Of all of the places in Iowa that you should visit is a nice little town called Ames. Once there, you’ll find that the best things to do in Ames, Iowa are as American as apple pie. And just like every other amazing trip that you take, Ames has something for everyone that will stay with you for years.
Grab a hearty local bite
When you hear the word local, you want to know that you’ll get an eating experience that’s localized to an area. Luckily, in Ames, some fine spots need to be part of your culinary experience too.
The Hickory Park Restaurant
A little bit of everything including American classics and BBQ delicacies for local Cyclone fans. They have the best array of local BBQs that will satisfy all tastes and feature gluten-free options likewise. The ice cream is especially a real treat so don’t forget to order one of their signature milkshakes.
Aunt Maude’s
Another great all-American restaurant experience with vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu. With fast and friendly service the atmosphere is always authentic and the food is certainly epic. If you thought you couldn’t find good salmon or tri-tip, Aunt Maude’s is the place!
Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill
Take a trip back in time with old-world decor that is combined with modern convenience. Here, you can find vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on the menu. Don’t let that stop you if you’re looking for authentic Irish food in Iowa! The portions are very generous, and the selection of beers is amazing.
Spend some time in nature
When the weather is good, you want to take in the best that Ames has to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. Whether you’re just looking for a casual stroll through some gardens or taking part in a more serious recreational sport, Ames offers something for everyone.
Reiman Gardens
Come and enjoy this 17-acre garden of earthly delights with butterfly gardens, the largest outdoor concrete gnome, and paved garden pathways. It’s worth an entire afternoon of landscaped beauty that is a hidden gem within the ISU university campus. There is an admission fee of $12 per person but, it’s well worth an afternoon of relaxation and discovery.
Brookside Park
This is one of the most beautiful local parks in Ames that has all of the amenities that don’t cost anything to enjoy. Enjoy picnics, trails, sporting courts, BBQ grills, and covered relaxation shelters for all types of celebrations or weekend events. There is even a wading pool for the kids on hot days. Don’t forget to bring your friends!
Ada Hayden Heritage Lake Park
More than your average park, where you can come and fish, hike, bike, grill, and enjoy boating activities- all in one. Heritage Lake Park has all the charm of a recreational camping site except you can’t camp there overnight. It’s also a haven for local wildlife and offers paved paths that are perfect for bikes, strollers, to wheelchairs.
Discover artistic exhibits
Ames isn’t exactly a huge hub for the arts except for some very rare finds that you’ll love to see in person. Since many of these exhibits are located at ISU, they’re not going to have you running all over the city either. Just make plenty of time to navigate your way through the campus for an entire afternoon.
Brunnier Museum
This museum is on the university campus and features a rotating exhibit that changes each season. The admission fee is nominal at just $8 per person unless you’re a student of ISU and then it’s free. The emphasis is more on decorative arts that include eclectic pieces like dolls, ceramics, and items that were common more than 150 years ago including jade and ivory.
Grant Wood Murals
If you know the painting entitled “American Gothic” with the sorrowful man and wife pictured, then you’ll know artist Grant Wood. It just so happens that ISU also features one of the largest collections of “Regionalism” paintings located within the Parks Library of ISU. This unique exhibit doesn’t cost anything however finding parking on campus will be the only challenge.
Christian Petersen Art Museum
Christian Petersen was the in-house artist who taught at ISU University from 1934-1955. His collection is a rotational collective of works from his years of teaching sculpting and painting. There is no fee to see this museum but there is a suggested donation of $8 for keeping up exhibitions and additional education programs related to the arts.
Find a memorable keepsake
Everyone loves knickknacks to keep as a reminder of every trip, so why not take something special back from Ames on your next trip. It might be one of the best things to do in Ames, Iowa aside from enjoying yourself for a day or two.
Ames Greenhouse & Antiques
Even for locals, the entrance is still a bit of a mystery to find, but this is one hotspot you’ll spend hours looking for something different. It’s a combination greenhouse and antique store, and the largest collection of succulent plants that you could ever hope for. They’ve been in business for over 40 years, so they’ll always have plenty of info and advice to offer even if you don’t spend a dime.
Dutch Oven Baker
A true Dutch bakery in Ames that you would never expect to find the best bagels in all of Iowa! Not to mention that they are affordable and friendly for your trip to Ames. If you’ve never been to a Dutch bakery, their selection is amazing and tasty for all levels of sweet-tooth fans. They also feature fine coffee, soups, and sandwiches along with a bevy of imported Dutch goods.
Worldly Goods
If you’re looking for something different and willing to pay fair trade prices, this shop in downtown Ames is worth your time. Many artists from all over the world are busy at work creating everything from decorative art objects and decorations to musical instruments, Worldly Goods has everything you can imagine and a feel-good story you can bring home with your gift too!