The Black Angel of Iowa City
Uncover the mysteries and legends surrounding Iowa City's iconic Black Angel, a hauntingly beautiful monument in Oakland Cemetery.
The Black Angel is a striking, 8.5-foot tall bronze statue in Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery, erected in 1913 as a memorial to the Feldevert family. Over time, the bronze has oxidized to a greenish-black patina, giving rise to numerous local legends and making it one of Iowa City's most iconic and mysterious landmarks.
A brief summary to The Black Angel
- 704 Reno St, Iowa City, Mann, Iowa, 52245, US
- Monday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
- Tuesday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
- Wednesday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
- Thursday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
- Friday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
- Saturday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
- Sunday 7:26 am-7:26 pm
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours for the best views and to avoid any spooky encounters rumored to occur at night.
- Be respectful of the cemetery grounds and other visitors.
- Take photos, but avoid touching the statue due to local legends and potential vandalism.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Old Capitol building in downtown Iowa City, head north on N Clinton St. Turn right onto E Market St, then left onto N Governor St. Continue onto Brown St, and you'll find Oakland Cemetery on your right. The Black Angel is located within the cemetery grounds. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.
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Public Transport
Iowa City Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Several routes have stops near Oakland Cemetery. Check the Iowa City Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. A single ride fare is $1. From the Iowa City Downtown Interchange, several bus routes will get you within walking distance of Oakland Cemetery.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Iowa City. A taxi or ride-share from downtown Iowa City to the Black Angel at Oakland Cemetery will cost approximately $7-$15, depending on the company, demand, and traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip. UberX is available in Iowa City.
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Driving
From downtown Iowa City, head north on N Clinton St. Turn right onto E Market St, then left onto N Governor St. Continue onto Brown St, and you'll find Oakland Cemetery on your right. Limited street parking is available near the cemetery. Several parking ramps are located downtown, including the Dubuque Street Ramp and the Capitol Street Ramp, where the first hour is free and subsequent hours are $2. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi/ride-share to the cemetery.
Discover more about The Black Angel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oakland Cemetery
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The Brown Street Inn
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Historic Phillips House
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State Historical Society Research Center
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St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church
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Hancher Auditorium
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Historic Amana Colonies State Historical Marker
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Lake MacBride
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hickory Hill Park
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North Market Park
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Iowa City Literature Sidewalks
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The Englert Theatre
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University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
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Old Capitol Museum
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Roxxy - Iowa City
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Pheasant Hill Park
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the Webster
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St. Burch Tavern
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Home Ec Workshop
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Artifacts
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Field & Finch
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RSVP
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