Iowa City was established in 1839 as a territorial capital, but it wasn't until 1841 that it was declared a capital city. In 1843, the development of Coralville began, and with its growing population emerged a barbershop, meat market, wagon shop, dry goods store, and lumber yard.
Despite facing challenges, like closing all mills, the city transformed into a thriving economy. By the 1950s, travel and tourism had become common, leading to the growth of restaurants and motels, discount stores, service stations, and retail shops. By 1980, the population had reached 2,000, and it surpassed 18,000 in the following decade.
While in Iowa City, Iowa, find time to spend a day at the Coralville Reservoir, which is about 15 minutes away. The reservoir was constructed with the aim of flood control, but it’s also a great recreational area. You will enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. On land, visitors may opt for hiking, biking, or camping. The forested shoreline has a section specifically for disc golf.
Head to the nearby Turkey Creek Day Use Area, which has sandy beaches and is another common area for disc golfing. You may also visit Lake MacBride State Park and the neighboring Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. These places are excellent for camping, mountain biking, and hiking. During winter vacations, the recreation area is a popular destination for cross-country skiing. Don't forget to plan a tour of the Old Capitol, which holds essential information about the history of this great city.
Iowa City Jazz Festival – This event takes place in downtown Iowa City every July. In addition to performances by jazz musicians, the festival offers delicious food.
Oktoberfest – Attend the Northside Oktoberfest to enjoy craft beers, beer games, and delicious neighborhood food. The event is held in Iowa City at the Downtown District every October and hosts multiple beer and food vendors.
Iowa Arts Festival – This festival is a visual-art-centered event held every June on Washington Street in Iowa City. Visitors enjoy family and national musical entertainment and interact with famous artists.
The following are some of the greatest spots to visit in Iowa City, Iowa with an RV rental: The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is located on the University of Iowa's campus, in Iowa City. The museum is one of only a few university-owned art museums in the country. The collection focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh. While in the Amana Colonies, you have to stop by the Amana Museum of Natural History. This museum, which is located in a former schoolhouse, contains a variety of exhibits and information about the history of the colonies and area wildlife. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is located in West Branch, Iowa. It is one of 14 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. The library contains more than 45 million pages of historical documents, including the personal papers of Herbert Hoover, as well as thousands of photographs, films, audio recordings, and artifacts from the Hoover era. Geode State Park is near the Missouri border in the southern section of Iowa. The many quartz geodes found on-site constitute the park's eponymous feature. Camping, hiking, and boating are all options for visitors. The Effigy Mounds National Monument protects a network of Native American-built prehistoric mounds. It's a terrific spot to visit near Iowa City and a great illustration of how Native American culture has evolved through time.
Effigy Mounds National Monument, one of Iowa's only two national parks, is considered a sacred site by many. The park has mounds that are formed like animals and other things. Weather permitting, visitors may enjoy the national park's trails and educational events at the visitor centre all year (though some roads may be closed during winter). The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is Iowa's sole national historic site. In his birthplace and hometown of West Branch, it protects three structures linked with America's 31st President, Herbert Hoover. This national historic site also contains a visitor centre where people may learn about Herbert Hoover's life and presidency through interactive displays. Visitors may also buy national park souvenirs or learn about the area.
Apart from the National Parks, Iowa also has a host of State Parks which visitors can go to relax and enjoy nature. Geode State Park is located in the southern part of Iowa, near the Missouri border. The park’s namesake attraction is the numerous quartz geodes found on site. Visitors can also enjoy activities like camping, hiking, and boating. Along the Mississippi River, you'll find Wapsipinicon State Park, which is one of Iowa's most popular state parks. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing in the park. It contains a large campground with a beach and boat launch. The park also has several hiking trails and a picnic area.
Iowa City is home to quite a few national sites and monuments. These sites are a must-see if you are a history buff! The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a great place to visit near Iowa City. This site commemorates the life of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States. The Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves a network of ancient mounds that were built by Native Americans. It's an excellent example of how Native American culture has changed over time.
Iowa City has several options for RV Parks and Campgrounds. The Linder Point Campground is a family-friendly campground, with a perfect location overlooking the Snake River. The Tailwater West Campground is another great option. Here, you'll find amenities like Wi-Fi, water and electric hookups, and coin laundry facilities. The West Overlook campground overlooks stunning wildlife habitats and offers an array of outdoor activities. The Hills Access Campground is also located in Iowa City. This campground has amenities like drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables for your enjoyment.
There are many dump stations available in and around Iowa City. You’ll find dump stations at the Rest Stop I-80 EB Tiffin, West Liberty RV Park, Water Pollution Control Plant, and Love’s Travel Stop. You can also check RVshare’s guide to RV dump stations in Iowa for dump station addresses and details.
If you're looking for an affordable way to explore Iowa City, Iowa, consider renting an RV. We offer a variety of choices, so you can find a rental that will suit your needs and fit within your budget. Choose from options like toy haulers, motorhomes, and more. If you're traveling solo or in a small group, consider the smaller models like a Class B camper van, a Class C motorhome, or a towable travel trailer. However, if you're traveling with the whole family or a large group of friends, a Class A motorhome might be a perfect choice. So, book your RV rental today and enjoy all that Iowa City has to offer!
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Iowa City, IA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Iowa City?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Iowa City from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Iowa City?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
