Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Coralville, IA

  • Published 2022/10/28

Curious to know the best things to do in Coralville, Iowa?

A suburb of Iowa City and the county seat of Johnson County, Coralville is a primary economic center.

On June 1, 1857, the city of Coralville received its official incorporation.

The city’s name comes from the fossils found in the limestone in the Iowa River Valley.

Around 1300, Mormon immigrants rested here during their trek west in 1856 after traveling from Iowa City by rail, the westernmost rail terminal in the country.

After World War II, many university students established residences in Coralville, which fueled the city’s growth.

Today, Coralville has plenty to offer every visitor, from Hawkeye athletics to regional museums and sites, community festivities to family-friendly activities, trails, and a limitless array of entertainment opportunities.

Scroll down to discover more about the best things to do in Coralville, Iowa.

Have a Picnic along Coralville Lake

Waters of coralville lake.

Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Coralville Dam created Johnson County, Iowa’s Coralville Lake, located in the United States.

Congress approved the Flood Control Act of 1938 in 1938 during severe floods in the United States.

The 100-foot-high earthen barrier was erected by the United States Army Corps of Engineers primarily as a flood control measure for the Mississippi River.

Bridge at Coralville lake.

Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aside from flood control and low flow augmentation, it provides opportunities for leisure, fish and animal management, forest management, and other environmental stewardship.

There are 500 campsites accessible in three campgrounds at Coralville Lake.

Fishing, picnic sites with boat ramps, group shelters, fishing pier, river and lake fishing, mountain biking routes, hiking trails, lake swimming, beach volleyball, and boating sports are all available.

See Vintage Automobiles at Antique Car Museum of Iowa

It’s always intriguing and enjoyable to learn about automobiles.

You may learn about transportation history by visiting the Antique Car Museum of Iowa.

The Antique Car Museum of Iowa was founded in 2006, and its mission is to educate visitors about the history of transportation.

More than 90 automobiles, dating from 1899 to the mid-1970s, are on display in the 28,000-square-foot showroom, including an early 20th century Skelly petrol station and an exhibit on the Abernathy Boys.

A rare treat is to see these old vehicles in their original attire and unaltered by modern-day procedures.

You may gaze at the historic cars in their original form, which will show you how automobiles have evolved through time.

To keep the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure fresh, explore their gift store for auto-themed souvenirs, t-shirts, and caps.

Grab a Drink While Enjoying a Game at Tailgators Sports Bar

Tailgators Sports Bar in Coralville, IA, is the place to go for the greatest in collegiate and professional sports.

The atmosphere in this sports pub is one of a kind.

It boasts a massive stage, a gigantic screen, and screens on every wall. It means that you can watch games from any location in the sports bar with ease.

Karaoke, live music, and quiz nights are available at the bar, as is its pub-grub menu of tasty snacks.

If you’re a sports fan, there’s no reason to go somewhere else for your viewing pleasure.

Look Back on Heroism at Iowa Firefighters Memorial

Dedicated to the selfless service of Iowa firefighters, this memorial garden is a fitting tribute to those who have served and those who will serve in the years to come.

The Iowa Firefighters Association selected Coralville in 1992 after a thorough application, research, and site visits.

Coralville was chosen for its picturesque hilltop location, accessibility, year-long availability, visitor center and park-like atmosphere, proximity to hotels and restaurants, and the commitment of Coralville/Iowa city leaders to create and perpetually care for the site.

At a ceremony attended by more than 2,500 firefighters and other Iowans, the memorial park was dedicated on April 10, 1994.

Observe the stunning and unusual memorial sculptures, walls, and everlasting flames in the park.

The names of people who died while working in the Iowa Fire Department are engraved onto the walls.

Salute the fallen heroes and those who are still on the job for their dedication to saving lives.

Admire the park’s splendor as you relax and sit on one of its benches.

Bring Your Kids to Explore The Iowa Children’s Museum

The Iowa Children’s Museum has a wide variety of activities, including a journey to the moon, a science lesson on skating, and a pirate ship tour.

Here, your kids will learn through the Power of Play.

Its learning laboratory lets children unleash their imaginations, make mistakes, and form lifelong memories.

Each exhibit provides hands-on learning opportunities for young ones.

Playing is a crucial part of a child’s growth, and its brightly colored rooms are proof of that.

Stroll along the Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk

A rooster statue at Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk.

Lost_in_the_Midwest / Shutterstock.com

Take a stroll along the Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk while the weather is nice and sunny.

Make your way to the 11 permanent sculptures that have been placed at various places along the route.

These works of art produced by a diverse group of Iowan artists are based on the Iowa Writer’s Library collection.

