Welcome to Iowa City!
If you’re considering apartments in Iowa City or getting ready to move here, you’re in for a treat. This friendly Midwestern city is bursting with unique attractions and hidden gems that make Iowa City apartment living so enjoyable. From cultural festivals downtown to serene nature trails just minutes away, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the top unique things to do in and around Iowa City – all convenient to the central areas and easily accessible from many Iowa City apartment complexes like Cambridge Place Apartments.
Stroll the Lively Pedestrian Mall (Downtown Iowa City)
Downtown Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall (or “Ped Mall” as locals call it) is the heart of the city’s social scene. This car-free plaza is a bustling gathering place lined with cafes, quirky shops, public art, and live entertainment. In the summertime, the Ped Mall draws big crowds for events like the Friday Night Concert Series and the annual Iowa City Jazz Festival. You can relax under the shade of mature trees, listen to local musicians busking, or let the kids play in the whimsical splash fountain. With restaurants and bars on every corner, it’s easy to grab an ice cream or craft beer and soak up the lively atmosphere. Best of all, this downtown hub is just a short walk or bike ride from many central neighborhoods – a huge perk for anyone enjoying Iowa City apartment living near the city center.
Shop Local at the Iowa City Farmers Market
One of the best Saturday morning traditions for Iowa City renters is a trip to the Iowa City Farmers Market. Held in the open-air Chauncey Swan Plaza downtown, this market runs from May through October. Every Saturday morning (7:30am to noon), dozens of local vendors set up stalls brimming with farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted arts. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries fills the air as you browse seasonal veggies or sample local honey. It’s not just about shopping – the market often features live music, and you’ll bump into friends and neighbors, giving it a warm community feel. For new residents, it’s a fantastic way to dive into the local culture and meet people. Plus, living in an apartment rental in Iowa City means you’ll have a full kitchen to cook up your farmers market finds when you get home!
Get Literary at Prairie Lights Bookstore
Did you know Iowa City is an official UNESCO “City of Literature”? In 2008, it became the first U.S. city honored with this titleen.wikipedia.org, thanks to its rich literary heritage and the famed Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. Prairie Lights Bookstore is at the center of this literary scene. This iconic independent bookstore has three floors of books and an inviting café for reading or writing. It regularly hosts author readings and poetry nights, so you might hear a famous writer or an up-and-coming local poet share their work. Browsing Prairie Lights is a must for book lovers – it’s cozy, historic, and deeply tied to Iowa City’s identity. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or just an avid reader settling into an Iowa City apartment, this shop will quickly become your happy place. Pick up a novel by one of Iowa City’s many celebrated authors or attend a reading for a true City of Literature experience.
Enjoy Arts and Festivals in the Cultural District
The Old Capitol Museum on the Pentacrest – a centerpiece of Iowa City’s cultural district.
Iowa City’s arts and culture scene is amazingly vibrant for a city its size. In the downtown Cultural District, you can catch live performances, gallery shows, and festivals throughout the year. The historic Englert Theatre, for example, hosts live music concerts, theater performances, and events like the Mission Creek Festival each spring en.wikipedia.org. Just around the corner, FilmScene is a beloved art house cinema where you can watch independent and foreign films in a cozy setting en.wikipedia.org. In summer, Iowa City’s Summer of the Artsprogram presents the Iowa Arts Festival and free outdoor movie nights, often right on the Pentacrest lawn by the Old Capitol. Another local gem is Riverside Theatre, which even puts on an outdoor Shakespeare festival in warmer monthsen.wikipedia.org. These events are easy to access for residents – living in Iowa City apartment complexes near downtown (like those on the West and East sides) means you’re never far from the fun. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a weekend activity, the city’s festivals and arts venues will keep your calendar full and your creative spirit fed.
Taste Iowa City’s Iconic Eateries (Yes, Including Pie Shakes!)
No list of Iowa City experiences would be complete without its unique local food stops. Start with Hamburg Inn No. 2, a humble diner that’s achieved near-legendary status. This cozy eatery has been a favorite stop for U.S. presidents on the campaign trail and even appeared on The West Wing. Its most famous treat? The pie shake – an indulgent milkshake blended with a slice of pie, spotlighted by The New York Times for its delicious novelty. (Trust us, it’s as good as it sounds!). For breakfast lovers, Bluebird Diner offers farm-fresh twists on comfort food, and for a quick bite, the local food carts on downtown streets serve everything from late-night grilled cheese to street tacos. Craving something sweet? Pop into Yotopia, Iowa’s first self-serve frozen yogurt shop, or try a gourmet popcorn mix at Popcorn Shoppe. Living in Iowa City apts for rent means you’ll have these eateries as your extended kitchen – perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking. From iconic burgers and pie shakes to vegan cafe fare, Iowa City’s local restaurants will make you feel right at home and probably a little full!
Explore Nature in City Parks and Trails
One of the perks of Iowa City apartment living is how easily urban and natural environments blend. The city is dotted with green spaces, parks, and trails that invite you to get outdoors. Hickory Hill Park on the north side is a local favorite: a 185-acre wooded park with miles of peaceful hiking trails, creek crossings, and wildflower meadows. It’s a hidden oasis where you might spot deer or owls, yet it’s still within the city limits and a quick drive from downtown. On the south edge of town, the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area offers a different vibe – a big lake loop trail that’s perfect for jogging, biking, or renting a paddleboat on a sunny afternoon. There are picnic shelters and even a small beach area for summer fun. Closer to the west side (convenient if you’re renting at Cambridge Place Apartments or nearby), Willow Creek Park and City Park provide playgrounds, open fields, and access to the Iowa River corridor trail. These parks are not only great for exercise and relaxation, but they also host community events like outdoor yoga and summer picnics. With so much green space woven into the city, renters can enjoy a breath of fresh air whenever they like – often without even needing a car.
