Best College Towns In Iowa
Selecting the best post-secondary educational institution from which one can pursue higher studies is a challenging task. The prospective students must consider various things besides academic facilities and professional opportunities. One of the most crucial decisions is selecting the correct geographical location of the university, as this profoundly affects the students’ life. Situated in the upper Midwestern United States, Iowa is home to numerous college towns, each offering an excellent blend of academics, culture, historical sites, and recreation options. Let’s embark on a journey to learn more about these fantastic college towns in the Hawkeye State.
Iowa City
Johnson County’s county seat, Iowa City, occupies the heart of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area along the Iowa River in the state’s east-central portion. Renowned as a UNESCO-awarded City of Literature, this quintessential college town houses the main campus of the University of Iowa - the state’s oldest university, and a satellite campus of Kirkwood Community College. Founded on February 25, 1847, as the State University of Iowa, the University of Iowa offers over 200 areas of study and 7 professional degrees via its 12 colleges to a total enrolment of 30,015 students. This public research university is widely known for its fine arts, law, and healthcare programs, and being the initial developer of the Master of Fine Arts degree, the university manages an Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the International Writing Program. This higher educational institution, along with its 811-bed public teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center, significantly influences the culture and economy of Iowa City.
One of the city’s chief assets is its bustling downtown with many independent stores, eclectic restaurants, bars, and top performance venues like the historic Englert Theatre, Riverside Theatre, and FilmScene. Some other notable attractions in the city include the Plum Grove Historic House, the Old Capitol Museum, the University of Iowa Art Museum, Hickory Hill Park, and the Kinnick Stadium (home to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team). Commonly known as the Pedestrian Mall or the Ped Mall, the City Plaza serves as a meeting place for the students and residents, besides attracting huge crowds during various events like the Friday Night Concert Series and the annual Iowa City Arts Festival, and the Iowa City Jazz Festival.
Ames
This moderate-sized city is situated along Story County’s western edge, close to the meeting point of Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 30 highways, at the heart of the state. Ames is best known for being home to the prestigious Iowa State University of Science and Technology, commonly known as the Iowa State University. This public land-grant university is the state’s biggest university in terms of undergraduate enrollment and offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 112 postgraduate academic degree programs, 83 doctorate degree programs, and professional degree programs in Veterinary Medicine via its eight colleges and two schools. The university is also home to the Ames National Laboratory, Biorenewables Research Laboratory, the Plant Sciences Institute, the Engineering Teaching and Research Complex, and other significant research institutes.
Ames’s colorful Main Street offers an array of shopping and dining opportunities in the local pubs and bars, including London Underground and Mother’s Pub. The historic Campustown neighborhood houses several student apartments, eateries, nightlife venues, and other establishments, all unique to the city. Tourists must visit the magnificent 17-acre Reiman Gardens, Brunnier Art Museum, Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames History Museum, and Ames Public Library. Sports lovers can enjoy a game by the Iowa State Cyclones football team at Jack Trice Stadium and by basketball and volleyball teams at the Hilton Coliseum.
Grinnell
Located in Poweshiek County in the state’s southeastern portion, this small town is aptly defined by its motto, “Jewel of the Prairie.” Home to Grinnell College, the town, with its unique college experiences and tight-knit communities, provides a welcoming atmosphere for the students. The 120-acre main campus of this private liberal arts college contains integrated academic complexes, a student center, athletic facilities, and many contributing buildings to the National Register of Historic Places.
Grinnell’s buzzing downtown features numerous eclectic shops, cafes, and restaurants where one can savor lip-smacking dishes. Tourists can visit the Grinnell College Museum of Art and the historic Merchants’ National Bank or catch some entertaining theatrical performances sponsored by the Grinnell Area Arts Council. The merrymakers can spend quality time in the different public parks or enjoy various events like the Grinnell Games and Grinnell Farmers Market that are held occasionally.
Des Moines
The state capital and its most populous city, Des Moines, occupies the heart of the Corn Belt, at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers in the state’s south-central portion. The city has several esteemed higher learning institutions, including Grand View University, Drake University, Des Moines University, Mercy College of Health Sciences, and the Des Moines Area Community College. In addition, the satellite campuses of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University are also located here.
Being the state’s cultural center, Des Moines boasts numerous performing art groups as well as art and history museums. Some of the city’s notable attractions include the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Salisbury House and Gardens, Science Center of Iowa, Iowa State Capitol building, State of Iowa Historical Museum, Terrace Hill, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Des Moines Art Center, etc. The city also serves as a venue for many nationally acclaimed cultural events, such as the Des Moines Arts Festival, Iowa State Fair, World Food & Music Festival, and the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Moreover, the city’s parks, golf courses, aquatic centers, community centers, and swimming pools can all be easily accessed with the help of an extensive network of recreational trails.
