Ames Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,179 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿3,179
฿3,561 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,066 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on 22 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 ฿2,722 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿2,722
฿3,049 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Overall everything was very clean and comfortable! Only thing that wasn’t that great was the pool temperature was on the cold side. But that was minor compared to a nice hot tub, room, and delicious breakfast."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
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
Fully refundable
The price is ฿2,589 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿2,589
฿2,900 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Stayed here to drop daughter off at school and it was a nice place"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 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.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines

Kasa Downtown Des Moines

4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a business centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"Did not know what to expect upon arrival but was pleased to find our own little apartment in this very modern building … loved the kitchen and availability of the in unit laundry. Only complaint I could say is no hair dryer (4 girls) and one night there was an alarm prompting evacuation in the middle ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Moon River Cabins

Moon River Cabins

3 out of 5
905 South Riverview Dr, Bellevue, IA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sarge O'Neil Park and Bellevue State Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
A perfect weekend getaway!
"Our stay was wonderfully relaxing. Our only issue were the rain storms but that was the fault of Mother Nature. The owner was in contact with us and responded quickly to our questions. The view was calming and the cabin was quiet. We plan to return next year."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Moon River Cabins
2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House

2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House

3 out of 5
Newton
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Newton. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Aurora Park and Agnes Patterson Memorial ...
2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House
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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