Ames Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Iowa State University showing a park and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Iowa State University which includes modern architecture and a garden
Iowa State University which includes a garden
Iowa State University showing a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Reiman Gardens showing 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 artefacts 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.

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 AU$152 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$152
29 Oct - 30 Oct
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! (1,144 reviews)
"Room was spacious and clean. Hotel was quiet. Coffee and water in the lobby. Easy to get anywhere in Ames from this hotel."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus

Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus

2.5 out of 5
603 South 16th Street, Ames, IA
The price is AU$148 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$148
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (945 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly, and the conditions of the room were superior. Would book a room here again if needed!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Comfort Inn and Suites Ames near ISU Campus
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ames, IA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ames, IA

2.5 out of 5
2605 Se 16th St, Ames, IA
The price is AU$145 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
AU$145
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. Quiet area. Comfortable pillows"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ames, IA
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.
Fun Family Place with Extras and Space

Fun Family Place with Extras and Space

Ames
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ames. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Farm House Museum and Stephens ...
10/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"The kitchen was amazing! Snacks that the Host left for us, coffee, everything you will need to cook.Felt very at home, quiet neighborhood, game room was great.If we had questions Hist would respond very quickly. We stayed 5 days and would stay again!"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Fun Family Place with Extras and Space
Crane Haven - Walk to CyRide, Games & Grill

Crane Haven - Walk to CyRide, Games & Grill

Ames, IA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ames. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Octagon Center for the Arts ...
"Great Space, Lovely yard, Wireless Chargers on the nightstand were awesome!!"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Crane Haven - Walk to CyRide, Games & Grill
Campus & Downtown - Near Starbucks - Netflix - 2Br/1Ba

Campus & Downtown - Near Starbucks - Netflix - 2Br/1Ba

Ames
Stay at this vacation home in Ames. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Main Street Cultural District and Octagon ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Wonderful stay! Communication with the Hosts kept us well informed about the house, about the entrance, about the surrounding location & gave us an easy feeling about being free to communicate with them for anything else. The house was immaculately clean, comfortable and welcoming. The house is actually ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Campus & Downtown - Near Starbucks - Netflix - 2Br/1Ba
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.

Popular places to visit