Ames Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, the city of Ames offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its vibrant community and welcoming atmosphere, Ames is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Midwestern experience.

One of the city's main highlights is Iowa State University, a renowned educational institution that has shaped the city's identity. As you explore the campus, you'll be captivated by its stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and vibrant student life. Don't miss the chance to catch a college football game at the Jack Trice Stadium, where the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd are infectious.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Farm House Museum is a must. This beautifully preserved Victorian-era house offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of early farming practices in Iowa. As you stroll through the museum, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich history and its connection to the land.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the nearby Ada Hayden Heritage Park. This expansive nature reserve boasts picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic, this park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

No visit to Ames would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes, the city's culinary scene is a true delight for food lovers. Be sure to try the famous Iowa sweet corn, a local delicacy that bursts with flavor and freshness.

Alternative names: Population: 65.1 thous.Area: 25.26 mi²Elevation: 892 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°1'29"N, 93°38'11"W

Location

IowaUnited States

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Ames Top Attractions

Ames Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ames offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Reiman Gardens, Bell Tower, Food Sciences Building, Iowa State University. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Garden • Park • Botanical garden
Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre university-owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.
Tower
Bell Tower
The Iowa State University Campanile is located on Iowa State's central campus, and is home to the Stanton Memorial Carillon. The campanile is widely seen as one of the major symbols of Iowa State University.
Monuments and statues
Food Sciences Building
The Food Sciences Building, formerly known as Dairy Industry Building, is a historic building on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, United States. The two-story, Bedford stone structure was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Proudfoot, Rawson & Souers. J. and W. A. Elliott Construction completed it in 1928.

Universities and schools
Iowa State University
The Iowa State University campus contains over 160 buildings, several of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
City hall • Downtown Ames
Ames City Hall
The Ames City Hall is the official seat of government for the city of Ames, Iowa, United States. The building was originally built for Ames High School. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
City hall • Downtown Ames
Municipal Building
The Municipal Building, also known as Youth & Shelter Services, is a historic building located in Ames, Iowa, United States. It is significant for its association with the Progressive Movement reforms implemented by the city in the early 20th century.
42°1'19"N • 93°38'42"W
Delta Upsilon Chapter House
The Delta Upsilon Chapter House is a historic building located in Ames, Iowa, United States. It is considered one of the more imposing architectural examples among fraternity chapter houses at Iowa State University.
42°1'18"N • 93°38'17"W
Fisher Theater
Concerts and shows • Theater
Museum • History museum
The Farm House
The Farm House, also known as the Knapp–Wilson House, is the oldest building on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Now a museum open to the general public, this house was built 1861-65 as part of the model farm that eventually became Iowa State.
Tudor Revival architecture • South Campus Area
Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon
Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon is a historic building in Ames, Iowa, United States. It is a large four-story brick structure that was built in 1931 for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Iowa State College.
Art gallery • Universities and schools
Iowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa. It is the largest university in the state of Iowa and the third largest university in the Big 12 athletic conference.
42°1'30"N • 93°38'56"W
Enrollment Services Center
The Enrollment Services Center is a building at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. It houses Offices in Enrollment Services: Admissions, Orientation, Records and registration. In 1978, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic places.
42°1'33"N • 93°36'44"W
Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple, also known as the A.F. & A.M. Hall, Masonic Building, Greeley Building, and the Octagon Center for the Arts, is a historic building located in Ames, Iowa, United States.
42°1'32"N • 93°39'2"W
Laboratory of Mechanics
The Laboratory of Mechanics, formerly known as Engineering Hall, is a historic building on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, United States.
42°1'16"N • 93°38'42"W
Colonials Club House
The Colonials Club House, also known as the Beta Deuteron Charge House of Theta Delta Chi, is a historic building located in Ames, Iowa, United States. The significance of this building is its role in the development of the city's Fourth Ward.
Romanesque architecture
Morrill Hall
Morrill Hall, on the campus of Iowa State University, is a historic building that now houses the Christian Petersen Art Museum. It was named for Justin Smith Morrill, who created the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act. Construction was completed in 1891 with less than $30,000.
42°0'59"N • 93°38'40"W
Gilmour B. and Edith Craig MacDonald House
The Gilmour B. and Edith Craig MacDonald House is a historic building located in Ames, Iowa, United States. It is significant for its association with G.B. MacDonald, a leading figure in the Conservation Movement in Iowa, and as a fine example of American Craftsman architecture in Ames.
Neighbourhood • Downtown Ames
Ames Main Street Historic District
Ames Main Street Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district located in Ames, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. At the time of its nomination it consisted of 81 resources, which included 76 contributing buildings, and 15 non-contributing buildings.
42°1'8"N • 93°39'8"W
Sigma Sigma-Delta Chi Fraternity House
The Sigma Sigma–Delta Chi Fraternity House, also known as the Iowa House, is a historic building...

Things to See and Do in Ames by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Ames.

Culture

Iowa State Center
Iowa State University, Ames
BalletTheaterConcerts and shows
Fisher Theater
Iowa State University, Ames
Concerts and showsTheater
Iowa State University
Iowa State University, Ames
Art galleryUniversities and schools

Active

Iowa State Center
Iowa State University, Ames
BalletTheaterConcerts and shows
Coldwater Golf Links
Ames
Golf
Furman Aquatic Center
Ames
WatersportsWater parkSwimming
Jack Trice Stadium
Iowa State University, Ames
Arenas and stadiumsFootballSport
Hilton Coliseum
Iowa State University, Ames
SportSport venue

Other categories

Universities and schools

Day trips

Ames – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ames, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Adventureland (Altoona), Iowa State Capitol (Des Moines), Principal Park (Des Moines).

27 milesS
Amusement, Theme park, Entertainment
Adventureland, Altoona
Nestled in the heart of Altoona, Iowa, Adventureland Park beckons as a vibrant hub of thrills and laughter, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. This enchanting theme park, a stone's throw from Des Moines, has been a staple of family...
30 milesS
Museum, History museum
Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines
The Iowa State Capitol, a commanding presence in the city of Des Moines, stands as a beacon of history and governance in the Hawkeye State. This architectural masterpiece, crowned by a resplendent 23-carat gold leaf dome, is not only the seat of the Iowa General...
31 milesS
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Principal Park, Des Moines
Principal Park, formerly Sec Taylor Stadium, is a minor league baseball stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. It is the home field of the International League's Iowa Cubs.
27 milesS
Convention center, Casino, Horse track
Prairie Meadows, Altoona
Prairie Meadows is a Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racetrack casino located in Altoona, Iowa, United States.
30 milesS
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Wells Fargo Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Part of the Iowa Events Center, the arena opened on July 12, 2005, at a cost of $117 million.

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Best Time To Visit Ames

Learn when is the best time to travel to Ames weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Ames?

The top attractions to visit in Ames are:

What is the best time to visit Ames?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.