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.”

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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.

Staybridge Suites Coralville
Extended Stay, Hotels, Iowa River Landing

Staybridge Suites Coralville

801 E 2nd Ave Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Holiday Inn & Kinnick Conference Center
Coralville, Hotels

Holiday Inn & Kinnick Conference Center

1220 1st Avenue Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Hotel Millwright
Hotels, Surrounding

Hotel Millwright

800 48th Avenue Amana, Iowa 52203 USA
Woodspring Suites Coralville
Coralville, Extended Stay, Hotels

Woodspring Suites Coralville

2680 James Street Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Homewood Suites by Hilton Coralville – Iowa River Landing
Extended Stay, Hotels, Iowa River Landing

Homewood Suites by Hilton Coralville – Iowa River Landing

921 E. 2nd Ave. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Heartland Inn Coralville
Coralville, Hotels

Heartland Inn Coralville

87 2nd St. 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
The Heights Rooftop Event Center
Alternate Meeting Space, Hotels, Off-Site Venue

The Heights Rooftop Event Center

901 Melrose Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52246 USA
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Downtown Iowa City, Hotels

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

255 E Court Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA

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attractions

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

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Your checklist for football game days in Iowa City

Make the most of your football weekend!
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Downtown Iowa City

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