Architecture

• UUSIC’s own, century-old church, a unique and rare survivor of 19th century Unitarian architecture on the prairie
• Old Capitol, territorial capitol built in 1840
• UI Pentacrest, Greek Revival at its most impressive
• Carver Hawkeye Arena, soaring modernity and winner of several architectural awards
• Beautiful Victorian homes throughout the city

Entertainment

the weekend of the conference:

• UI Hancher Auditorium, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller
• Jazz, rock, folk, blues, country, and contemporary music -- all within easy walking distance of your hotel
• Annual Riverfest 2006, and Riverbank Art Fair, three blocks west of the hotel, with arts, crafts, music, and more

Shops

• Import/export shops, art galleries, antique and book stores, coin and jewelry shops, funky clothes, kitchenware, records/CDs, art supplies, toys!

Restaurants

• African, Chinese, Korean, French, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Greek, Italian, Irish, American, pub grub, deli, vegetarian, espresso, ice cream parlor -- you name it!

Museums

• UI Art Museum - Mauricio Lasanski, Childe Hassam, Martin Lewis, Reginald Marsh, Joseph Pennell, John Sloan; “American Prints and Drawings - the January Collection”; and “Time and Space in African Art.”
• UI Museum of Natural History - Take a 500-million-year journey through Iowa geology, ecology, and native cultures; also Bird Hall, Mammal Hall, a wonderful giant sloth, and a great tornado.

Wildlife

• The Iowa River runs through the middle of the campus, and here you can see bald eagles, Canada geese, and a variety of other wildfowl. Peaceful walking paths make it easy!

In the area

• Amana Colonies, 15 miles west
• Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 7 miles east
• Kalona and its Amish community, 20 miles south