Located in Story County, Iowa, Ames is a rich city famous for being the home to Iowa State University. Picnics, outdoor dining, and shopping are just an addition to the fun things to do in Ames. With many open spaces, restaurants, museums, parks, and art exhibits, the place is full-packed with adventure!
Are you planning to visit Ames, Iowa, but have yet to craft your itinerary? Well, I’ve covered you with these best things to do in Ames.
From business to pleasure, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ames is the ideal place for you. This hotel in Ames, Iowa offers superb accommodations and amenities such as an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are well-equipped with microwaves and refrigerators.
This Ames hotel is conveniently located in central Iowa, just minutes from Iowa State University and offers a relaxing stay with easy access to area attractions. Wake up each morning to free hot breakfast buffet and enjoy a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the hot tub.
MICROTEL Inn and Suites - Ames is located in the heart of Ames, Iowa, next to Iowa State University. The motel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi access for added convenience. Guest rooms are equipped with a cable TV, air conditioning and a coffee maker.
TL;DR – Our favorite things to do in Ames, Iowa:
- Most significant landmark – The Iowa State University
- Best park – Brookside Park
- Best free activity – Farm House Museum
- Best activity for kids – The Perfect Games
- Best activity for adults – Alluvial Brewing
- Best food – Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.
- Best nightlife – One Night Stand
- Best place to stay – GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Things to Do in Ames, Iowa
1. Appreciate masterpieces at the Brunnie Art Museum
Scheman Bldg, 295, 1800 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011
Brunnier Art Museum is one of the museums located inside Iowa State University. It’s famous among visitors and locals because it is the only accredited museum in the state. Brunnier Art Museum primarily displays collections of functional art pieces. You’ll love this place if you are fond of decorative arts like ceramics, dolls, and enameled metals!
The best thing about Brunnier Art Museum is its proximity to other art museums. Drop by the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Farm House Museum, and Andersen Sculpture Garden if you have more time! These museums will likewise make your artistic heart jump with happiness.
2. Relax and Play at the Brookside Park
1325 6th St., Ames, IA 50010
What better way to relax than to stroll around a beautifully landscaped park? Another popular spot in Ames is Brookside Park. People of all ages enjoy a relaxing day out in this wide-open space. If you’re from a busy city, Brookside Park is the best place to find peace!
Brookside has all the amenities you’ll need for that perfect family day. Ballfields, basketball courts, playground, off-street parking, grills, picnic tables, wading pool, and more! You can also play basketball with your kids or challenge them to a tennis game. Or you can leave them in the playground as you tour around and appreciate the scenic view of the park.
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3. Sample Beer at Alluvial Brewing
3715 W 190th St, Ames, IA 50014
Beer is not everyone’s cup of tea – I’d recommend tea for those people. But if you’re someone who is energized by alcohol, then this place is for you! This Midwest is home to countless incredible breweries and this place is no different!
The Alluvial Brewing Company started as a small brewing house in a farmhouse. The head brewers aimed to come up with unique mixes that would showcase the culture of Ames. Thus, you’ll find quality brews with strange flavors on their menu. They serve mixes in the flavors of rye, coffee, roasted peanuts, maple, and more. Not to mention that tours around the vicinity also include a stop at the tasting room.
See Related: Best State Parks in Iowa to Visit
4. Learn more about Ames at The Boone County Historical Society
602 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
The Boone County Historical Society was founded in 1924 to raise awareness of four county museums. It promotes:
- The Boone History Center
- The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace
- Hickory Grove School
- The Kate Shelley Park & Museum
An excellent starting point for learning about the history of Boone County is its Historical Center. Visitors may learn about the county’s natural history, the railroad, and the military’s impact on the region.
An intriguing past awaits visitors to Boone County, Iowa, as coal miners, pioneers, farmers, businessmen, and military heroes have all called this city home.
5. Learn about fashion at the Textiles and Clothing Museum
31 MacKay Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-5021
In the Textiles and Clothing Museum, students engage in hands-on activities while learning via visual and kinesthetic cues. The teaching collection is amassed, documented, preserved, and then interpreted and shown by the place. Students, academics, and academic researchers can use historical data, and it is also made available to the general public through exhibits and other forms of programs.