Cedar Falls
Initially named “Sturgis Falls” after one of its founders William R. Sturgis, Cedar Falls is located along the Cedar River immediately west of Waterloo, in east-central Iowa’s Black Hawk County. The city is best known for being home to the University of Northern Iowa, one of the state’s three public universities. Established in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University currently offers over 90 majors via its five colleges to a total enrollment of 8,949 students.
Several historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy eateries like the Wilbos Burgers and Scratch Cupcakery line the city’s thriving Main Street. Art enthusiasts can witness a variety of performances at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and the Oster Regent Theatre. Outdoor lovers can enjoy ample recreational activities offered by the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, the Cedar Valley Trails, and the nearby George Wyth Memorial State Park.
Cedar Rapids
Located along both banks of the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, the state’s second-largest city and county seat of Linn County, forms a part of Eastern Iowa’s Cedar Rapids/Iowa City region. This bustling city is home to many reputed higher educational institutions like Coe College, Mount Mercy University, and Kirkwood Community College. The University of Iowa, Kaplan University, and Upper Iowa University also have satellite campuses in the city.
Nicknamed the “City of Five Seasons,” Cedar Rapids is Eastern Iowa’s prospering arts and cultural center. Some noteworthy attractions in the city include the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Paramount Theatre, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, African American Museum of Iowa, Brucemore – the state’s only National Trust Historic Site, etc. In addition, the city also houses a multitude of restaurants and breweries serving a variety of delicious cuisines that can satisfy any palate.
Dubuque
Situated along the Mississippi River, Dubuque, the county seat of Dubuque County, forms a part of the Tri-State Area at the meeting point of the US states of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Being the area’s chief cultural, commercial, industrial, and educational center, Dubuque is home to several renowned higher education institutions, including Loras College, Clarke University, University of Dubuque, and Emmaus Bible College.
Dubuque’s riverfront location, as well as the presence of historic architecture and casinos like the Diamond Jo Casino, make it a popular regional tourist destination. Some of the city’s other exciting attractions include the Dubuque County Courthouse, the 56-acre Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Five Flags Center, the Grand Opera House, Julien Dubuque Bridge, Eagle Point Park, and the Grand River Event Center.
Pella
Settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and named in reference to “Pella of the Decapolis,” this small city is located about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines in Iowa’s Marion County. Pella is home to the main campus of Central College, a well-known private college. Established in 1853 as the Central University of Iowa, the college offers 73 academic programs and 14 pre-professional programs to approximately 1139 students.
Pella’s gigantic windmills, Dutch-inspired architecture, rainbow-hued tulips, winding canals, and stacks of warm pastries on the bakery shelves will give visitors a feeling of Holland. Some of the city’s chief attractions include the Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill, the Klokkenspel, the Pella Opera House, the Scholte House Museum & Gardens, and the nearby Red Rock Reservoir. A beautiful canal winds through the neighboring Molengracht Plaza that houses a full-size working drawbridge, besides many shops, restaurants, a movie theatre, and a hostelry. The Tulip Time Festival, which celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage, features tulip gardens, crafters, musical performances, tasty foods, and daily parades, attracts thousands of visitors to Pella during the first weekend in May every year.
Decorah
The county seat of Winneshiek County, Decorah, is located in the Upper Midwest’s hilly driftless region, about 15 miles south of Iowa’s border with Minnesota. This growing community is home to the 200-acre central campus of Luther College, a private Lutheran liberal arts college that offers diverse academic opportunities. Founded by Norwegian immigrants as a Lutheran seminary in 1861, this private liberal arts college is an exclusive undergraduate institution with a total enrollment of approximately 1,744 students.
Decorah boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, hosting several art exhibitions, music events, and annual festivals like the Nordic Fest, which celebrates the city’s Norwegian culture. To learn more about the city’s rich history, tourists can visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum – the country’s biggest Norwegian museum. The city’s many outdoor recreational areas, like Dunning’s Spring, Siewers Spring, Palisades Park, Decorah Ice Cave State Park, etc., make it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.
The Hawkeye State houses some of the country’s best college towns, providing students with a perfect amalgamation of academic excellence, tight-knit communities, and colorful social life. From the buzzing streets of the busy metropolises of Des Moines and Iowa City to the serene ambiance of Ames, these college towns serve as ideal places for scholars and residents alike. So, whether you are a future student in search of a top-tier educational institution or someone in search of welcoming communities, check out these charming Iowa college towns for some memorable experiences.
