Midwest Living: Best College Town Getaways in the Midwest

People walk along E. Washington Street into the Pedestrian Mall as the sun sets during Taste of Iowa City in Iowa City, Iowa. Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City

Midwest Living Magazine featured Iowa City in its list of the Best College Town Getaways in the Midwest.

“Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature and home to the University of Iowa, boasts a range of pedestrian-friendly destinations, such as the Iowa River Landing and a captivating historic downtown area. Both include bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and music venues,” Midwest Living‘s Brian Garrido writes.

“Start with a legendary bookstore, Prairie Lights, and sip a latte from their cafe while perusing the titles or listening to a visiting author. Then visit the Old Capitol Museum or the Stanley Museum of Art on campus. Restaurant options with crowd-pleasing menus include Pullman Bar and Diner, Bluebird Cafe, and the historic (and recently revamped) diner Hamburg Inn No. 2.”

Read more by clicking here.

view more rankings

Find Your game day headquarters

Visiting to support your team when they play the Hawks or looking for a staycation to make the most of a Hawkeye victory? Here’s the best hotels to kickoff your stay.

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Downtown Iowa City, Hotels

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

255 E Court Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
Hotels, Iowa River Landing, Wedding Venue

Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center

300 E 9th St Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
MainStay Suites
Coralville, Extended Stay, Hotels

MainStay Suites

2491 Holiday Road Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Residence Inn by Marriott Coralville
Coralville, Extended Stay, Hotels

Residence Inn by Marriott Coralville

2681 James Street Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Hotel Millwright
Hotels, Surrounding

Hotel Millwright

800 48th Avenue Amana, Iowa 52203 USA
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
Downtown Iowa City, Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University

328 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Staybridge Suites Coralville
Extended Stay, Hotels, Iowa River Landing

Staybridge Suites Coralville

801 E 2nd Ave Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Hampton Inn Coralville
Coralville, Hotels, Places to Stay

Hampton Inn Coralville

1200 1st Ave. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Element Iowa City
Downtown Iowa City, Extended Stay, Hotels

Element Iowa City

314 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA

browse activities &

attractions

Discover the perfect mix of culture and adventure across Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty.

getting curious?

Your checklist for football game days in Iowa City

Make the most of your football weekend!
LEARN MORE
a crowd of people outside a building

Downtown Iowa City

Wander through historic Downtown Iowa City with its charming pedestrian mall and eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries.
LEARN MORE

Getting Here

Here, creativity lives on every stage, gallery wall, and page. With a pulse on the past and a passion for what’s next, our cultural scene will leave you inspired long after the final act.
LEARN MORE

Rankings

Our area consistently ranks as a top community in which to live, work, play, and raise a family. The recognitions listed below are just a few of the accolades our destination has received in the last few years.
LEARN MORE

Restaurants

In Iowa City you may feast upon milk shakes made from whole slices of pie, slurp corn chowder produced from the freshest and best corn on the planet, and order a jar of bacon as an appetizer.
LEARN MORE
explore more
Back To Top