing past the venerable Oakland Cemetery. Hundreds of notable former citizens of Iowa City are buried in this 40-acre cemetery, which was founded in 1843. A famous Black Angel sculpture located inside the cemetery draws tourists with its eerie lore.

Address: 1439 E Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-356-5100

Prairie Lights Bookstore

As a UNESCO City of Literature, Iowa City enjoys a special distinction. This honourable status owes a great deal to the campus’s nationally renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Visit the downtown Prairie Lights bookstore to see Iowa City’s literary heritage. 

At Prairie Lights, the selected collection of vintage and modern writings spans three floors, and a staff member is constantly on hand to help you locate something new. The bookstore also has a café on the top floor, which is excellent for creating original works.

Address: 15 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-337-2681

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Pedestrian Mall

The Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, often known as Ped Mall by locals and students, is a hub of music, entertainment, and special events and is located just off the University of Iowa campus. The Ped Mall is where most of Iowa City’s activity takes place, whether it’s a drag show, a soul concert, or a musician busking on the mall. 

Take a stroll through the brick mall, relax on a bench, or browse the plethora of shops that face the mall, many of which feature locally produced crafts and souvenirs. 

Address: 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-354-0863

Opened: 1979

Architect: Jack Leaman

Museum of Natural History

The second-oldest museum in the country west of the Mississippi River is located at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Since its founding in 1858, the museum has been free and accessible to the general public. It houses specimens, items, and artefacts that are on exhibit to facilitate learning and exploration.

Address: Macbride Hall, 17 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-335-0480

Director: Liz Crooks

Glassando

Glassando sells handcrafted jewellery made by local and international craftsmen. In handcrafted necklaces, earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets, natural stones, especially birthstones, are prominent. The Old Capitol Town Centre in downtown Iowa City is where you can find Glassando.

Located in: Old Capitol Town Center

Address: Old Capitol Mall, 201 S Clinton St #135, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States

Phone: +1 319-341-7887

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1876 Coralville Schoolhouse

The 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse is open for tours by the Johnson County Historical Society. By practising their penmanship, participating in vintage activities, and ringing the school bell, visitors may experience what it was like to be a Johnson County student in the 1870s.

Address: 310 5th St, Coralville, IA 52241, United States

Phone: +1 319-351-5738

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