Old Capitol Museum, Western Iowa Travel Guide
Explore Iowa's rich history and architectural beauty at the Old Capitol Museum, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of Iowa City.
The Old Capitol Museum, a National Historic Landmark on the University of Iowa's Pentacrest, served as Iowa's first state capitol from 1846 to 1857. Today, it's a museum showcasing Iowa's history through exhibits and restored period rooms. Admission is free.
A brief summary to Old Capitol Museum
- 21 N Clinton St, Iowa City, Mann, Iowa, 52242, US
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Capitol Museum.
- Admission is free, making it an affordable and enriching experience for all.
- Check the museum's website for special events, temporary exhibits, and guided tour schedules.
- Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
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Getting There
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Walking
The Old Capitol Museum is located on the Pentacrest of the University of Iowa campus in downtown Iowa City. From most points in downtown, it is easily accessible on foot. From the Iowa City Downtown Interchange, walk north towards the Old Capitol Town Center mall, then continue north, crossing Iowa Avenue to reach the Pentacrest. The museum, with its gold dome, is in the center of the Pentacrest.
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Public Transport
Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and Cambus all have stops near the Old Capitol Museum. The Downtown Interchange is half a block away from the south side of the Pentacrest. Several other stops are within a block, including Macbride Hall, Clinton & Iowa, Clinton & Jefferson, and Pappajohn Business Building. Since August 1, 2023, all rides on Iowa City buses are free.
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Parking
While the Old Capitol Museum does not have its own parking lot, several parking ramps are available in the vicinity. The Capitol Street Ramp adjoins the Old Capitol Town Center. Other nearby options include the Iowa Memorial Union Ramp and the Dubuque Street Ramp. The first hour is free in the Capitol Street, Dubuque Street, Chauncey Swan, Court Street, Harrison Street, and Tower Place parking ramps, with each additional hour costing $2. Street parking is also available, but most on-street parking in downtown Iowa City is metered with time limits of 1-2 hours.
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Explore More of Western Iowa
Looking beyond Old Capitol Museum? Discover Western Iowa for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
Explore Western Iowa
Explore Iowa's rich history at the State Historical Society Research Center, where the past unfolds through fascinating exhibits and extensive archives.
Explore the fascinating world of nature and history at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, a treasure trove of exhibits in Iowa City.
