The Dey House in Iowa City is the home of the University of Iowa’s acclaimed Writers’ Workshop. Photo: Travel Iowa
Contributed by Travel Iowa
As the home of the original capitol of the state, Iowa City has deep roots in Iowa’s history. But there is another part of its story that some may not know—a historical footprint in the state and country’s literary world. And you can experience it yourself, through Iowa City’s Self-Guided Literary Tour.
Here are a few attractions to put on the list for your next trip:
Dey House (507 N. Clinton St.): Home of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the Glenn Schaeffer Library and Archives as well as reading rooms, classrooms and faculty offices.
Shambaugh House (430 N. Clinton St.): Home to the International Writing Program (IWP), a unique conduit for literature that connects well-established writers from around the globe and introduces American writers to other cultures through reading tours.
Currier Hall (413 N. Clinton St.): A residence hall where Flannery O’Connor, a famous mid-20th century novelist, short story writer and essayist, lived during her time in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. It’s also where Mildred Wirt Benson, an American journalist, stayed while in Iowa City.
North Clinton Boarding House (126 N. Clinton St.): The former location of a boarding house near the dorms where playwright Tennessee Williams lived during his time as a student.
Van Allen Hall (30 N. Dubuque St.): Home to many readings and events for writers like Carolyn Kizer and Louise Gluck.
Read the full story here. It originally appeared in the Travel Iowa magazine, which you can read here.
