Overview

This former capital of Iowa was, from 1842 to 1857, home to state offices, serving as the center of regional government. Today, Iowa City is a picturesque metropolis of more than 67,000 people, resting in the east central part of the state halfway between Omaha and Chicago. When the capital moved to Des Moines in the mid-19th century, Iowa City preserved her vital role in regional life. As a result, the city now features an array of business and commercial interests, along with cultural offerings and the sprawling University of Iowa campus. The city, named for the Native American word for "beautiful land," is a bustling manufacturing and commercial town. It also offers a number of tourist attractions, including the nearby Amana Colonies, a collection of historic villages, and several parks and nature preserves. Sporting events, sightseeing opportunities, and leisure activities are available along the river in the city's restored downtown and on the U of Iowa campus. They include a natural history and art museum and the library of President Herbert Hoover. In addition, Iowa City prides itself on its arts and cultural offerings, as evidenced by the array of annual productions staged at the restored Englert Theatre, the Hancher Auditorium and the Riverside Theatre.

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