Ames

Travel Guide

Iowa State University which includes 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 showing a park
Iowa State University featuring heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
Reiman Gardens showing 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.

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
2.5 out of 5
2507 SE 16th St., Ames, IA
The price is S$113 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$113
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,005 reviews)
Thank You Americinn Ames!!
"This Americinn is staffed by wonderful people and is so clean and neat that my mother would approve. The quiet is just what I wanted, restful sleep and no loud neighbors. The pool is refreshing and the hot tub is lovely. The breakfast was nourishing and varied and delicious."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

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 S$141 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$141
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,012 reviews)
"All was great"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ames
2 out of 5
2216 Se 16th St, Ames, IA
The price is S$109 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$109
14 Jul - 15 Jul
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The property met our needs in Ames. The room was compact, but functional. The price was good."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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.
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 16 Oct, 2024

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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