Its 9,000-item collection includes apparel, fabrics, accessories, and other dress-related objects dating from the 18th century.
6. Visit the historical Farm House Museum
601 Farm House Lane, Ames, Iowa 50011
A short walk from the heart of Iowa State University’s campus, The Farm House Museum may be found on Farmhouse Lane to the west of campus.
The oldest structure on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, is the Knapp–Wilson House. As part of the model farm that would become Iowa State University, this home was erected between 1861 and 1865. In 1964, it was honored to be named a National Historic Landmark.
The Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm’s initial structure was constructed in the 1860s. Over 6,000 items of Victorian-era ornamental art and antiques.
See Related: Best Iowa Family Vacations to Take This Year
7. Enjoy a show at the Stephens Auditorium
1900 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011
Stephens Auditorium hosts a spectacular assortment of international music and drama performances, as well as world-class orchestras, Broadway musicals, and other special events. It has a capacity of 2,729 people per show, having each seat with an unobstructed view.
In honor of Clifford Y. Stephens, the auditorium’s name was changed to Stephens Auditorium. The project began in 1965 and was finished in 1969 for $4.9 million in total expenditure.
8. Breathe in the fresh outdoors at the Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Ada Hayden Heritage Park is one of Ames’s best things to do, as it has enormous open space. Both adult and child visitors can enjoy the place because of its boat access, covered shelters, and picnic areas.
Kids can also run around, use the drinking fountain, and follow the designated walking trails. Fishing is also allowed around the lake. It is a perfect picnic spot for families with pets if your furry buddies are leashed.
See Related: What is Iowa Known For?
9. Sample local goods in Ames Main Street Cultural District
Big box businesses and strip malls may be the most significant American contribution to commerce and architecture, but they aren’t everything.
Main Street Cultural District is home to locally-owned retailers, eateries, art festivals, and seasonal celebrations of many kinds. It’s a great area to go shopping or meet up with friends.
There are more than 50 locally-owned specialized stores, art studios, and restaurants on Ames Main Street, making it a prime example of a Main Street Iowa city. The products being sold in the area ranges from cheap things to expensive ones.
See Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Iowa
10. Make your heart flutter in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing
1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011-3101
Located just south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre university-owned public garden. Events, talks, guided tours, and ISU student seminars are held at the Reiman Gardens.
At the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing in Ames, Iowa, you can hang out with up to 1,000 butterflies of 36 different species in a 2,500-square-foot facility. The Butterfly Wing offers a rare opportunity to see these wonderful insects from six continents.
11. Fill your heart and stomach at The Great Plains Sauce & Dough, Co.
129 Main St #101, Ames, IA 50010
The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company has provided the best pizza in central Iowa for over three decades. In Ames, try Great Plains Sauce and Dough if you like pizza. It’s a wheat bread crust that is quite thick.
After completing your pizza, you’ll be given honey bottles to finish the crust! The cheese, which is an excellent mozzarella, is also a plus. Its menu includes salads, sandwiches, pizza, and desserts.
12. Get your adrenaline rush at Perfect Games
Perfect Games is one of my favorite things. Bowling, games, laser tag, and food are available at this facility for birthday celebrations. For private gatherings, there are separate rooms available for purchase. A two-story indoor children’s playground has also been recently added.
Parties can use the bar and meals available for purchase, plus more package offers to fit any occasion.
See Related: Things to Do in Muscatine, Iowa
Where to Stay in Ames, Iowa
If you intend to spend some quality time, there are lots of hotels to choose from.
Budget Accommodation
MICROTEL Inn and Suites
2216 South East 16th Street, 50010
MICROTEL is popular among families for its cozy yet affordable family rooms. This 2-star motel has air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. The motel also offers a buffet and has a business center inside it. So, buying snacks, cheap things, and other travel needs won’t be a problem!
