Iowa summers can be unpredictable. However, the promise of warm weather is ideal for getting outside, from hiking to bikingand more. Here are a few of the best ways to get outside in Johnson County this summer.
Take a dip at Mercer Park and City Park
Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off on a hot, humid summer day. Iowa City has two public poolsto enjoy: at Mercer Park and City Park.
The two pools begin their regular hours on Thursday, June 6. The Mercer Park and City Park pools will be open from 6:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 6:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Early morning hoursare reservedfor lap swimmers, from 6:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open swim starts at 1 p.m. during the week. Lap swimming is from 6:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday, with open swim starting at 11 a.m. and running until 5 p.m.Onlopen swimming is offered on Sundays.
City Parkpool is open through the 2024 summer before undergoing construction. The pool will be closed for all of 2025.
Join an adult rec league
Joining a recreational sports league isa greatopportunity to get outside. Iowa City offers a multitude of adult sports leagues, from archery to sand volleyball, with more information available onicgov.org. TheIowa City Summer League, an ultimate frisbee co-ed league from June 5 to July 24 is not affiliated with the city. Registration is $35 with league set for Monday and Wednesday nights.
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Check out the Bike Library
The Bike Library started in 2004 as a volunteer-run community bike project to motivate residents to start biking. Iowa City residents can rent bikes for six months. The Bike Library also hosts two free bike rides each week: the Pride Ride at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Gatos en Ronda at 6 p.m. on Friday. Both are 10 to 15-mile no-drop rides, which means no riders are left behind.
Enjoy Yoga in the Park
Yoga in the Park is a free, monthly series hosted by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department. The yoga sessions May to August every Saturday at different parks throughout Iowa City. The sessions are typically 45 minutes long, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The first yoga session is set for May 18 at Chauncey Swan Park.
The free event requires participants to bring their own yoga mats and water.
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Visit the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
The Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in south Iowa City on McCollister Boulevard boasts multi-use trails, picnic spots, and equipment rentals for everything from kayaking to paddleboarding to paddle boats. Anchored by Sand Lake, the recreation area is located 10 minutes from downtown.
Lake MacBride State Park and Recreation Area
Lake MacBride State Park and Recreation Area, located several miles north of Iowa City near Solon, is a treasure trove of natural attractions anchored by a significant lake. The woodlands are perfect for hiking, bird watching, disc golf, and exploring nature trails, while nearby campgrounds offer plenty of sites. It is also home to the Raptor Center, where visitors can learn about and observe birds of prey.
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The Devonian Fossil Gorge
The Devonian Fossil Gorge, northeast of Iowa City on the banks of the Iowa River, provides a glimpse into the ancient world. Exposed by the floods of 1993 and 2008, the gorge reveals a landscape filled with well-preserved fossils from the Devonian period or the age of fishes. Visitors can see marine fossils from coral to crinoids that used to be present in Iowa City millions of years ago. Informative markers guide visitors through the prehistoric site, offering a rare and educational experience.
The Devonian Fossil Gorge is near the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and is flanked by a trio of campgrounds.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The best ways to spend the summer outside in Iowa City
