Every year, thousands of family members flock to the University of Iowa to visit their students during Family Weekend, graduation, or for any number of other times and events throughout the semester.
After the obligatory tour of their dorm/apartment/house, a bite to eat at local restaurant, and a stroll across campus, many students find themselves wondering what to do next.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of activities to keep both families and students entertained.
1. Pentacrest Museums: Located in the Old Capitol building, Old Capitol Museum is full of exhibits, galleries, and events. This fall’s exhibit lineup includes German Iowa and the Global Midwest and Hawkeyes in Space, which explores the history of the UI's Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The Museum of Natural History next door in Macbride Hall showcases the evolution of the natural world through numerous exhibits, including the Mammal Hall; the Biosphere Discovery Hub, which displays rock drawings and tools used by ancient people; and the Laysan Island Cyclorama, which offers a panoramic view of exotic birds on a remote Hawaiian island. Make sure to snap a selfie with Rusty the Giant Sloth before you leave!
Admission is free to both museums, which are open Tuesday through Saturday.
Learn more at the Old Capitol Museum and Museum of Natural History websites.
2. Finkbine Golf Course: Whether you’re lifelong players or first-timers, all are welcome at Finkbine Golf Course, the UI athletics department's 18-hole golf course and home to the men’s and women’s collegiate teams. But take note: At certain times of the year, tee times can be difficult to get at a moment’s notice, so plan ahead if you can. Non-members can book tee times online or by phone up to seven days in advance.
Learn more here.
3. Hancher Auditorium: Do your parents love the performing arts? If so, you’re in luck. Hancher Auditorium returns to campus this fall, with a full schedule of music, dance, and theater performances in its brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. On the schedule for 2016–17 are the Broadway shows The Book of Mormon, MAMMA MIA!, and The Sound of Music, in addition to musical favorites such as Yo-Yo Ma, as well as new culinary events.
Tickets go fast, so be sure to check online well in advance.
4. UI Athletics Hall of Fame and Museum: Displaying more than 100 years of Hawkeye sports history, the Hall of Fame is a Hawkeye superfan’s paradise. The Roy G. Karro Building on Mormon Trek Boulevard spans three floors and includes museum exhibits, a movie theater, and an interactive basketball court area constructed from flooring of the historic Iowa Field House. Among the items on display are the 1958 National Football Trophy, Nile Kinnick’s Heisman Trophy, and a display of former Hawkeyes turned Olympians.
Learn more here.
5. Iowa Raptor Project: You’re not likely to run into a real hawk on campus, but if you’re looking to up your chances, head to the Iowa Raptor Project in the nearby Macbride Nature Recreation Area.
The raptor project currently houses more than 20 unreleasable hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons historically found in Iowa in an effort to preserve Iowa's birds of prey. The raptor project offers educational programs and permits self-guided tours or guided tours for a small fee.
Learn more here.
6. Iowa Memorial Union: Home to the Iowa House Hotel, the Iowa Memorial Union sits in the heart of campus and is a can’t-miss destination for a campus tour. Grab some Hawkeye apparel or memorabilia from the Iowa Hawk Shop or a meal from one of several dining venues, including the River Room Café, Union Station, and Terrace Grille. And remember to check out the UI Museum of Art's Visual Classroom, which displays numerous art pieces from the permanent collection.
Learn more here.
7. Hawkeye sports: It’s always a blast to cheer for the Hawkeyes. From football at Kinnick Stadium to basketball at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and swim meets at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, there’s no shortage of Hawkeye teams to come out and root for. Show your parents what Hawkeye pride is all about!
Schedules and ticket information can be found here.