If you’re planning a trip to Iowa, there are many places to visit in Ames. The city is located just 30 miles north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is a major university town and also has leading colleges for agriculture, design, engineering, and veterinary medicine.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
This wetlands-surrounded park has fishing and hiking trails. It is also a great place to see birds. The park also has a picnic shelter. It is a great place to take the kids or plan an outing with friends. There are also trails for biking.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a beautiful place in Ames. It is a perfect place for a picnic, as well as a leisurely walk. The park also features a botanical garden and lake. A paved path makes hiking easier, and there is also a 1.2 mile “upland” hiking trail.
Ames has an award-winning public school system, and its high school consistently produces the largest number of National Merit Scholars in Iowa. The city is also home to 36 parks and 55 miles of bike paths. Ada Hayden Heritage Park offers an oasis within the city, with multiple picnic areas, boat access, and paved bike paths. There is also a lazy river and a diving center for those looking for a more active way to spend the day.
If you’re looking for entertainment, the city’s downtown is home to Stephens Auditorium, a 2,734-seat performing arts center. The prestigious venue features world-renowned artists, ballet companies, and even comedians. There are several theaters in the city, and many outdoor activities and art exhibits in Ames are well worth checking out.
Visiting the Boone County Historical Society is another way to spend your day in Ames. It is home to four museums, including the home of former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. The grounds also include a historic one-room schoolhouse. There are plenty of indoor activities as well, including the Farm House Museum. Another great place to enjoy time outdoors is McFarland Park, where you can camp for the night or go hiking. There is a five-mile walking trail, and you can also cycle on the trails.
Stephens Auditorium
If you’re planning a trip to Ames, Iowa, you’ll want to make time to visit the Stephens Auditorium. This 2,734-seat performance hall is home to world-class performers, including symphony orchestras and chart-topping artists. The auditorium is open to the public and has won awards for its architectural design. The theater has hosted such prestigious entertainers as the Prague String Quartet, Neil Diamond, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. And, of course, there are performances by acclaimed comedians and dance troupes.
If you’re interested in seeing live performances, you’ll want to check out Stephens Auditorium, a venue that has been hosting international performers for decades. It opened in 1969 and has hosted some of the biggest acts in music and theater throughout the years. The auditorium also contains a sports arena and theater, and it has been home to a wide variety of acts. From local students to world-famous artists, the Stephens Auditorium has hosted many events.
If you want to explore the history of Ames, you can visit the University Art Museum. The University Art Museum features a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The museum also offers gallery tours and educational programs. In addition to its permanent exhibits, it hosts temporary exhibitions. One popular exhibition, Black Trailblazers, highlights nine black leaders in Ames history.
For outdoor activities, the town of Ames offers numerous open spaces. The Furman Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art water park, and downtown parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The city’s parks are also great places to picnic. There are also plenty of options for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking.
Furman Aquatic Center
If you’re looking for an excellent way to cool off during the summer, head to the Furman Aquatic Center in Ames, Iowa. The ten-million-dollar facility features a water slide, lazy river, and greenery throughout. The center is perfect for families, and its attractions have made it one of the top destinations in the city. For kids, it offers a children’s play area and a zero-depth entry pool.
Ames’s Octagon Art Center is another popular attraction. This venue hosts many local and international exhibits throughout the year. The center also offers workshops, camps, and other creative programs. Visitors to the city can also enjoy the Octagon Art Festival held downtown each September. The city also features Ioway Creek Park, which is a family-friendly park and riverside trail.
For those who love animals, you may also want to check out the Ames Zoo. It is affordable, and it puts the safety of its visitors first. Although it has strict rules about animal behavior, these rules are reasonable. The Ames Zoo has one of the best management structures in the entire area, and its staff is incredibly professional and courteous.
Ames is home to a variety of green spaces, including the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, which is a great spot for a picnic or a stroll. It also includes a lake and a botany garden. When it snows, the park is great for cross-country skiing.
Another great attraction in Ames is the Reiman Gardens. This dazzling garden is situated on a 17-acre site near Iowa State University. It has several exhibits and is popular with visitors from outside the city.
Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre university-owned public garden that is located south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus. Open year-round, the gardens host many events, lectures, and programs. They’re also regularly ranked among Central Iowa’s top attractions.
Reiman Gardens includes a butterfly pavilion and many different garden areas. It also offers a butterfly gift shop and educational programs. You can also catch a lecture about nature or attend a class related to horticulture. Admission to the gardens is free for ISU students and faculty. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay admission.
Reiman Gardens is one of the best places to see the spring foliage in Iowa. It is also home to over 800 live butterflies. The gardens are located in Story County, which is a short drive from Des Moines. The city is also home to the Iowa State University, which offers classes in agriculture, design, and engineering. There are also several art museums in the area, such as the Textile and Clothing Museum and the Brunnier Art Museum.
If you’re planning a trip to Ames, be sure to include Reiman Gardens in your itinerary. Located just south of Jack Trice Stadium on the campus of Iowa State University, the 17-acre public garden hosts events, guided tours, and ISU student seminars.
The gardens are open year-round. The hours vary from season to season, but generally run from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $11 for adults and $10 for seniors. Children under two years of age can enter for free. It is also possible to purchase discounted admission for military and their immediate family members.
Iowa State Center
For those who love the outdoors, Ames has an abundance of places to visit. There’s the Emma McCarthy Lee Park, a dense wooded area near the University of Iowa, where you can go hiking and enjoy the scenery. The park is home to a plethora of native trees and flowers. Its nearly three miles of trails are popular with trail runners and hikers.
The museum has an impressive collection of art and history. It features the work of internationally acclaimed artists. The staff at the museum is one of the best in the area, so be sure to ask questions before you go! Parking is also easy and secure, with plenty of modern spaces.
If you’re planning a vacation to Ames, Iowa, you’ll find a town that offers everything from outdoor activities to shopping and dining. It’s also home to the Iowa State University, the state’s largest employer. Ames is also home to several museums, parks, and art exhibits.
While you’re in Ames, make sure to check out the Brunnier Art Museum, a hidden gem on the University of Iowa’s campus. Unlike other art museums in Ames, this museum has real artifacts that help tell a more comprehensive story about Ames. The museum’s permanent collections include ceramics, glass, enameled metals, and jade, and more.
Ames, Iowa State Center also features Stephens Auditorium, one of the largest and most beautiful theaters in the country. Its renowned stage has played host to world-class performers, symphony orchestras, and chart-topping artists.
