Solon is known for its sense of community, pride in its schools and small town atmosphere. Solon has historically been a rural small town and bedroom community to Iowa City, but in recent years has seen significant growth. Located about 10 miles to the north of Iowa City, its close proximity to Iowa City, Coralville and Cedar Rapids gives it an ideal location for residents who enjoy small town life but want any days commute to large communities. According to the 2010 census, 2,037 people called Solon home, and its population jumped 37% from 2000 to 2010. The medan age of residents is 35.5 years.

Thanks to its growing population, Solon has enjoyed an influx of new businesses and amenities. Some popular newer restaurants include local brewery, Big Grove Brewpub, locally-sourced and made-from-scratch restaurant, Salt Fork Kitchen, and authentic Neapolitan pizza, Red Vespa Pizzeria. The town has put careful planning into the redevelopment of its small traditional downtown with its streetscape project, city decision to allow sidewalk cafes on Main Street, and the development of a mixed use building which will open up more commercial space as well as condominiums.

Solon is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, the largest being Lake Macbride State Park. Lake Macbride is the star at Iowa’s largest State Park. Two wooded valleys created Lake Macbride’s unique shape when Mill and Jordon creeks were dammed in the 1930’s. Macbride offers modern and primitive camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, multi-use trails and more.  Macbride has a boat rental facility at the marina near the beach if you’re looking for a day on the water. Rentals include pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and paddle boats. You can try your hand at a sailboat if you take lessons through the University of Iowa Sailing Club. Explore more about the park here.

Every summer in July Solon celebrates its history with a weekend-long celebration, Solon Beef Days. The community-wide festivities include a parade, carnival, food, beer, live music, 1 mile and 5K race, soccer and kickball tournaments, their famous hay bale toss contest and more! The event draws in upwards of 25,000 visitors. Proceeds from the event are pumped back into the community and surrounding area as donations, large and small, to the school district, civic groups, city and county projects and organizations, senior citizens groups, scholarships for college-bound area students, Solon Parks Department improvements, Community Main Street causes, Recreation Department needs, etc.  Get up to date on the event here.