Iowa City is a university city of approximately 74,000 residents in Johnson County, Iowa, located 113 miles east of Des Moines via I-80 East — a drive of roughly one hour and 45 minutes. FlixBus offers scheduled service from Des Moines to Iowa City for approximately $15 to $30, taking about two hours, making Iowa City one of the few Iowa day-trip destinations accessible without a car. The city is home to the University of Iowa, founded in 1847 and enrolling about 31,000 students, giving the downtown a lively character centered on the Pedestrian Mall, a car-free commercial corridor along Dubuque Street and Iowa Avenue lined with restaurants, bookshops, and independent retailers. Iowa City holds a unique designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, the first in the United States, honoring the legacy of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the oldest and most influential graduate creative writing program in the country. Prairie Lights Bookstore on Iowa Avenue is widely regarded as one of the finest independent bookshops in the United States and hosts a regular author reading series. The Old Capitol Museum, the original Iowa state capitol building from 1842, anchors the University Pentacrest lawn and offers free self-guided tours through its restored legislative chambers. The Englert Theatre on Washington Street, a 1912 movie palace restored for live performances, hosts traveling concerts and stage productions. The University of Iowa Museum of Art houses a permanent collection including Grant Wood works. The Ped Mall's restaurant corridor delivers international cuisine from Vietnam, Ethiopia, Korea, and Mexico alongside local brewpubs. Coralville Reservoir, four miles north, and the adjacent Devonian Fossil Gorge — a naturally exposed 375-million-year-old fossil bed revealed by the 1993 flood — add free outdoor options. Iowa City also works well as a morning base combined with an afternoon excursion to the Amana Colonies, 20 miles west via I-80 Exit 225.
How to get there
- Car (recommended)
- FlixBus ($15-30, 2 hrs)
- Greyhound (select routes)
Location
Old Capitol Museum, 21 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52242
41.6604, -91.5350 View on map
Highlights
- Old Capitol Museum — Iowa's original state capitol (1842) with free self-guided tours through restored legislative chambers on the Pentacrest
- Prairie Lights Bookstore — nationally recognized independent bookshop on Iowa Avenue, flagship of the city's UNESCO City of Literature designation
- Pedestrian Mall (Ped Mall) — car-free downtown corridor with restaurants, shops, and cafes walkable from the University campus
- Iowa Writers' Workshop campus — home of the most influential MFA creative writing program in the US, with a campus literary walking trail
- Devonian Fossil Gorge (Coralville) — naturally exposed 375-million-year-old fossil bed revealed by the 1993 flood, free to visit
Tips for visiting
- FlixBus from Des Moines drops near the Ped Mall, making Iowa City one of the few Iowa day trips possible without a car
- Prairie Lights Bookstore hosts free author readings — check the schedule on their website before the visit
- University of Iowa football game days (fall Saturdays) fill parking and restaurants; arriving before noon or visiting on a non-game weekend avoids congestion
- The Old Capitol Museum is free and takes 30 to 45 minutes; pairing it with a Pentacrest walk and Ped Mall lunch makes an efficient morning
- Combining Iowa City with the Amana Colonies (20 miles west via I-80 Exit 225) creates an efficient two-destination day from Des Moines
When to visit
September through April captures the university's full energy with students on campus, but Iowa City is pleasant year-round. Avoiding fall football Saturdays at Kinnick Stadium helps significantly with parking and restaurant availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors reach Iowa City without a car?
Yes. FlixBus runs scheduled service from Des Moines to Iowa City at fares typically between $15 and $30, with a journey time of about two hours. Greyhound also serves select routes. Downtown Iowa City and the campus are fully walkable from the bus drop-off point.
What is the Iowa Writers' Workshop and can visitors see it?
The Iowa Writers' Workshop is the United States' oldest MFA creative writing program, founded in 1936. Its alumni include numerous Pulitzer Prize winners. The EPB building on campus houses the program offices; the campus is open to visitors, though classroom access is not public.
Is the Old Capitol Museum free to visit?
Yes, the Old Capitol Museum on the Pentacrest is free and open to the public with both guided and self-guided tour options. Hours are generally Tuesday through Saturday; current hours should be confirmed at uiowa.edu before the visit.
What is the Devonian Fossil Gorge?
The Devonian Fossil Gorge at Coralville Lake is a naturally exposed rock outcrop revealing 375-million-year-old marine fossils. The 1993 flood scoured away sediment to expose the ancient seafloor. The site is free to enter and located four miles north of downtown Iowa City.