Last updated: 2025-03-21
Iowa City’s team building landscape combines academic prowess with cultural flair, from problem-solving challenges at the UI Challenge Course to creative exploration at the Stanley Museum of Art. The city’s unique blend of Big Ten energy and small-town charm creates memorable group experiences.
Groups can discover shared interests along the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk or build connections during interactive sessions at the Iowa Children’s Museum. Nearby attractions like Cedar Ridge Distillery and the historic Amana Colonies offer distinctive venues for strengthening team bonds.
Explore Hawkeye territory’s top team building destinations below!
Featured Team Building Activities in Iowa City
- Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark (Amana)
- UI Challenge Course
- Devonian Fossil Gorge
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (West Branch)
- Iowa Children's Museum (Coralville)
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (Cedar Rapids)
- Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (Cedar Rapids)
- Cedar Ridge Distillery Tour (Swisher)
- Museum of Natural History
- Antique Car Museum of Iowa (Coralville)
Iowa City Outdoor Adventures
Devonian Fossil Gorge
What to Expect
Ancient fossilized sea floor
Description
Devonian Fossil Gorge offers a unique outdoor experience, showcasing a 375 million-year-old fossilized sea floor. Visitors can explore thousands of fossils embedded in limestone, including crinoids, brachiopods, and rare trilobites. The site supports diverse wildlife and provides an educational, interactive environment ideal for team building through exploration and discovery. Features include guided markers and interpretive exhibits.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Devonian Fossil Gorge
UI Challenge Course
What to Expect
Challenge by Choice Team Building
Description
The UI Challenge Course offers a comprehensive team building experience with both low and high elements. Low elements focus on teamwork and problem-solving, while high elements, including a zip line, encourage personal achievement and group support. The course emphasizes 'challenge by choice,' allowing participants to engage at their comfort level. It is particularly well-suited for team building near Iowa City, enhancing communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: UI Challenge Course
Other Team Building Activities in Iowa City
Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark (Amana)
What to Expect
Historic communal village setting
Description
The Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark offers a unique cultural and historical setting, featuring over 400 communal-era structures, the Mill Race Canal, and a rich heritage of German communal life. This site provides an immersive backdrop for team building activities, allowing groups to explore historic sites, engage with local artisans, and participate in cultural events. It features museums, trails, and culinary experiences that highlight the community's history and craftsmanship.
Where: Amana | More Info: Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark
Antique Car Museum of Iowa (Coralville)
What to Expect
Vintage Car Collection
Description
The Antique Car Museum of Iowa showcases over 90 cars from 1899 to the mid-1970s, along with a vintage Skelly gas station and exhibits like the Abernathy Boys. It offers a unique educational experience on transportation history, making it an engaging setting for team building activities focused on history and culture. Features include many cars in their original condition and interactive exhibits.
Where: Coralville | More Info: Antique Car Museum of Iowa
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (Cedar Rapids)
What to Expect
Grant Wood's largest collection
Description
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art offers a rich cultural experience with its extensive collection of Grant Wood's works, Marvin Cone's landscapes, and ancient Roman busts. It features rotating exhibitions and educational programs, making it an engaging venue for team building through art appreciation and interactive learning.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Cedar Ridge Distillery Tour (Swisher)
What to Expect
Grain-to-glass distillery tour
Description
Cedar Ridge Distillery offers a comprehensive tour showcasing the production of award-winning spirits and wines. Visitors learn about the grain-to-glass process and receive complimentary samples and a branded tasting glass. This setting provides an educational and interactive environment ideal for team building activities focused on collaboration and learning.
Where: Swisher | More Info: Cedar Ridge Distillery Tour
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (West Branch)
What to Expect
Historic Presidential Library and Museum
Description
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum offers a unique historical setting for team building, located within the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. It features exhibits on Herbert Hoover's life, humanitarian efforts, and presidency, providing a rich educational backdrop. The site includes Hoover's birthplace, a blacksmith shop, and a Quaker meeting house, offering a blend of history and cultural exploration.
Where: West Branch | More Info: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Iowa Avenue Literary Walk
What to Expect
Bronze Literary Panels
Description
The Iowa Avenue Literary Walk features bronze relief panels with passages from nearly 50 authors connected to Iowa. Located along Iowa Avenue, it celebrates literary works, including children’s books, memoirs, plays, and short stories. This walk offers a unique blend of literary history and cultural exploration, ideal for teams interested in exploring Iowa City's rich literary heritage.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Iowa Avenue Literary Walk
Iowa Children's Museum (Coralville)
What to Expect
Interactive Play Exhibits
Description
The Iowa Children's Museum offers 18 interactive exhibits designed for open-ended exploration, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. It features a Family Sanctuary for guests with sensory sensitivities and offers educational programs. While primarily focused on children, its interactive environment can inspire team collaboration through creative play.
Where: Coralville | More Info: Iowa Children's Museum
Museum of Natural History
What to Expect
Historic Natural History Exhibits
Description
The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History offers a rich environment for team building through its diverse exhibits on ecology, geology, and biodiversity. It features historic dioramas, taxidermy specimens, and interactive displays like the Biosphere Discovery Hub. The museum's educational resources and year-round programming provide opportunities for collaborative learning and exploration.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Museum of Natural History
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (Cedar Rapids)
What to Expect
Authentic 19th-century immigrant home
Description
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library offers a unique cultural setting with interactive exhibits and educational programs. It features an authentic immigrant home from the 1890s and hosts various events and workshops. The museum's focus on cultural heritage and community engagement makes it an ideal venue for team building activities that emphasize cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. It features interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Where: Cedar Rapids | More Info: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Stanley Museum of Art
What to Expect
Diverse Art Collection and Community Spaces
Description
The Stanley Museum of Art offers a dynamic cultural experience with art galleries, outdoor terraces, and a sculpture courtyard. It features a diverse collection of artworks from around the world, including African Art and 20th Century pieces. The museum's design fosters a welcoming environment for community engagement and artistic expression, making it an ideal setting for team building activities that encourage creativity and collaboration. Features interactive art exhibits and spaces for performances and gatherings.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: Stanley Museum of Art
The Englert Theater
What to Expect
Historic theater venue
Description
The Englert Theater is Iowa City's last historic theater, offering a unique blend of live performances and community events. This 725-seat venue hosts a variety of activities, including live music, comedy, dance, and film screenings. Its rich history and cultural significance make it an ideal setting for team building through shared experiences and community engagement.
Where: Iowa City | More Info: The Englert Theater
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