We found the most photo worthy places right outside of Iowa City
Instagrams for days
Do all your friends go to school in the City? Do they post beautiful Instagrams that fill you with envy as you post yet another tailgate photo?
Never fear, here are some areas around IC that will make them jealous in a second.
Amana (35 minutes to the West of IC)
If you’ve never been to the Amana Colonies, you should definitely check it out. As the weather starts to become more inviting, you’re gonna want to spend some time exploring the outdoors. The old German-style architecture is perfect for your photo needs, and is a definite change of scenery from IC. Not to mention their local restaurants have some of the best home-cooking around.
Not only is there good food, but there is also great places where you can take photos where you wont even have to place a filter on it to make it look good. The plus side is there is so much to explore you could be busy for the whole day, and it is a great excuse to procrastinate that paper.
Brick wall, waterfall, girl you think you got it all.
Need a break from college-town life? Pretty much every store sold homemade candy and there wasn’t an unfriendly person to be found. So grab your roommate, your boyfriend, or your grandma and go enjoy the day!
Water you doing, Kelly? I don’t know, Elise. Why don’t you just Lehm-me sit here in peace.
We were hoping to pop a squat in Iowa’s Largest Rocking Chair, but turns out the Broom and Basket Shop is closed on Sundays. Word to the wise— think ahead, otherwise you’ll be taking pics through the window like us.
Reflecting on our decision to visit this chair.——– Are you yoking me, Elise?
The downtown area of Amana is pretty much contained on one main street so this is perfect if you want to spend a day just walking around.
Cedar Rapids (35 minutes to the North of IC)
Brewhemia has the best chai lattes, NewBo has good tacos, and thanks to General Mills the air smells like Captain Crunch. If you’re into thrifting, book stores and art, the New Bohemia district of Cedar Rapids is the place to be. A lively atmosphere with a small town vibe– some may be glad they grew up 10 minutes away from Cedar Ratchet.
when the wall is prettier than you are
Iowa City (off campus)
Braverman’s rock has been the sight of many things. Senior photos, paper lantern rituals, first kisses and first dates. But it is also good for getting a good photo and then sitting down to watch the beautiful Iowa sunsets.
Located on the far east side of campus you could ride your bike there if you’re down for a hefty travel, but if you’re not for a dollar a city bus can drop you just down the block.
Just across the street from Braverman’s rock is the Buddha.
No one really knows why it’s there or why it took 10 years to make. But it is there and it is grand. Look at @jcassanova5 rockin’ his Chubbies in the Buddha’s hand.
Mt. Vernon (29 miles north of IC)
The American Gothic Barn pays homage to the famous painting ‘American Gothic’ by the Iowa native Grant Wood. The barn is located on Hwy 30, and is super hard to miss!
Featured on the other side is another painting by the famous Grant Wood.
Solon (18 miles north of IC)
The Raptor center at Lake McBride is arguably one of the prettiest places you can hike around Iowa City. With many trails and sights you can spend the whole day exploring both the sights and yourself.
West Liberty (27 miles southeast of IC)
Do you like trains? Well West Liberty is the place is the place for you! Once home to one of the biggest train depots in southeastern Iowa, the town now holds a museum to commemorate what was once a great center for transportation.
So go out and don your hipster clothes and make all those city dwellers they can to the country for school.