5 free things in the Iowa City area worth your time

These are some things in the Iowa City area that aren’t worth your money… because they’re free.

1. Visit one of our free museums

Iowa City is home to several museums that are completely free to visit, making them an easy way to spend an afternoon and experience something new.

Step inside the historic Old Capitol Museum to learn about Iowa’s past, wander through the Stanley Museum of Art to see everything from contemporary works to world-renowned masterpieces, or visit the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History to explore exhibits on wildlife, fossils, and Iowa’s natural history.

With each a short distance away from each other, you can easily make a day out of it.

Click the button below to learn more about these museums and their exhibits.

2. ride your bike and explore over 100 miles of trails

With the Iowa City area booming with biking culture, it only makes sense that we have over 100 miles of trails in the area. Whether you’re hopping on the bandwagon and training for a race, walking with the family, or just trying to enjoy nature, there’s a trail for every pace.

Click the button below to learn more about the different trails in the area.

3. play pickleball in the pedestrian mall

Downtown Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall is booming with restaurants, shops, and nightlife, but there’s more activations you might not know about, like their free pickleball court in the heart of the mall.

With a free court, paddles, and balls, this attraction is a fun stop. After you’re done playing, you’ll have lots of options to grab a bite to eat.

Click the button to learn more.

4. go to a live concert

During the warmer months, free live music is happening all over the Iowa City area. Friday Night Concert Series to Music in the Park and Northside Saturday Nights are all great events that happen all summer long.

So grab a chair, picnic blanket, and some friends and go listen to some live music while it lasts.

Click the button to learn more information about upcoming concerts.

5. go on the literary walk

Iowa City’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature comes to life along the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk. Embedded into the sidewalk are bronze panels featuring the words of more than 40 renowned authors with ties to literature around the world.

You’ll discover quotes from writers like Kurt Vonnegut, Maya Angelou, Tennessee Williams, and more, making it one of the most unique walks you’ll take in the area.

Click the button to learn more about this walk.