15 Best Things To Do in Coralville, IA

Explore Coralville’s history, art, and culture with a visit to one of its excellent museums. From the International Monument to the Palace Theater, there are many incredible venues in the area that everyone should take the time to visit.

Heritage Museum of Johnson County

The Heritage Museum of Johnson County is located in the Iowa River Landing District at 860 Quarry Road, managed by Johnson County Park & Recreation District. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore the past of Johnson County – from its geological beginnings to the pioneer days and 1950s. With interactive displays such as a turn-of-the-century schoolroom, guests can learn about the Meskwaki tribe and settlers, the evolution of farming and human life on the farm, and components of Iowa culture.

Tours and programs are available for booking in advance, including active teaching tours or the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse tour. In 2019, the Heritage Museum moved from Macbride Hall on the University of Iowa campus to Xtream Arena, quadrupling exhibit space while featuring more interactive displays and hosting more significant events.

Open 9:30 am–4:30 pm Monday through Saturday 12:30–4:30 pm. Sunday closed University campuses/national holidays. Admission free parking onsite Friends organization accepts donations to support programming.

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History, located at the University of Iowa, is a great place to discover the natural history of Coralville and Iowa. Its state-of-the-art facilities house an array of artifacts, specimens, and artwork. The museum’s Iowa Hall Gallery showcases pioneering work from early naturalists in the area.

Visitors can explore canyons of ancient rock, coral reefs from an old ocean, and habitats ranging from the Ice Age to the present day when they enter Macbride Hall’s East Portico.

The Mammal Hall features a rare giant panda from China, a 48-foot Atlantic Right whale skeleton, and musk oxen from northern Canada’s Barren Grounds. Additionally, visitors can view African sculpture in the Stanley Collection and over 9,000 paintings in its permanent collection – including products of University expeditions and private donations worldwide.

Outreach programs include annual lectures/field trips series for children/adults plus Adult Nature Retreats held at Lake Okoboji each June; volunteer opportunities are also available for those interested in helping out. Discovering the natural history of Iowa awaits you at the Museum of Natural History’s Iowa Hall Gallery – explore!

Coralville Old Town Hall

The Coralville Old Town Hall, built in the 1880s, was a church, town hall, and community gathering space. It was located at 405 Second Avenue and served as Coralville’s voting location for many years until it was sold to a private owner in 1974. In 2014, the building was relocated across from the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse.

Today, visitors can explore this historical museum by appointment or on Saturdays between 3-5 p.m. Inside they’ll find an array of artifacts and memorabilia from Coralville’s past, plus an auditorium for special events. The Town Hall also boasts a memorial park, performing arts center, visitor center with a pro shop, and more – including a fishing pond and swimming pool!

Sports fans should check out the nearby Coral Ridge Ice Arena & Sports Bar. At the same time, art lovers will appreciate the Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk featuring sculptures created by local artists – perfect for photos! Other attractions include the Eastern Iowa University campus and the Coral Ridge Mall, which hosts an annual July parade yearly.

Iowa Firefighters Memorial

The Iowa Firefighters Memorial is a fitting tribute to the brave firefighters of Iowa and an ideal destination for those curious about the history and service of Iowa firefighters. Located near the Iowa River in Coralville, this memorial park serves as a visitor center, museum, and monument honoring all past, present, and future firefighters from Iowa. Dedicated on April 10th, 1994, it features a wall with over 700 names of fallen heroes, a sculpture commemorating their courage and commitment, an eternal flame symbolizing remembrance – plus a brick fundraiser recognizing donors who wish to honor someone special.

Visitors can enjoy the park’s beauty while paying homage to active or deceased firefighters. The Bird Hall is also available – it’s an old 1914 Laysan Island cyclorama with Charles A. Corwin’s 138-foot panoramic background plus 1,100 mounted North American bird exhibits, including nearly every species recorded from Iowa! Plus, you’re close to the University of Iowa campus, Iowa City, the Mississippi River, Coralville Lake, and more!

The memorial park opens 6 am – 10:30 pm (daily) at 52241 Coralville, IA, so pay your respects to these courageous individuals today!

Johnson County Historical Society

The Johnson County Historical Society is an organization in Johnson County, Kansas, that strives to increase individual and collective interest in the history of Johnson County. It locates, collects, and preserves historical artifacts and documents for public access. Visitors can explore over 40,000 photographs and maps from the 19th century to now.

The permanent exhibit features more than 10,000 artifacts plus a particular exhibition gallery with prints from University of Iowa artist Mauricio Lasansky as well as members of the Carver Wing. In addition, it hosts traveling exhibits along with interactive displays such as Arts & Culture, School readiness, and STEM activities.

The museum safeguards numerous historical sites, including Plum Grove (1844), Coralville School House (1876), Johnson County Poor Farm (1855), and Coralville Old Town Hall (1892). Its collections include items from 1899 to 1965, plus a vintage Linotype machine from the Daily Iowan newspaper. Open Tuesday through Saturday (10 am-5 pm) and Sunday (12 pm-5 pm); admission costs 5 USD per person.

The Johnson County Historical Society provides visitors an amazing opportunity to discover the county’s past while learning about the different types of artifacts on display there. Through its interactive exhibits, people can gain a deeper understanding of the history of Johnson County’s people – all at an affordable price!

