Ames

Travel Guide

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

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.

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 €95 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€95
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,034 reviews)
"We are staying at this hotel for the second time and we love it! Clean, comfortable, quiet, and safe. Close to ISU. We will stay here again."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames

2.5 out of 5
2507 SE 16th St., Ames, IA
The price is €82 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€82
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (999 reviews)
Very good
"Very nice hotel for the price. My husband and I stayed for 5 nights while I participated in the National Senior Games, breakfast - good, shower - plenty of hot water and good pressure, tv - good size, beds/mattress - good not great, staff - very friendly and eager to please."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
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 €78 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€78
27 Aug - 28 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice room, great price and reasonably close to ISU where we were going to each day we were there."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

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.
The 410 Farmyard

The 410 Farmyard

Ames
Stay at this property in Ames. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Farm House Museum and Veenker Memorial Golf Course are located ...
"Lovely home with a beautiful backyard! Well cared for and has everything you would need for your stay. Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The 410 Farmyard
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! (54 reviews)
"Fantastic Hosts!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Fun Family Place with Extras and Space
Large 4 bedroom in West Ames

Large 4 bedroom in West Ames

Ames
Stay at this vacation home in Ames. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Farm House Museum and Stephens Auditorium are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
There for a wedding
"We rented this house for our family when our daughter got married. It was a good location and great setup for our family of 6."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Large 4 bedroom in West Ames
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