Mid-Range Accommodation
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
2605 Southeast 16th Street, Ames, IA 50010
Country Inn & Suites is a mid-range hotel 4.1 miles away from Iowa State University. It offers clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, with free breakfast daily. You can access the hotel’s indoor pool and fitness center if you stay with them.
Luxury Hotels
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
1606 South Kellogg Avenue, 50010
True to its name, GrandStay Hotel & Suites provides its customer with the grandest accommodation. Every room in this hotel has a full kitchenette and a sitting area with a sofa bed. There’s an available convenience store within the establishment. Plus, it is also close to the North Grand Mall, Inis Grove Park, and Reiman Gardens.
Vacation Rentals in Ames
It’s not easy to find properties for rent in Ames. But do not fret because I got you! Ryan and Ashley Houck host a massive apartment with complete amenities, only a two-minute drive from Iowa State University.
The property is a two-bedroom unit with a full kitchen. From appliances to cooking ware, everything is provided for you! You can enjoy a safe and contactless transaction with the hosts by booking with VRBO—book with VRBO for a secured transaction.
Camping & RVs
Ames has a lot to offer to campers and recreational visitors. Refer to the quick list below for some of the best campgrounds in the city where you can stay overnight or longer.
- Don Williams Campground – oldest campground in Ames, IA. It’s the best place to play golf with friends. It’s popular among youth for its tons of pull-through sites.
- Cherry Glen Campground – close to Saylorville Lake. It’s perfect for campers and RVers who love fishing.
- Twin Anchors Campground – dubbed as one of the best family-oriented RV parks in Ames. It has a mini zoo that houses ponies, bunnies, and more. Kids love it!
See Related: Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa
How to Get Around Ames, Iowa
Ames is not only a wonderful place to visit for its impressive tourist spots and campgrounds. The city is well-loved by travelers because it’s easy to locate. And the transportation services in the place are great!
There are three modes by which you can get to Ames: by car, by bus, and by plane. If you’re a solo traveler, you can travel by bus. This way, you’ll get the total experience of visitors. But bringing your car to avoid getting lost would be best if you’re traveling with your family. You can book rental cars with RentalCars.com to compare pricing if that is impossible.
If you’re traveling by plane, the nearest major airport to Ames is in Des Moines. For smooth travel, you can book a round-trip private transfer to and from your hotel.
FAQs
What is the best thing to do with kids in Ames, Iowa?
An open green space can be seen everywhere in Ames. If you are traveling with kids, the best thing to do here is to visit parks or the fun place of Furman Aquatic Center, which has a water park. The most popular park within the area is Brookside Park.
They can do a lot of outside activities here, including swimming and picnic. There are also top attractions within the area where they can run around, such as the Reiman Gardens, Inis Grove Park, Ames Dog Park, McFarland Park, and other picnic areas.
What are some fun things to do in Ames, Iowa?
Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family and friends, you can do many fun things in Ames. You can visit art museums at Iowa State University College or picnic in a nice park downtown.
Outdoor activities are also encouraged in open areas, such as walking toward Reiman Gardens, discovering kid-friendly hiking trails, and working through the closest basketball and tennis courts.
If you’re a foodie, grab some hearty meal and delicious food at one of the local pizzerias in the state, Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.
What are some things to do in Ames, Iowa, when it’s raining?
When it’s raining, the best thing to do in Ames is to visit Alluvial Brewing. The brewing company serves exquisite flavors of beer that will keep you warm on a rainy day and make you have a fun night.
You can still enjoy the day by visiting a public museum such as the Farm House Museum and movie theaters and avoiding outdoor activities in wide-open spaces. But, if you are into sports, a solution to this is playing indoors by going to Ames’ sports arena.
What are the best tourist attractions in Ames, Iowa?
Besides kid-friendly picnic areas and historical sites, the best things to see in Ames are found inside the Iowa State University grounds.
The state university houses more than four museums, which are open to all free of charge, including the Brunnier Art Museum and the Christian Petersen Art Museum.
You can bring your loved ones with you as you tour the campus, learn about the arts, and learn more about its historical sites all year round.
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