Step Back in Time at the Devonian Fossil Gorge
Imagine walking on the floor of an ancient ocean 375 million years old – that’s exactly what you can do at the Devonian Fossil Gorge just outside Iowa City. Located below the Coralville Lake dam (about a 15-minute drive from town), this geologic wonder was revealed by a major flood in 1993. When floodwaters receded, they uncovered a limestone riverbed filled with fossils from the Devonian period thegazette.com. Visitors today can hop across rocks and literally touch fossils of ancient sea creatures embedded in the ground. It’s like an outdoor museum where you discover crinoids, brachiopods, coral imprints, and other marine fossils from long before the age of dinosaurs. Informational panels at the site help you identify the specimens and learn about the environment that once existed here. The Gorge is one of only two sites of its kind in the U.S., making it a truly unique outingthegazette.com. The area is free to visit and open year-round, though best explored on a sunny day when the fossils are easy to spot. For residents of nearby Iowa City apartment complexes, it’s an easy drive for an impromptu fossil-hunting hike or a chance to wow visiting friends and family with a truly rocking bit of local history!
Exploring the interactive displays at the Devonian Fossil Gorge, where you can walk on an ancient ocean floor.
Relax by the Water at Lake Macbride State Park
When you need a beach day or a dose of lake life, Lake Macbride State Park is the place to go. About 20 minutes north of Iowa City, this park boasts the largest lake in the area, complete with a sandy swimming beach and clear waters for boating. On hot summer days, you’ll find locals sunbathing, building sandcastles, or cooling off with a swim – a fun surprise to have a beach so close to Iowa City! The park has an extensive network of trails if you’re up for a hike through woods and prairies (don’t miss the short trail to the waterfall at the dam spillway, especially in spring). You can rent pontoon boats, paddleboards, or kayaks at the marina to explore the lake’s quiet coves. Fishing is popular here too, with chances to catch bass and crappie. In the fall, the surrounding hills turn gorgeous shades of orange and red, making for a relaxing scenic picnic spot. The park even connects to the Macbride Raptor Project, where you can see birds of prey up close in a rehabilitation center. Lake Macbride is an easy half-day trip for Iowa City renters – you can be out of your apartment and on the beach in under a half hour. It’s like having a little vacation spot right in your backyard.
Take a Day Trip to the Historic Amana Colonies
For a change of pace and a step back in time, plan a day trip to the Amana Colonies, located about 30 minutes west of Iowa City. The Amana Colonies are a group of seven quaint villages founded by German Pietists in the mid-1800s, and visiting them is like entering a living history museum. Strolling through Amana (the main village), you’ll see original brick and stone cottages, historic communal kitchens, and craft shops that have been operating for generations. The colonies are famous for their woodworking, quilting, and brewing – you can browse furniture and clocks at the Amana Furniture Shop, watch local artisans create hand-made quilts, and sample craft beer at the Millstream Brewing Co. One of the highlights is enjoying a hearty family-style meal at the Ox Yoke Inn or Ronneburg Restaurant, where traditional German dishes like wiener schnitzel and apple strudel are served in abundance. Throughout the year, the Amanas host festivals like Maifest (spring) and Oktoberfest (fall) celebrating their heritage with music, dancing, and artisan demonstrations. It’s a delightful getaway that’s especially convenient for those of us living in Iowa City apts for rent – close enough to be spontaneous. You’ll return to your apartment with fresh baked goods, unique souvenirs, and a newfound appreciation for the region’s history.
Cheer on the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium
If you’re a sports fan (or just love a good community tradition), experiencing a Hawkeye football game at Kinnick Stadium is a must. Iowa City lives and breathes Hawkeye pride, and on home game Saturdays the excitement is contagious. Nearly 70,000 fans pack into Kinnick Stadium, which is located on the west side of town – conveniently just down the road from Cambridge Place Apartments and other west-side communities. The whole city dons black and gold. Before the game, enjoy the lively tailgating scene: neighbors and students grilling out, music playing, and everyone sharing in the pre-game spirit along Melrose Avenue. Once you’re in the stadium, you’ll feel the energy as the Hawkeyes take the field to the boom of the crowd. One uniquely heartwarming Iowa tradition happens at the end of the 1st quarter: everyone in the stadium turns to wave at the young patients watching from the adjacent Children’s Hospital, a moment that gives goosebumps every time. Whether Iowa wins or loses, the camaraderie and school spirit make it an unforgettable experience. Even if sports aren’t usually your thing, you might find yourself converting after a season of Iowa City apartment living – it’s hard to resist the Hawkeye hype when it’s all around you! And if you are a fan, well, you’ll fit right in and have plenty of new friends by season’s end.
Welcome Home to Cambridge Place Apartments
Iowa City truly has a little bit of everything – from artsy bookstores and foodie adventures to scenic parks and rich history – all within a friendly, accessible community. The beauty of this city is how easy it is to explore these unique attractions while enjoying the comfort of a great home base. Cambridge Place Apartments is proud to be that home for so many Iowa Citians. Our community offers a perfect blend of convenience and comfort, so after a day of exploring you can relax knowing you’re in a welcoming place. Ready to make the most of Iowa City apartment living? We invite you to come join our Cambridge Place family. With so many top unique things to do in and around Iowa City, your adventures here are just beginning – and we’ll be delighted to have you along for the journey while you call Cambridge Place Apartments your home. Welcome to the neighborhood!