There’s just something about Iowa City that makes it so great. Whether it’s the literary atmosphere you enjoy, or the energy of a sporting event, there is always something going on for every type of person. Finding your niche in Iowa City will be easy with this handy guide of places you just have to visit.
Prairie Lights Books and Cafe
Prairie Lights is a local business that has been in Iowa City for 37 years, growing into its current three-floor design we all know and love. The books sold here range from the classics to new releases, and many creative writing classes use Prairie Lights to provide books to help out a small, local business. The cafe in the store sells coffee, tea, pastries and other baked goods. It’s also a great study spot—quiet, caffeinated and peaceful.
“Live From Prairie Lights,” an internationally recognized program, brings in authors throughout the week. Past visiting authors include Susan Sontag, Annie Proulx, Gloria Steinem and Toni Morrison. This year, even Drew Barrymore will be in town to talk about her forthcoming memoir and to read some of it, too (tickets are on sale here). Most readings start at 7 p.m., and a full schedule can be viewed here.
Panchero’s
An alternative to Chipotle, Panchero’s provides quick, easy Tex-Mex food. They make your tortilla right in front of you, and the menu has a wide range of options (I’m partial to the quesadillas). There are always people in Panchero’s, no matter the time of day—or night. Panchero’s aims to keep their meals simple, yet delicious. And, sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from the crazy hustle-and-bustle of other chain restaurants.
Pentacrest
The idyll green Pentacrest is always filled with people when the weather is nice and for good reason. The wide open, breezy square feels disconnected from the busy downtown atmosphere that’s just across the street. Trees provide shade when you need it, and there are sunny spots as well for when you want to work on both your homework and your tan.
Students can also be seen playing Frisbee and other games here, or simply taking a nap.
Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena
It’s one thing to be standing on Kinnick and taking your class picture, but it’s a whole other experience to be packed into the student section, surrounded by a sea of screaming, black-and-gold-clad fans. Nothing can beat those Saturdays during the fall semesters where you can spend all day with your friends, tailgating and cheering the Hawkeyes on.
Even if football isn’t your thing, you can still have fun cheering along with the band, dance team and cheerleaders.
Carver Hawkeye Arena has the same vibe: it’s the home of men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, wrestling and volleyball, and this year it’s even being used to hold Kevin Hart’s performance in October.
Java House
Coffee, coffee, COFFEE!
Created with ambience in mind, Java House is a great place for group study sessions. Couches and cushioned seats, as well as the regular tables and chairs, allow for a small group of people to be in close proximity with each other while enjoying delicious coffee and pastries.
Museums
There are three free museums on campus: the Museum of Natural History, the Old Capitol Museum and the Museum of Art. They are housed in MacBride Hall, the Old Capitol and the Iowa Memorial Union, respectively.
The Museum of Natural History houses tons of exhibits filled with different, interesting parts of Iowa’s history. The Museum of Natural History is also home to the famous Rusty the Giant Sloth, who celebrated his 30th birthday earlier this year.
The Old Capitol is the centerpiece of campus and is the most famous remnant of Iowa City’s stint as the first capitol of the state of Iowa. It’s filled with original, historical pieces of furniture. There’s even the Senate Chamber, where the University of Iowa was founded by Iowa’s First General Assembly. Now, classes, lectures, meetings and concerts occur there.
The University Of Iowa Museum Of Art is hidden on the third floor of the Iowa Memorial Union, where it has been housed since the floods of 2008. Ancient African art, murals and etchings adorn the walls of this museum.
Iowa Memorial Union Ground Floor
Following the floods in 2008 and years of construction, the ground floor of the Iowa Memorial Union is finally open for business. It’s packed with study spaces (an ITC and the Academic Resource Center, as well as tables), stores (the Hawk Shop and Tech Connection have moved down there) and restaurants (a C-Store, Godfather’s Pizza and Erbert & Gerbert’s).
Student Legal Services and Student Health and Wellness are also down there, with the staff offering the same services as before.
The Hawkeye Room, located next door to the Hawk Shop is a student favorite; TVs, places for socializing, room for studying, and different gaming tables, like billiards, foosball and shuffle board.
Be sure to check out these and other great locations around campus!