They have earned distinction in fields ranging from speech and hearing science to space exploration. The campus is compact and abounds with scenic beauty. An abundance of stately trees and manicured greenery, bisected by the Iowa River, set the atmosphere for what is increasingly a pedestrian campus. The center of the campus is the historic Old Capitol, the first capitol of Iowa. The University of Iowa is enriched by the Iowa Center for the Arts and the Hancher Auditorium, which showcases some of the nation's finest cultural events.
Education is Iowa City's heritage.
The public school system includes 16 elementary schools, two junior high schools, and two high schools. A catholic grade school and high school serve an additional 1000 students. More than 25 preschools and daycare centers are available. Iowa City has 280 acres of parks, graced with swimming pools, nature trails, and picnic facilities. The Coralville Reservoir, Lake Macbride and Kent Park are major regional recreational centers near the city.