Antique Car Museum of Iowa

Located in Coralville, Iowa, the Antique Car Museum of Iowa is an excellent spot for those curious about transportation history. Home to over 80 cars from 1899 to 1965, an original Skelly gas station, and other transport-related artifacts, it’s an affordable way to explore the past.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm with admission at just five dollars. You’ll find a Demot to 1908 Cadillac with the one-cylinder engine, a 1916 Haynes Cloverleaf Coupe, and a 1912 build-your-own Sears Motor Buggy.

The Flexible Flyers Exhibit displays Victorian sleds while the gift shop offers car memorabilia, t-shirts, and hats as souvenirs of your visit. Nearby attractions include Iowa River Landing, Coralville Old Town Hall, Iowa Firefighters Memorial, and Johnson County Historical Society, making it ideal for museum hopping in Coralville. From the Flexible Flyers Exhibit to gift shop purchases, the Antique Car Museum of Iowa is an experience not soon forgotten by locals and visitors alike!

The Iowa Children’s Museum

The Iowa Children’s Museum is a 28,000-square-foot learning playground for young minds in Coralville, Iowa. It’s a safe and engaging environment where families with children ages birth to twelve can explore the Power of Play. With immersive exhibits such as an Art Studio, Music Room, 3 model train systems, and Construction Room with LEGO bricks – there’s something for everyone! Kids can also explore a hospital, grocery store, and pizzeria.

The museum offers special events like lectures by artists, scholars, and collectors; Music in the Museum concert series; tours of exhibitions; permanent collection; children’s workshops; symposiums – all providing opportunities for kids to explore Arts & Culture, School readiness, and STEM while interacting with other children and building collaboration skills.

Surrounded by attractions such as the Coralville Community Aquatic Center; Iowa Firefighters Memorial; Car Museum of Iowa; Old Town Hall; Coralville Public School, etc., it is close to Eastern Iowa, Iowa City, and Abernathy Boys Ice Hockey too!

A great place for families to explore together – admission is only $9 per person – open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am till 6 pm (Friday 10 am till 8 pm) or Sunday from 11 am till 6 pm. The Iowa Children’s Museum is an ideal way to spend your day exploring the Coralville area!

Devonian Fossil Gorge

The Devonian Fossil Gorge is a unique geological site in Coralville, Iowa. It’s the ideal spot to explore the marvels of the past – filled with fossils from 375 million years ago! Visitors can investigate the coral reef-like limestone bedrock and uncover ancient sea creatures and plants.

The Devonian Fossil Gorge offers guests an array of outdoor activities. Stroll along the Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk to breathe fresh air and view 11 permanent sculptures. A disc golf course and biking trails are available for those seeking more physical activities. After taking in all that beauty, grab something to eat at the nearby pub grub menu!

This destination is also great for children and families alike. Educational programs such as fossil hunting expeditions and guided hikes are offered so kids can learn about this prehistoric period – plus plenty of open space to run around!

Visiting Devonian fossils. Gorge is an excellent way to discover Iowa’s history while getting a glimpse into its 375 million-year-old world. It’s various activities and educational programs make it one of Coralville’s best museums!

Summary

The City of Coralville, Iowa, is a hidden gem for those seeking to explore its fascinating offerings in history and culture. From the Heritage Museum of Johnson County, offering educational displays about the region’s account, to the Devonian fossil gorge providing an opportunity to learn about the area’s geology, the diversity of museums and attractions available to explore is impressive. The Iowa Children’s Museum also offers a unique learning and discovery experience in a fun-filled environment.

In addition, both the Antique Car Museum of Iowa and the Firefighter’s Memorial make for exciting experiences, paying tribute to public service professionals as well as the development of transportation. In short, Coralville offers diverse cultural and historical attractions where visitors can learn about the past, the present, and the future.

The museums and other attractions are an excellent opportunity to explore the arts and culture of this beautiful city. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing or to gain insight into a specific topic of interest, Coralville will not disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coralville, Iowa, known for?

Coralville, Iowa, is known for its vibrant parks and playgrounds, history museum, shopping malls, and bustling retail and service center on the “Coralville Strip.”

The city is a great place to live, work, and play. It offers a variety of activities for all ages, from outdoor recreation to cultural attractions. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues to explore. The city also has a thriving business community.

What is cool about Iowa City?

Iowa City is an exciting destination where you can explore architectural sights such as the Old Capitol Museum and the University of Iowa, marvel at the area’s natural beauty in Devonian Fossil Gorge and Wilson Orchard, learn about the local history at the Museum of Natural History, see a show at the Riverside Theatre, get your fill of sports at Nile Kinnick Stadium, and experience fine arts at the Englert Theater.

The Old Capitol Museum is excellent for learning about Iowa’s history and culture. It is a replica of the original capitol building and houses various exhibits. The University of Iowa is also great to explore, with its many buildings and monuments—Devonian fossils. Gorge is a great place to take in the area’s natural beauty, stunning views and unique fossils. Wilson Orchard is a great place to pick apples and other fruits, and the Museum of Natural History is a great place to like them.

What is Iowa City best known for?

Iowa City is best known for its International City of Literature designation, with its renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop on the University of Iowa campus. It also offers many historical sites, arts and culture attractions, and outdoor activities like the Devonian fossil gorge.

How big is Coralville Lake?

Coralville Lake is a large lake with a surface area of 5,430 acres, and it stores 28,100 acres of water, covering 23 miles upstream from the dam. Coralville Lake is an impressive body of water.