group experiences
Discover the best of Iowa City with group activities.
From immersive arts to hands-on farm visits, Iowa City and the surrounding area offer unforgettable group experiences that blend culture, creativity, and community. Our region offers activities that will engage every type of traveler. Let your group walk through history, sip their way through local craft breweries, or explore vibrant arts districts and scenic countryside—all within minutes of each other.
Our team can help you customize itineraries with curated stops, guided tours, and interactive experiences that showcase the heart of the Iowa City area. Whether you’re based downtown or visiting nearby Kalona and the Amana Colonies, you’ll find opportunities that are enriching, entertaining, and easy to coordinate.
Top Group Experiences
Planning for a crowd? Whether you’re organizing a team retreat, a family reunion, or a student group getaway, Iowa City has activities everyone will enjoy. Start with these top picks for group-friendly fun.
Downtown Iowa City: Culture & Entertainment District
The heartbeat of the region, downtown Iowa City is buzzing with bookstores, music venues, public art, literary landmarks, and more. Groups can enjoy guided walking tours, gallery hops, and live performances — just steps away from local hotels and restaurants.
Stanley Museum of Art
Home to an impressive collection of global and contemporary works, the Stanley Museum offers guided tours for groups looking to engage with visual art and campus culture.
Old Capitol Museum
Located at the center of the University of Iowa, this historic site offers immersive group tours that explore Iowa’s political past and its influence on the present day.
Brewery Tours & Tastings
Craft beer lovers can get a behind-the-scenes look at the area’s standout breweries — Big Grove, Reunion, Field Day and Backpocket among them—with private tastings, tours, and patio space for group gatherings.
Guided Literary Walk
As a UNESCO City of Literature, Iowa City invites groups to explore literary landmarks on a guided tour that features quotes, stories, and stops related to local authors and literary legends.
Agritourism Adventures
Experience the charm of Johnson County’s working farms. From lavender fields at Calyx to apple picking and cider tasting at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, or vineyard views at Walker Homestead, these rural experiences offer authentic Iowa culture with group-friendly hospitality.
Shopping & Dining for Every Group
With locally loved boutiques, chef-driven restaurants, and group-ready patios, our shopping and dining scenes are ideal for custom itineraries. Whether you’re hosting a progressive dinner, private brunch, or an afternoon of local retail therapy — our team can help you map it out.
Amana Colonies & Kalona Group Day Trips
Iowa’s rich German and Amish heritage is just 20–30 minutes away. The Amana Colonies and Kalona offer charming downtowns, historic sites, quilting shops, traditional eateries, and artisan-made goods — perfect for a meaningful group excursion, especially when paired with overnight stays at our hotels.
Plan Your Group Experience
Let us take the guesswork out of planning. Our team is here to help build an experience that suits your group’s needs, energy, and interests. We’ll work with you on timing, transportation, and local coordination so your attendees get more than just a meeting—they get a story worth sharing.
Contact
Meet Stacey Houseman. As Vice President of Sales and a lifelong Iowa City area resident, she knows the area inside and out. Her expertise in event planning and hospitality will guide you every step of the way. Her personal touch is all you need.
319-337-6592
Meet Anna Haney. As the Sales & Servicing Coordinator, she’s ready to help make your event successful. Her local knowledge, combined with creativity, will ensure that your meeting attendees or group will be well taken care of.
319-337-6592
Something to Post About
With so much to write home about, one hashtag wasn’t enough. Share your adventures in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty with #thinkiowacity