Iowa City, the unknown gem of the Midwest, is one of the best, most entertaining and interesting smaller cities in America. This is home for the arts, a center for bohemians from all over the Midwest, and a charming country town all rolled into one. Along with being the home of the University of Iowa, this city has the liveliest nightlife in the region. A rental car is useful here, as many attractions are outside the city center, and national travel deals can be had at Cedar Rapids airport.
Getting there
Iowa City is located along highway I-80 with Des Moines to its east. and the road goes all the way to Oregon in the west. From Des Moines, I-35 goes north to Minneapolis and as far south as Dallas. #Cedar Rapids Regional Airport is near the city and has direct daily flights to Minneapolis, Des Moines, Denver and Chicago. Car rental is easily arranged at the airport.
Key attractions
The city’s featured attraction is its downtown area, which is intertwined with the University. Here you can find exciting pubs, great bohemian coffeeshops, delicious gourmet restaurants, and outdoor Friday Night Concerts and Saturday (both during the summer). Other great places in the city include the University of Iowa Art Museum, the Old Capital Building and the Engbert Theatre. The Art Museum offers a collection of art from Europe, America, and Africa and includes such names as Pollock, Rothko, Beckmann, Calder and Kandinsky.
Out and about
Cedar Rapids is Iowa’s second largest city and just down the road from Iowa City. Here you’ll find a lovely 1884 Masonic Library, an art museum with an extensive collection by the artist Grant Wood, and the National Czech and Slovak Museum. Also near the city is Effigy Mounds National Monument, enormous mounds in the shapes of eagles, falcons, bison, deer, turtles, lizards and bears. Made over a thousand years ago by a culture that vanished before Europeans arrived, the monument contains 2,526 acres with 195 mounds. Car rental through national travel deals ensures you save money and gives you extra time to explore this interesting region.
Leisure options
Just a short drive from downtown in your rental car brings you to Lake MacBride and Coralville Lake with their idyllic beaches, boating, hiking and camping. Under half an hour away by car via Highway 6 is Kent State Park, another less visited area of natural beauty perfect for picnics, and the historic Amana Colonies villages are 40kms to the west of the city.
Safety
As befits a university town, Iowa City;s entertainment district is lively after dark, but is considered safe for visitors. Driving on the regionеs roads isnеt risky, although care should be taken in winter due to black ice. Visitors should make sure everyone in their party has travel insurance.