Penn State vs. Iowa: 5 things to do in Iowa City on game day

Penn State takes on Iowa this weekend in the Nittany Lions’ first away game of the season.

For those planning to make the trip to Iowa City, there’s a lot more to do than just tailgating.

READ:Penn State vs. Iowa: How to watch and what you need to know

Plan ahead with these tips.

Walk around the Pedestrian Mall

The Ped Mall is a great hub for bars, restaurants, art galleries and live music venues. Located between Burlington and Washington streets and Clinton and Linn streets, it’s just a short drive from Kinnick Stadium. If you’re in town Friday night, catch Illinois singer-songwriter Pokey LaFarge at Englert Theatre at 8 p.m. Or, see Young Ramblers at Iowa City Farmers Market at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Visit downtowniowacity.com for more things to do downtown.

Explore Iowa River Landing

This area along the Iowa River in nearby Coralville is another hot spot for hotels, shopping and unusual eateries, according to Nick Pfeiffer of the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitor Bureau. Some of the highlights include Backpocket Brewing Company, one of Iowa’s best known production facilities, and 30hop, the area’s first rooftop bar. As you explore the landing, don’t miss the Sculpture Walk, which features 11 pieces by Iowa artists.

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Get a pie shake at The Hamburg Inn No. 2

Hungry? Grab a bite at Iowa City’s most famous restaurant in the historic Northside of downtown. The small family diner was featured on “The West Wing,” and presidential candidates continue to make it a regular stop during the Iowa caucuses, Pfeiffer said. It’s known for having great breakfast food and pie shakes – a blend of ice cream and a slice of fresh baked pie. But the restaurant also serves sandwiches, soups, salads and dinner plates.

Tour the Museum of Natural History

While you’re on campus for the game, carve out some time to visit the university’s Museum of Natural History, which features a collection of birds and mammals, as well as other exhibits. Free guided tours are available with a reservation. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 

Also at the center of campus and worth a visit is Iowa’s Old Capitol Building. It served as the original state capitol building and later became the university’s first permanent building when Des Moines became the capitol in 1857.

Go fossil hunting

If you have some time to kill, the Devonian Fossil Gorge is a must-see for those looking for a little adventure. The attraction takes visitors back in time as they explore a 375-million-year-old ocean floor, first exposed by the floods of 1993 and 2008. Visitors will find thousands of fossils right at their feet. But be warned – removing or damaging fossils is strictly prohibited. The attraction is open daily during daylight hours.

Game day details:

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa. Game airs on ABC.