Attractions and Places To See around Ames - Top 20

Ames offers several beautiful natural attractions. Ledges State Park, located just west of Ames, features dramatic sandstone cliffs and a scenic gorge perfect for hiking and streamwalks. Within Ames, Ada Hayden Heritage Park provides expansive lake views, walking trails, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Brookside Park, adjacent to Iowa State University, is family-friendly with a riverside trail, wading pool, and sports facilities. Other notable parks include McFarland Park with its wooded trails and the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor.

Yes, Ames has a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, largely influenced by Iowa State University. You can explore the Farm House Museum, a National Historic Landmark on the ISU campus, showcasing Victorian art. The Old Town Historic District is known for its well-preserved 19th and early 20th-century architecture. For art and culture, visit the Brunnier Art Museum, the Ames History Museum, or the Octagon Center for the Arts. Iowa State University also boasts an extensive Art on Campus Collection and hosts events at Stephens Auditorium.

Ames is great for families! Reiman Gardens offers year-round enjoyment with its beautiful displays, children's garden, and the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing. Brookside Park has a wading pool, playgrounds, and sports courts. The Furman Aquatic Center is a popular summer spot with pools, slides, and a lazy river. Many parks like Ada Hayden Heritage Park and McFarland Park offer easy walking trails suitable for all ages. You can also catch a game at Jack Trice Stadium or explore the various facilities at the Memorial Union on the ISU campus.

Ames and its surroundings offer numerous trails. Ledges State Park has a four-mile trail system with majestic overlooks. Ada Hayden Heritage Park features serene walking trails around its lake. The Skunk River Greenbelt provides extensive hiking trails along the river, while Munn Woods offers easy hiking options. Ames also has a comprehensive bike trail system that connects most parts of the town and its parks, which are also great for walking. For more outdoor activity options, you can explore the various routes available for hiking around Ames.

Iowa State University itself is a major attraction. Beyond its beautiful campus, you can visit architectural landmarks like Beardshear Hall. The Memorial Union serves as a cultural hub with dining, shops, and an art studio. Don't miss the Farm House Museum, the university's first building, or the various art museums like the Brunnier Art Museum and Christian Petersen Art Museum. The campus also features a vast Art on Campus Collection and the impressive Jack Trice Stadium for sports enthusiasts.

Many attractions in Ames strive for accessibility. Reiman Gardens generally offers accessible pathways throughout its outdoor and indoor spaces. The main campus of Iowa State University, including areas around the Memorial Union and some museums, is typically designed with accessibility in mind. Many of Ames' paved bike trail systems, which are also used for walking, are flat and accessible. It's always recommended to check specific venue websites or call ahead for the most current accessibility information.

Ames offers attractions year-round, but the best time often depends on your interests. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring parks, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water activities at the Furman Aquatic Center and enjoying the vibrant displays at Reiman Gardens. Winter offers opportunities for indoor cultural experiences at museums and events at ISU venues. Check specific attraction schedules as some outdoor features may have seasonal hours.

Yes, Ames boasts an excellent bike trail system connecting much of the town and its parks. For more adventurous cycling, you can explore routes for road cycling around Ames or discover trails suitable for gravel biking around Ames. These guides offer various routes for different skill levels, allowing you to explore the scenic surroundings.

Ames is home to the rather unusual World's Tallest Concrete Gnome, a record-holding garden feature that makes for a fun photo opportunity. While not in Ames itself, the nearby High Trestle Trail Bridge (about 16 miles away) is a stunning illuminated art installation over the Des Moines River Valley, particularly impressive at sunset, offering a unique experience.

Iowa State University's Stephens Auditorium and Hilton Coliseum regularly host concerts, theatrical performances, and other cultural events. The Octagon Center for the Arts features exhibitions by local artists and offers workshops. The Ames City Auditorium & Durham Bandshell also serve as venues for performing arts and community events, contributing to a lively cultural calendar throughout the year.

For nature photography and bird watching, Ada Hayden Heritage Park is an excellent choice with its diverse habitats and expansive lake. McFarland Park, with its wooded trails and open spaces, also provides great opportunities for observing wildlife and capturing scenic shots. The Skunk River Greenbelt and Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor are further options for immersing yourself in nature and spotting local flora and fauna.

Given Iowa State University's agricultural roots, the Farm House Museum on campus is a direct link to the university's early history as an agricultural college. While not a direct attraction, the university's strong agricultural programs and research are a significant part of the region's identity. Exploring the rural landscapes surrounding Ames also offers a glimpse into Iowa's farming heritage.