Ames

Travel Guide

Iowa State University which includes a park and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Iowa State University showing a park and modern architecture
Iowa State University showing a park
Iowa State University which includes heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
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 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 CA $116 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $116
CA $130 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,002 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
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 CA $125 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $125
CA $141 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! (1,033 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2500 University Blvd., Ames, IA
The price is CA $142 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $142
CA $159 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ames. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Comfortable layout for king rooms, with separate sofa area and bed area. Quiet, updated."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites
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.
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 Jul. 13, 2025

Fun Family Place with Extras and Space
Douglas Ave Flat

Douglas Ave Flat

Ames
Stay at this vacation home in Ames. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Octagon Center for the Arts and Main Street ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"The apartment is in a historic home. It is a beautiful room with bathroom. Water pressure is good, air conditioning is adequate, very well appointed. The mattress was comfortable. We would stay there again. Only downside is some steep stairs to the room is hard on a couple of old people!"

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2025

Douglas Ave Flat
Downtown Ames Peaceful Getaway

Downtown Ames Peaceful Getaway

Ames
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ames. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Octagon Center for the Arts ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Visiting ISU son
"Great property. Very clean, one of the cleanest properties we have stayed at and we have stayed at a lot of places over the last 4 years. Great location, close to everything."

Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2025

Downtown Ames Peaceful Getaway
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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