Discover Serenity at Waterworks Prairie Park
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Waterworks Prairie Park, a serene escape in Iowa City perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Waterworks Prairie Park in Iowa City is a tranquil escape filled with lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and vibrant wildlife, perfect for family outings, picnics, and nature walks.
A brief summary to Waterworks Prairie Park
- 2875 Dubuque St NE, Iowa City, Shimek, Iowa, 52240, US
- +1319-356-5100
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spot more wildlife.
- Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch on the grassy areas, especially near the shelters.
- Don't forget your camera; the park is filled with picturesque spots perfect for photography.
- Check out the seasonal events hosted at the park, which often include guided nature walks and community gatherings.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the walking trails, as they can be longer than they appear.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are in downtown Iowa City, start by heading north on S Dubuque St toward E Washington St. Continue walking straight for about 0.5 miles until you reach the intersection with E Court St. Turn left onto E Court St and continue for another 0.3 miles until you reach the intersection with N Gilbert St. Turn right onto N Gilbert St and walk for about 0.2 miles. After crossing the Iowa River, continue straight as N Gilbert St becomes Dubuque St NE. Follow Dubuque St NE for approximately 1.5 miles. Waterworks Prairie Park will be on your left at 2875 Dubuque St NE.
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Biking
From downtown Iowa City, rent a bike from one of the local bike-sharing stations. Start by biking north on S Dubuque St toward E Washington St, then take a left onto E Court St. Continue biking straight for about 0.3 miles until you reach N Gilbert St. Turn right onto N Gilbert St and bike across the Iowa River. Keep going straight as N Gilbert St becomes Dubuque St NE. Follow Dubuque St NE for about 1.5 miles, and Waterworks Prairie Park will be on your left at 2875 Dubuque St NE.
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Public Transit
To get to Waterworks Prairie Park using public transit, find the nearest bus stop in downtown Iowa City. Board the Johnson County Metro bus that goes toward North Liberty and ask the driver to let you know when to get off at the Waterworks Prairie Park stop. Once you get off the bus, the park entrance will be a short walk down Dubuque St NE at 2875 Dubuque St NE.
Discover more about Waterworks Prairie Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hancher Auditorium
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Historic Phillips House
2.9 km
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The Brown Street Inn
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St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church
3.5 km
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Oakland Cemetery
3.5 km
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Kinnick Stadium
3.5 km
Immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of Kinnick Stadium, home to the Iowa Hawkeyes, a must-visit for sports fans and tourists alike.
State Historical Society Research Center
3.7 km
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Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
3.9 km
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Tallgrass Historians Lc
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Wilson's Orchard & Farm (Iowa City)
8.2 km
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Historic Amana Colonies State Historical Marker
10.7 km
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Hoover Historic Site State Historical Marker
10.9 km
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Lake MacBride
11.5 km
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Lake Macbride State Park
12.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
World's Largest Wooden Nickel
0.8 km
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Iowa Blue Urbane Chicken
1.3 km
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Johnson County Historical Society
1.3 km
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Antique Car Museum of Iowa
1.3 km
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Peace Sign
1.5 km
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City Park
2.1 km
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Thornberry Dog Park
2.1 km
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Crandic Park
2.6 km
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Mormon Handcart Trail
3.2 km
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Mormon Handcart Park
3.2 km
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North Market Park
3.3 km
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Hubbard Park
3.4 km
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University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
3.5 km
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Old Capitol Museum
3.5 km
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Pappy Dickens Preserve
3.6 km
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Essential places to dine
30Hop Coralville
1.3 km
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Hamburg Inn No. 2
3.4 km
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the Webster
3.4 km
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Bluebird Diner
3.5 km
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Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
3.6 km
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St. Burch Tavern
3.6 km
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Short's Burger & Shine
3.6 km
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Coa Cantina
3.6 km
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Nodo Downtown
3.6 km
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The Airliner
3.6 km
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Micky's Irish Pub
3.6 km
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Cortado Mediterranean Cafe
3.7 km
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Pullman Bar & Diner
3.7 km
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Scout's Honor
3.7 km
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Harry's Bar & Grill
3.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
CIELO
1.2 km
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Mustard Seed, Inc. Catholic Books
3.4 km
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Field & Finch
3.4 km
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RSVP
3.5 km
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Artifacts
3.5 km
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Home Ec Workshop
3.6 km
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Catherines Boutique
3.6 km
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Dulcinéa
3.6 km
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The Shop Iowa City
3.6 km
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Heim
3.7 km
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RAYGUN
3.7 km
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New Stars Boutique
3.7 km
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Hawkeye Fan Shop
3.7 km
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Ten Thousand Villages, Iowa City
3.8 km
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Old Capitol Town Center
3.8 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hilltop Tavern Ltd.
3.1 km
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The Fox Head Tavern
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Joe's Place
3.6 km
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Dublin Underground
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Deadwood Tavern
3.7 km
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Sports Column
3.7 km
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Donnelly's Pub
3.8 km
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Field House Bar
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The Green House
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Bardot Iowa
4.1 km
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Club Car
4.4 km
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Jobsite
4.8 km
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Whiskey Jo's
28.5 km
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Chrome Horse Saloon
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Parlor City Pub & Eatery
32.3 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Summit
3.6 km
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EDEN Lounge Nightclub
3.7 km
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Elray's Live & Dive
3.7 km
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Studio 13
3.7 km
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The Box
4.4 km
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La Rumba Night Club
6.2 km
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Woodys Show Club
24.2 km
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Dancers Ranch
30.4 km
Dancers Ranch: A lively night club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offering unforgettable adult entertainment and vibrant nightlife experiences.
Playtime Tap
32.2 km
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Hazzard County American Saloon
33.5 km
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Linge Lounge
33.5 km
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Westside Lounge
34.4 km
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Basix
37.1 km
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icnightlife
37.1 km
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The Ranch
82.1 km
Experience the rustic charm and vibrant nightlife of Davenport at The Ranch, where craft drinks and live music await.