Ames

Travel Guide

Iowa State University which includes a park and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Iowa State University featuring a park and modern architecture
Iowa State University showing a park
Iowa State University featuring heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
Reiman Gardens which includes a garden 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 P5,706 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,706
P6,391 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,040 reviews)
Would stay again
"Good location near a few restaurants. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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 P4,944 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P4,944
P5,537 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (998 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 Jul 31, 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
Sonesta Essential Ames

Sonesta Essential Ames

2 out of 5
1400 S Dayton Place, Ames, IA
The price is P3,856 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P3,856
P4,319 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The rooms were clean and neat. I like the "no carpet" rooms. They feel cleaner. The water was hot and i liked having a refrigerator in my room. The breakfast was good and the people were friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Sonesta Essential 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 Oct 16, 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.

Popular places to visit