Near view of the rooster statue at Iowa River Landing Sculpture Walk.

Lost_in_the_Midwest / Shutterstock.com

There are roughly 800 titles in the Coralville Public Library’s collection of works by Iowa Writers’ Workshop alumni, graduates, and faculty members.

As you wander around the paths, take in the gorgeous environment.

Also, the gorgeous sculptures serve as stunning backdrops for your shots.

Have a Fun Family Day at Altmaier Family Park & Disc Golf Course

Disc golf is the sport to play if you want a more physically demanding kind of golf.

Fall 2018 saw the opening of Altmaier Family Park.

Iowa River Disc Golf Club volunteers, Altmaier family members, and municipal parks personnel worked together to build the park.

This old family farm has a disc golf course and a barnyard family activities area.

Play a round of disc golf with a buddy and see who emerges victorious after the competition.

Meanwhile, its gym offers a unique blend of entertainment and physical exercise.

Additionally, you may try your shooting skills at the 50-yard archery range.

Discover the Region’s Past at Johnson County Historical Society Museum

In 1967, the Mormon Trek Memorial Foundation founded the Johnson County Historical Society.

Through understanding, preservation, and education, the Johnson County Historical Society aims to create awareness of Johnson County’s cultural and historical history and preserve it for future generations.

The Old Coralville Public School, a dilapidated two-story brick schoolhouse constructed in 1876, became the permanent home of the Historical Society after a leasing agreement was struck.

The Johnson County Heritage Museum opened its doors to the public on July 4, 1983, after a lengthy restoration process in 1977.

As of 2006, the Historical Society of Iowa has been located in the Iowa River Landing District at 860 Quarry Road.

You may explore almost 13,000 artifacts in the museum of Johnson County’s historical society, tracing the county’s rich and varied history back to the Meskwaki tribe and its early settlers up to the present day.

Visit Coralville Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Coralville, erected in the 1880s, is a historical site in Coralville.

Originally built as the Union Ecclesiastical Church, the Coralville Old Town Hall served as worship and community meeting for several decades.

At its completion in 1892, the building was situated at the current location of 405 Second Avenue.

From its completion in 1930 until 1974, this structure functioned as Coralville’s Town Hall, housing a wide range of elected authorities.

The City Clerk’s office and the Water Billing Department were located on the first floor.

The town council met on the main floor on each month’s second and fourth Tuesdays.

There were two offices down there, one for police and one for public works, which were both in the basement.

In addition, the basement was designated as the official voting location for Coralville.

The Town Hall continued to perform a variety of functions for the expanding population of Coralville alongside its role as the seat of local government.

In over a century, the Old Town Hall was privately owned for the first time.

After the 2008 flood, Coralville reclaimed the building and leased it to a photographic studio.

Coralville’s Old Town Hall was relocated to its current position in 2014, across the street from the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse.

You’ll learn a lot about the city’s and the building’s past if you stop by.

Catch a Spectacular Production at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts

Be transported into another world by witnessing a theatrical production in its natural environment.

The Jim L. Fausett Theater, part of the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, has a capacity of 472 people.

It stands on the southwest intersection of 5th Street and 12th Avenue in Coralville.

Additionally, it has a 38-foot wide stage with contemporary lighting and sound equipment.

Thanks to this setting, you will be completely submerged in the show.

Musicals and plays, symphony concerts, and individual recitals are just among the performances delivered here.

Take in various acts, all while learning about the area’s culture.

Tour the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse

Exterior of the 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse.

Dahinda1508, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Before the 1876 school, little is known about Coralville’s educational history.

In 1875, a frame structure was mentioned in the State Historical Library of Iowa’s archives.

Only the teacher’s monthly salary of $35 was mentioned.

This schoolhouse reflects the education in the region in 1876 and beyond.

In the restored 1876 Coralville Schoolhouse, children participate in various hands-on exercises and interactive displays.

Costumed guides lead the tours, which you may book in advance.

A red-brick two-room schoolhouse, the Coralville Schoolhouse functioned as the town’s primary educational facility from 1876 until 1951.

Visitors may get a sense of what it was like to be a youngster during this time when children of all ages were taught in the same classroom in “less than contemporary” circumstances.

Go Hiking at Auburn Hills Park

Auburn Hills Park has a gym, a playground, and a hiking route on its 76.5-acre (31.5-hectare) property.

The 3.3 mile-long route is excellent for all ages and is accessible to anyone.

You’ll be able to take in the natural beauty of the river and greenery while you trek and stay in shape.

Breathe in the fresh air, unwind, and soak in the tranquility and natural beauty around you.

