There’s nothing quite like a Hawkeye football weekend.

By Friday afternoon, Iowa City is buzzing. Fans dressed in black and gold fill the streets, restaurants are packed, and everyone is counting down the hours until kickoff at Kinnick Stadium. Whether you’ve made this trip for years or you’re coming for the first time, there’s an excitement that makes game day in Iowa City something special.

But here’s one thing we’ve learned…Some of the best memories from a football weekend happen outside the stadium.

Drive just a few miles beyond Iowa City and the pace begins to change. The traffic fades, the roads get quieter, and you’ll find orchards, wineries, working farms, and locally owned businesses that remind you why rural Iowa is worth exploring.

That’s exactly what Agri-CULTURE-Iowa is all about. If you’re already making the trip for football, why not give yourself a little extra time to discover another side of Johnson County?

Arrive Early…You Won’t Regret It

If we were planning the perfect football weekend, we’d get to town a little early.

Not because we want to beat traffic (although that’s a nice bonus), but because Friday is the perfect time to explore before the excitement of game day takes over.

Wilson’s Orchard & Farm

Our first stop would probably be Wilson’s Orchard & Farm.

Football season and apple season couldn’t line up any better, and there’s just something about starting the weekend with a warm apple cider donut and fresh cider that feels right. Wander through the orchard, browse the farm market, or simply enjoy being outside before the crowds roll into town.

If you’re putting together snacks for your hotel room or tailgate, you’ll find plenty of local goodies here, too.

Before long, you’ll probably be ready to keep exploring.

Stacie’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop

One stop we always enjoy is Stacie’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop. Depending on the season, you’ll find beautiful flowers, pumpkins, locally grown plants, seasonal décor, and gifts that are just plain fun to browse.

It’s one of those places that encourages you to slow down instead of rushing to the next stop, and that’s exactly what this weekend is about.

Settle In for the Evening

By Friday night, there’s no reason to hurry back into town.

Some of our favorite evenings have been spent enjoying good food, good conversation, and Iowa sunsets before the excitement of Saturday.

Walker Homestead Farm & Winery

One stop we’d encourage you to keep on your radar is Walker Homestead Farm & Winery.

Even if your visit doesn’t line up with one of their public events, it’s still worth stopping by to pick up a bottle of locally crafted wine and enjoy the beautiful countryside. And there’s even more to look forward to, with a new tasting room expected to open soon.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of their Thursday pizza nights or another public event, you’ll get an even better taste of what makes this family-owned farm such a favorite. Just be sure to check their schedule before you head out, as many weekends are reserved for private events.

Cedar Ridge Distillery

If bourbon is more your style, or you’re simply looking for another memorable stop, Cedar Ridge Distillery is always worth the drive.

Take a tour, sample award-winning spirits, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, or sit down for dinner overlooking the rolling hills. Check the schedule to see if live music will be happening while you’re there as well. Whether you’re celebrating a Hawkeye win or simply enjoying a weekend away, it’s easy to see why so many people make Cedar Ridge part of their Johnson County tradition.

See a Different Side of Johnson County

One of the things we appreciate most about Agri-CULTURE-Iowa is the chance to meet the people behind the places you’re visiting.

These aren’t just attractions. They’re family businesses, working farms, and organizations that love sharing what they do with others.

Connorridge Farms

If you’ve ever wondered what life on a working Iowa farm is really like, Connorridge Farms is a great place to start.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about livestock, ask questions, and hear firsthand from the family behind the farm. It’s an authentic experience that gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the work, care, and dedication that goes into Iowa agriculture every day.

Elangeni Farm (Coming Soon)

If you enjoy discovering places before everyone else does, keep Elangeni Farm on your radar.

In the countryside of Johnson County, Elangeni is an organic farm built around sustainability, conservation, and a deep appreciation for the land. The farm is home to organic aronia berries, Dorper sheep, honey bees, restored prairie, woodlands, and ponds that attract an incredible variety of wildlife. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take a walk, and appreciate the quieter side of rural Iowa.

The owners have exciting plans for the future, including farm tours, educational opportunities, outdoor events, and other agritourism experiences. While those offerings are still in the works, Elangeni is already a wonderful example of the stewardship and innovation you’ll find throughout Agri-CULTURE-Iowa. It’s definitely one we’ll be keeping an eye on, and we think you should, too.

Johnson County Historic Poor Farm

Just as agriculture tells part of Johnson County’s story, so does its history.

The Johnson County Historic Poor Farm combines restored prairie, walking trails, gardens, and historic buildings into one fascinating destination. It’s peaceful, educational, and only a short drive from all the energy surrounding game day.

After the Game…

Once the final whistle blows, most visitors point their car toward home. We’d encourage you to do the opposite. Stay a little longer.

Colony Acres Family Farm

If you’re visiting during football season, Colony Acres Family Farm is full of everything people love about fall.

Pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrack rides, and wide-open spaces make it a fun stop whether you’re traveling with kids or simply embracing your own inner child for a while.

Land Alliance Farm, Folk School & Retreat

If you’re looking for a little reset before heading home, Land Alliance Farm, Folk School & Retreat is worth adding to your weekend.

Take a walk through the property on a self-guided tour of the elderberry fields and the wetlands, experience a tasting of the elderberry drinks, or book a class from the class library. It’s a peaceful place that offers a completely different pace than downtown Iowa City, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need before heading back to reality.

Make It a Weekend

Here’s our biggest piece of advice…

If your schedule allows, don’t try to squeeze everything into one day.

One extra night gives you the chance to experience Johnson County in a completely different way.

Lucky Star Farm

Imagine waking up on a working farm instead of in a hotel parking lot.

Lucky Star Farm offers visitors a peaceful countryside stay where open skies, fresh air, and the rhythms of farm life become part of the experience. Book a farm tour and get insider view of the farm and its workings. It’s a chance to slow down, unplug, and enjoy rural Iowa beyond a quick stop.

Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging offers comfortable accommodations surrounded by scenic countryside. Depending on the season, you’ll find blooming lavender, peaceful walking paths, and the kind of setting that makes it easy to relax after a busy weekend.

Land Alliance Farm, Folk School & Retreat

If you’d rather fully unplug, consider extending your stay at Land Alliance Farm, Folk School & Retreat. Cozy cabins and camping options allow you to spend another evening surrounded by nature, making it easy to trade the noise of the weekend for a peaceful night under the stars.

It’s About More Than Football

Don’t get us wrong…we’ll never pass up a Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. The traditions, the atmosphere, and cheering on the Hawkeyes are what bring so many people to Johnson County each fall.

But some of our favorite football weekends have included just as much time outside Iowa City as inside it. They’re the weekends where we grabbed a cider donut before kickoff, watched the sunset with a glass of Iowa wine, met the family behind a local farm, or took the scenic route home because we weren’t quite ready for the weekend to end.

That’s what Agri-CULTURE-Iowa is all about. It’s about discovering the farms, makers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities that give Johnson County its character while supporting the local businesses that make those experiences possible.

So the next time you’re planning a Hawkeye football weekend, give yourself a little extra time. Arrive a little earlier, stay a little longer, and don’t be afraid to venture beyond the city limits. We have a feeling you’ll head home with more than memories of the game. You’ll probably leave with a few new favorite places, too.

Ready to Plan Your Weekend?

If this sounds like your kind of football weekend, we’ve got plenty more ideas to help you make the most of your visit. Explore more Agri-CULTURE-Iowa destinations throughout Johnson County, discover even more farms, wineries, local businesses, and hidden gems.

Because around here, the best weekends aren’t just about where you’re going…they’re about everything you discover along the way.