Learn more about this business on Yelp.
“Top Bookstore in America!”
Prairie Lights Cafe is part of the legendary independent bookstore Prairie Lights, which has been an Iowa City landmark since 1978. The cafe proper is an 1100 square foot space, with an intriguing history. A local literary society met within the same walls throughout the 1930's, hosting writers Robert Frost, Sherwood Anderson, Langston Hughes, Carl Sandburg, and ee Cummings among others. Reportedly, Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas were scheduled for a reading but were sleeted-in at the Waukesha airport - or so the story goes. Part café, part exhibition venue - The cafe is an alternative space in truest sense of the word. Under the direction of artist/curator Mary Coats, the cafe will host exhibitions, performances, screenings, artist talks, panel discussions, readings, and many as-yet-to be determined events. The café proudly serves Stumptown Coffee, small plates courtesy of The Motley Cow, Deluxe Pastries, as well as a premium selection of wines, beers, and The Houndstooth. Hour Glass Wine and Beer Specials Daily.
Great selection of books, especially poetry. They also host many poetry readings featuring both established and emerging poets. The coffee shop upstairs serves great coffee and is a wonderful... Read more
An Iowa City institution. You must visit Prairie Lights if you're in the downtown area. Nice variety of reads and other items you'd typically find at a bookstore. I spent the most time upstairs in... Read more
How could I love this store more? I loved this store from when it got going when I was in high school and I used to come from a far away small town to marvel at the rows and rows of books and wish... Read more
Prairie Lights Books
Hours
- Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
A road trip along the Great River Road
- 35 Places
- 37:29
- 1,907 mi
The top things to do on a U.S. Route 20 road trip
- 23 Places
- 60:25
- 3,576 mi
The top things to do on an I-80 road trip
- 35 Places
- 53:41
- 3,194 mi