Fitness - Fun Fitness Activities in the Iowa City area
Sure you can take a walk around your neighborhood (good idea!), but there are lots of other options for getting some healthy physical activity in the Iowa City area. Many of these options are very low or no cost so your pocketbook shouldn't hold you back. Check out our resource list and get active!
UI Recreational Services - 319.335.9293
Aerobics and Spinning classes daily; Large intramural program including basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, flag football, and more. Climbing wall, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, tennis courts, track, swimming pool on campus; Coordinate outdoor recreation trips and facilities including Recreation Building, Klotz Tennis Courts, Halsey Hall and Field House.
Iowa City Recreation Facilities, 220 S. Gilbert, 356-5100
Open gym, racquetball, volleyball, weight/exercise room. The Recreation Division also coordinates a number of organized league sports (basketball, softball, volleyball) as well as lesson and recreational programs such as aerobics classes and swimming.
Listed under "Health Clubs" in the Yellow Pages, there are over 10 in the Iowa City area.
The University of Iowa Nature Area (formerly MacBride Campus)
Offers a raptor education and rehabilitation center, picnicking, camping and hiking and cross-country skiing. Contact Recreational Service, 319.335.9293
City Park, Park Road (across from Hancher Auditorium)
Over 100 acres with softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball pits, walking/biking trails, and an outdoor swimming pool ($3.00).
Coralville Reservoir and Devonian Fossil Gorge, 319.338.3543
Bike trails, over 7 miles of hiking trails around the Lake, swimming, boating, camping, and two disc golf courses available among many other outdoor recreation options.
Hickory Hill Park
One of the most "wild" spaces still preserved in the Iowa City area. Over 190 acres with many trails (some rougher, some easier) over a variety of terrain including hills, pastures, woods, and wildflower fields. Great for hiking, walking, running, dog walking, etc. Entrances off North Dodge, 7th Avenue, Bloomington Street.
Lake MacBride State Park
Campgrounds, beach area, Frisbee golf, picnic areas and multi-use trail system
Mercer Park, 1317 Dover, 319.356.5109
30 acres in a traditional, recreational center setting including ball diamonds, indoor aquatics center, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Offers many swimming and aquatics programs (water aerobics, lap swimming, etc).
Sugar Bottom
An 18-hole disc golf course, beach areas and camping, along with over 10 miles of biking trails.
Bicyclists of Iowa City
Hosts group rides for varying skill levels. Evening and weekend rides, overnights, special rides.
Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (Bikes) Contains information on local and statewide trails.
Iowa Sailing Club
The Boat House phone is (644-3785). For more information contact Campus Information (335-3500), and ask for Sailing Club contacts. The Sailing Club provides boats to use and sailing instruction to members of the communities surrounding Iowa City. The club owns over 45 sailboats which members sail from April to November on Lake MacBride. The UISC provides public lessons during 6 Teaching Weekends throughout the year, as well as private lessons from club members. The club also sponsors racing on an intraclub and intercollegiate level.
University of Iowa Sports Clubs Recreational Services maintains a list of clubs and contact names.
Golf Courses
There are eleven courses in Iowa City and the surrounding vicinity.
Page updated: 3/27/08
