Attractions and Places To See around Ames - Top 20

Ames offers several beautiful natural attractions. Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre botanical garden with indoor and outdoor spaces, including a butterfly wing and children's garden. For serene outdoor experiences, visit Ada Hayden Heritage Park, featuring a lake, walking trails, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Just a short drive away, Ledges State Park is known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and a four-mile trail system. Other options include Brookside Park, Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, and Moore Memorial Park, all offering trails and green spaces.

Yes, Ames has a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The Iowa State University (ISU) campus itself is a landmark, featuring impressive architecture like Beardshear Hall and the iconic Campanile. You can explore the Farm House Museum, a National Historic Landmark offering a glimpse into 19th-century life, or delve into local history at the Ames History Museum. The Octagon Center for the Arts showcases local artists, and the Old Town Historic District preserves late 19th and early 20th-century residential architecture.

Families will find plenty to do. Reiman Gardens is a fantastic choice with its children's garden and butterfly wing. The Furman Aquatic Center provides a fun way to cool off in summer with pools, slides, and a lazy river. Many parks like Ada Hayden Heritage Park and Brookside Park offer open spaces and trails suitable for all ages. Exploring the ISU campus, including the Memorial Union with its bowling alley, can also be a fun family outing.

Ames boasts a thriving arts scene, largely centered around Iowa State University. The Art on Campus Collection at ISU is one of the largest public art programs in the US, including Grant Wood Murals in the library. You can also visit the Brunnier Art Museum and the Christian Petersen Art Museum on campus. Downtown, the Octagon Center for the Arts offers exhibitions, workshops, and a shop featuring local artists.

Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting Reiman Gardens to see 'Elwood,' the World's Largest Concrete Gnome. The Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor offers a unique focus on conservation and sustainable technologies. For a taste of local craft beverages, check out Prairie Moon Winery & Alluvial Brewing. Just outside Ames, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers train excursions, and the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens provides stunning botanical displays.

Ames and its surroundings offer numerous trails. Ada Hayden Heritage Park has walking trails around its lake. Ledges State Park provides a four-mile trail system with dramatic scenery. Other options include Brookside Park, Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, and Moore Memorial Park, which connect to the broader Ames trail system. For longer excursions, the High Trestle Trail near Madrid is a paved, multi-use path with an iconic illuminated bridge.

Iowa State University is a destination in itself. Visitors can admire the campus architecture, including Beardshear Hall and the Campanile. Explore the extensive Art on Campus Collection, including the Grant Wood Murals. The Memorial Union offers dining, a bookstore, and bowling. You can also visit the Brunnier Art Museum and Christian Petersen Art Museum, or attend cultural events and varsity sports at the Iowa State Center, Jack Trice Stadium, or Hilton Coliseum.

Beyond walking and hiking, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing at Ada Hayden Heritage Park or on the Skunk River. Cycling is popular on trails like the High Trestle Trail. For more structured outdoor activities, explore the various parks and natural areas. If you're interested in routes for specific sports, you can find options for hiking, running, and cycling around Ames.

Yes, several notable attractions are a short drive from Ames. Ledges State Park, with its unique geological formations, is a popular choice. Near Madrid, the High Trestle Trail offers a scenic cycling and walking experience, especially beautiful at night with its illuminated bridge. Also in Boone, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad provides train excursions, and the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens showcases diverse plant collections.

Ames offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring gardens, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is perfect for water activities at the Furman Aquatic Center and enjoying the vibrant downtown and farmers market. Indoor attractions like the ISU museums and the Farm House Museum are great options during colder months.

Downtown Ames is the hub for local businesses, unique shops, diverse restaurants, and a lively farmers market. You'll also find public art installations there. For a more energetic atmosphere, Campustown, located southeast of the university, caters to a younger crowd with its array of restaurants, stores, and nightspots.

While the immediate Ames area is not known for mining heritage, the broader region historically had industrial sites. The provided guide data mentions the Terril Number 5 of Lapugnoy and Vallée Carreau Park as sites redeveloped to highlight mining heritage, offering views and insights into former industrial landscapes. These specific sites are located in a different region, but they represent the type of industrial heritage attractions that can be found in some areas.