The Coolest College Towns in Iowa
Nestled just across the Mississippi River from the bustling city of Chicago, Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa and offers a vibrant college town atmosphere that’s hard to match in the Midwest. The pedestrian-friendly downtown area, centered around the historic Pedestrian Mall, pulses with energy from students and locals alike. Here, you can stop by the Old Capitol Building, which once served as the state’s capitol and now anchors the University of Iowa campus. The building’s classic dome and stately columns provide a stunning backdrop to the city’s festivals and street performers. Literary lovers will find a pilgrimage to Prairie Lights Bookstore rewarding, where author readings and lively discussions fuel the town’s creative spirit. The best time to visit is in the fall, when the campus trees blaze with color, and the football games at Kinnick Stadium bring a festive buzz to the streets.
To the northwest, Ames hosts Iowa State University, and its charm radiates strongly in the Campustown district, just a short walk from the university’s core and about 35 minutes north of Des Moines. Campustown offers a mix of quirky shops, lively bars, and eateries serving up Midwestern comfort with a twist. A stroll down Welch Avenue reveals murals and art installations that celebrate the Cyclones pride. For a dose of culture, the Brunnier Art Museum on campus showcases a diverse collection of ceramics and regional art, providing a quieter counterpoint to the vibrant street life. Spring is an ideal time to visit, when the nearby Reiman Gardens burst into bloom, offering a peaceful escape with butterfly domes and themed horticultural displays.
Heading east from Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon is a charming small town known for Cornell College, about 20 minutes from the city center. The town’s downtown district is a delightful mix of 19th-century architecture and modern cafés that invite visitors to linger. Cornell College’s commitment to a “One Course At A Time” schedule means students immerse deeply in each subject, and visitors might catch a compelling student recital or an art exhibit at the college’s museum. Walking the nearby Indian Creek Nature Center trail system offers gentle hiking through woodlands and wetlands, perfect in late spring when wildflowers carpet the paths and migratory birds return. This blend of intellectual vigor and natural beauty gives Mount Vernon a uniquely contemplative college town vibe.
In the heart of western Iowa, on the outskirts of Council Bluffs and just a short drive from Omaha, the city of Council Bluffs itself hosts Iowa Western Community College and a revived downtown with an eclectic mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the area’s key role in American rail history, a unique attraction not commonly associated with college towns but enriching the cultural fabric here. After exploring the museum, visitors can enjoy the lively nightlife and dining scene around the lakefront, which comes alive in the warm summer months with concerts and festivals that draw the student crowd.
About 40 miles south of Des Moines lies Indianola, home to Simpson College. The town centers around the verdant Woodland Cemetery Historic District, an unexpected oasis of tranquility with winding paths and ornate mausoleums perfect for a reflective afternoon walk. Indianola’s downtown is peppered with local shops, and the town’s annual National Balloon Classic event fills the sky with vibrant hot air balloons, a spectacle best experienced in early August. Simpson College’s small size fosters a tight-knit, welcoming atmosphere, complemented by nearby Lake Ahquabi State Park, where visitors can kayak or hike wooded trails to unwind after a day of exploring.
Two hours northeast of Des Moines, Decorah pulses with the energetic presence of Luther College, set against the stunning backdrop of the Driftless Area’s unique topography. Decorah is famous for the Dunning’s Spring Park, a serene spot where limestone cliffs and a cascading waterfall provide a dramatic entry into the town’s natural charm. Luther College’s music program is nationally recognized, and attending a concert in the college’s Center for Faith and Life Theater is a memorable way to absorb the town’s artistic heartbeat. Visiting in late spring or early summer lets you catch the vibrant local farmers markets and enjoy the lush greenery of the surrounding Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum grounds, which celebrate the town’s immigrant heritage.
Further north, Cedar Falls, just 30 minutes from Waterloo, hosts the University of Northern Iowa. The downtown district is a blend of historic brick buildings and lively cafes, with the beautiful Riverloop Amphitheatre showcasing outdoor concerts against the backdrop of the Cedar River. UNI’s campus boasts the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, where touring productions and student performances add cultural richness to the town. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to the Black Hawk Creek Trail, a scenic, moderately easy trail offering over 14 miles of biking and walking paths through woodlands and prairies, best enjoyed in the crisp air of autumn when the foliage turns brilliant shades of gold and red. The town’s approachable size and vibrant arts scene make it a welcoming stop for visitors seeking an authentic college town experience.