If you’d want to bring your dog along, you can do so on the route.

You’ll feel refreshed and revitalized after your journey.

Go Iceskating at The Rink at Coral Ridge

The Rink at Coral Ridge has been a Coralville institution since its inception in 1998.

Guests of all ages may participate in on-ice activities in a fun and safe setting.

Skate in the ice rink despite your dread of falling.

When you’re ready to skate, rent a pair of skates and enjoy yourself.

Professional ice-skating classes are available year-round for children ages three and above.

In addition to watching people skate and play ice hockey, you can also take pleasure in the spectacle.

Even though you may experience a few mishaps, you can be sure that you will have a great time.

There is also a nearby food court as a last resort should you run low on energy.

Tee Off at Brown Deer Golf Club

The Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville, Iowa, is an award-winning public golf course with an arts-and-crafts-style clubhouse, expansive fairways, and bent grass tees.

It is a great place to play golf. One of the biggest in eastern Iowa, Brown Deer’s clubhouse features a practice green, full-service pro shop, party room rentals, a driving range, and a full-size practice hole for golfers.

Enjoy the beautiful landscape that enhances the overall enjoyment of the trip.

Enjoy a round of golf while burning calories at a more leisurely pace.

If you run out of energy enjoying the activities, stop by the DIVOTS Bar and Grill on-site for a quick bite.

Play Tennis with Your Buddies at S.T. Morrison Park

S.T. Morrison Park is home to many tennis courts, perfect for any tennis enthusiast.

If you want to burn calories and have a good time doing it, a game of tennis is a great choice.

The park also has a swimming pool, a sand volleyball court, a playground, and a fishing pond.

There’s also the Coralville Community Aquatic Center here.

Also, around July 4th, S.T. Morrison Park hosts Coralville’s largest annual community festival.

This three-day celebration has a carnival, several events suitable for children, food and craft sellers, a 5k run, a lineup of live performances, and the most significant local Fourth of July parade.

Catch a Movie at Marcus Coral Ridge Cinema

Watching movies is fun to spend an afternoon with a friend or significant other.

Nothing beats the experience of seeing a film in a theater.

The theater at Marcus Coral Ridge offers soft seats, a modern sound system, and 3D digital movies.

The stadium seating and snacks at the concession booths make for a fantastic cinematic experience.

You may see the most recent blockbuster hits at this theater.

Enjoy a fantastic experience at the movies at Marcus Coral Ridge Cinema, whether you’re going solo or with a group.

Have a Retail Therapy at Coral Ridge Mall

Coral Ridge Mall presents an opportunity to do retail therapy in the city.

The best place to go shopping in Coralville is Coral Ridge Mall. In 1998, the world’s best shopping mall first opened its doors.

Part of the success of the Coral Ridge Mall is that it is so much more than just a place to go shopping and eat.

There are shops selling apparel, technology, health and beauty aids, décor, and accessories.

Dillard’s, Target, and Best Buy are the anchor stores.

At the same time, Ulta Beauty and Barnes & Noble HomeGoods are the other retailers.

With so many retail options, it’s impossible not to find anything that catches your eye.

The mall also features a cinema with ten screens, a carousel, a play area for kids, and various eateries.

It’s also home to Iowa Children’s Museum.

Release Your Stress at Spa Bilancia

Take time off your busy schedule to relax and rejuvenate at Spa Bilancia.

You may unwind in the stunningly gorgeous setting while receiving attentive care from the helpful personnel.

Massage therapy, facials, skin care, hair removal, reflexology, and micro-needling are just a few of the services they provide.

Get your mind, body, and spirit rejuvenated with the first-rate treatments here.

After your visit to Spa Bilancia, you will look and feel like a new person.

Chill and Enjoy Draft Beers at 30Hop Coralville

Check out 30Hop Coralville, a bar and grill with seasonal cuisine and a wide selection of specialty beers on tap.

It first welcomed customers in 2014, making its debut in Coralville, Iowa, at the Iowa River Landing.

You can sense the buzz of the bar’s lively clientele the instant you walk in.

You may kick back and unwind with a cold drink and some delicious fare in the festive atmosphere on the main floor or the rooftop patio.

The menu is excellent, and it offers 90 beers on tap in addition to other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

There’s no need to go somewhere else when the scenery, drink, and cuisine is all this good.

Final Thoughts

In addition to many museums, family-friendly attractions, trails, and entertainment opportunities, Coralville and its adjacent villages provide a broad range of activities.

You won’t run out of options once you’re here.

Visit this city today and try our list of the best things to do in Coralville, Iowa.

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