Ames, IA

Travel Guide

Iowa State University which includes heritage architecture and a park as well as a small group of people
Iowa State University featuring a park and modern architecture
Iowa State University showing a garden
Iowa State University featuring a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Reiman Gardens which includes a house and a garden
Visit this welcoming city in Iowa for a dose of small-town charm combined with innovative attractions and pleasant natural spaces.

Just north of Des Moines, the city of Ames has convenient links to larger cities while still retaining a sense of peace and tranquility. Walk through one of the many community parks, visit the local university campus or wander through art galleries featuring fascinating sculptures and paintings.  

The history of Ames goes back to days of Americans spreading west across the country with the use of railroads. At its founding in 1864, Ames was built as a station stop for the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad. Look up the history of the name to learn more about Oakes Ames, a congressman who contributed greatly to plans for the transcontinental railroad. 

To find out more about the history of Ames, view artifacts from the area’s past through the Ames Historical Society. Discover the culture of Ames in the present day in the Main Street Cultural District. This street serves as a gathering point for local residents and is filled with family-owned restaurants and stores.

In addition to its educational resources for over 30,000 students, Iowa State University also has its own cultural attractions. Wander through Reiman Gardens to see the water lilies in Lake Helen. Then, continue on to the 1860-built Farm House Museum, the oldest building on campus. The university campus also has plenty of green space for visitors to enjoy.

Discover the city’s other green spaces. Have a picnic in one of the local parks such as Squaw Creek or Greenbriar Park.

To travel to Ames, fly into Des Moines International Airport and rent a car. Drive north about 50 minutes to Ames. The city is well connected to surrounding areas if you want to drive from your home. 

Whatever your reason for visiting Ames, you will be sure to find something here to interest you. Indulge your curiosity while visiting local museums and relax in the city’s natural settings and gardens.

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
2.5 out of 5
2507 SE 16th St., Ames, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$1,862 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
NT$1,862
NT$2,085 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel staff was very friendly"

Reviewed on 2025/6/11

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
3 out of 5
2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames, IA
The price is NT$2,899 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$2,899
NT$3,247 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice and clean hotel."

Reviewed on 2025/6/9

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus
Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus
2.5 out of 5
1310 Dickinson Avenue, Ames, IA
The price is NT$2,236 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$2,236
NT$2,504 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 2025/6/13

Sleep Inn & Suites Ames near ISU Campus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Whiterock Conservancy
Whiterock Conservancy
3 out of 5
1436 Highway 141, Coon Rapids, IA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Coon Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hiking/biking on site.
"We loved it and would have given it a 5 except that our room was cold."

Reviewed on 2024/10/16

Whiterock Conservancy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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