10 Outdoorsy Things to Do in Iowa City
Spring, summer, and early fall are great times to get outdoors in the Iowa City area. Whether you’re an adventure seeker who loves spending time in nature, or you just enjoy taking advantage of the warm, sunny days, there’s no shortage of things to do outdoors.
Here are 10 outdoorsy activities to enjoy in and around Iowa City!
1. Hit the Tails
Lace up your hiking boots and take a scenic stroll along one of Iowa City’s walking trails. Woodpecker Trail and Squire Point Trail meander along Coralville Lake and offer picturesque views of the water. Ryerson’s Woods State Preserve is another popular trail off Old Highway 218.
For a paved walking trail experience, check out Waterworks Prairie Park or Court Hill Trail, which passes through four local parks in eastern Iowa City. You can also explore the Hoover Nature Trail, which spans 13.7 miles from Solon to Ely.
Prefer to explore nature on two wheels? North Ridge Trail is a popular bike trail that joins the communities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. There are also various mountain biking trails if you’re feeling adventurous. Visit the Bike Iowa City site for more detailed maps of area trails.
2. Grab a Bite and Brews
When the weather is warm, patio season in downtown Iowa City is in full swing. St. Burch Tavern, Pullman Bar and Diner, and Donnelly’s Pub are local favorites for sharing a meal and sipping drinks with friends.
Venture a few minutes outside of downtown Iowa City to Big Grove Brewery. They have a wide selection of craft beers, a diverse selection of food, and an extensive outdoor seating area, with games for both adults and kids.
Iowa River Landing (IRL) is another great destination for outdoor drinks and dining. Check out Backpocket Brewing, 30hop, Iowa Athletic Club, Konami Grill, Marquee Pizzeria, Tribute Eatery & Bar, or Vesta.
3. Make A Splash
Head out to Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and rent a stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe, or pedal boat from Fin and Feather H2O. As long as the weather cooperates and water levels are high enough, you can head out on the lake to paddle your heart out.
If you love getting out on the water, you can also check out Rez Adventures or Coralville Lake Marina at Coralville Lake. Both offer a variety of rental options, from jet skis to pontoon boats to ski boats. There’s also Lake Macbride Boat Rentals.
4. Explore Locally Grown Foods and Locally Crafted Items
The Iowa City Farmers Market is the place to go if you want to feel all the spring and summer vibes. Stroll through the open-air market and take home fresh produce, plants, baked goods, and handcrafted items from local artists. The Market runs from May through October on Saturday mornings.
Fair warning: You’ll also be tempted by all the amazing smells wafting through the streets of Iowa City! Grab a breakfast burrito, freshly brewed coffee, or pastry and kick back in Chauncey Swan Park to enjoy the live entertainment.
Already filled your schedule with outdoor activities and don’t have time to hit the farmers market? You can always order online through Field to Family’s online farmers market and have it ready for drive-through pickup or delivery.
5. Catch a Performance at Riverside Theatre
Speaking of live performances, if you’re a Shakespeare fan, you’ll want to check out the Riverside Shakespeare Festival on the Festival Stage in Iowa City’s Lower City Park. Every summer, Riverside Theatre puts on a classical production in the park on this outdoor stage. Best of all, it’s free to attend.
6. Make Your Own Adventure
In 1993, floodwaters ripped out a campground near Coralville Lake, and the Devonian Fossil Gorge was uncovered. Fifteen years later, the area flooded again, revealing even more limestone-preserved fossils from the Devonian period.
Take a guided tour of the gorge right from your phone and explore what prehistoric life was once like in the area. Junior adventurers can unlock all stops in the fossil gorge app to earn their Junior Ranger badge from an Army Corps of Engineers ranger at the park.
7. Unleash Your Inner Child
On long summer days when the little ones have a never-ending supply of energy, a day at the park can work wonders. Load up the kids and take them to one of Iowa City’s many parks. Kiwanis Park offers natural features that will allow your child’s imagination to go wild—slides, tunnels, and play areas are built directly into the landscape. There are also plenty of large trees to provide shade on hot summer days.
Riverfront Crossings Park is another unique play area that has a mixture of traditional and non-traditional playground equipment. It’s the only playground in the area where you’ll find a ping-pong table and zipline.
8. Watch a Movie in the Park
Why waste a nice spring or summer evening at an indoor movie theater when you can catch a movie on the outdoor big screen? When the sun sets, FilmScene in the Park features a film at Chauncey Swan Park throughout the summer. Grab a blanket and your favorite movie-going snacks!
9. Celebrate the Seasons
All year round, Wilson’s Orchard in Iowa City features outdoor events and festivals that are fun for all ages. Depending on the season, you can pick your own fruits, pumpkins, and flowers. Grab a delicious handmade pizza topped with seasonal ingredients, or enjoy a cider brewed from the Beverage Barn. Wilson’s is also a great place to listen to live music while taking in the incredible orchard views.
10. Catch a UI Athletic Event
Living in Iowa City comes with a number of benefits, like being minutes from a Big 10 University. Cheer on the Hawkeyes at one of many outdoor athletic events throughout the season. Hawkeye football is a given, but there’s also baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, and field hockey. Best of all, admission is free to many UI sporting events.
No matter which activity you choose, you can’t go wrong. Get out and enjoy the outdoors in Iowa City!
