Welcome to Ames! Bike shady trails past prairie wildflowers, grab a cone from a dairy run by students, and cheer with a sea of red and gold as the Cyclones storm the field — Ames is where college town charm meets Big 12 energy in the heart of Iowa. Most visitors come to experience the spirit and spectacle of Iowa State University.
☑️ Ames Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 40 minutes south of Ames
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay near Campustown or downtown for easy access to campus and local eats
- Join your Tour: Schedule a guided walk through Iowa State’s historic campus or a behind-the-scenes football stadium tour
🌻 Day 1: Campus Classics
- Central Campus at ISU: Wander wide green lawns lined with red brick buildings and tall oaks — students and squirrels always included
- Beardshear Hall: Step inside this domed landmark to admire marble staircases and golden touches from another era
- Campanile and Carillon Concert: Catch live bell music as it rings across campus from a Gothic tower that lights up at night
- Reiman Gardens: Explore 17 acres of blooming beds, a tropical butterfly wing, and seasonal outdoor art installations
- Lunch at the MU Food Court: Grab student-favorite bites and eat under skylights just steps from the bookstore
- ISU Dairy Science Farm: Order rich homemade ice cream crafted by students from campus-raised cows
- Evening Walk on Lake LaVerne Trail: Circle the quiet waters where the swan pair Lancelot and Elaine drift beneath the trees
🎨 Day 2: Arts & Downtown
- Brunnier Art Museum: Stroll rotating collections of ceramics, textiles, and Iowa-made sculptures in a sleek modern space
- Christian Petersen Art Museum: See the work of Iowa State’s former artist-in-residence in a building that feels part gallery, part campus time capsule
- Downtown Ames Stroll: Browse quirky shops and century-old storefronts with painted brick, flower boxes, and string lights
- Ames History Museum: Learn how railroads, agriculture, and college life shaped this high-spirited town
- Afternoon Coffee Break: Refuel with locally roasted beans or a sweet seasonal latte at a cozy corner café
- Souvenir Shopping Stop: Pick up a cardinal-and-gold scarf, a Cy the Cardinal magnet, or a “Hilton Magic” T-shirt
- Live Music at Bandshell Park: Stretch out on the grass as local acts fill the evening air with classic covers and summer sounds
🏈 Day 3: Cyclone Spirit
- Jack Trice Stadium Tour: Stand on the turf, walk through the tunnel, and hear the roar of game day in your imagination
- Hilton Coliseum Stop: Visit the arena where Cyclone basketball legends played under banners and bright lights
- ISU Athletics Hall of Fame: Follow the footsteps of All-Americans and Olympians with jerseys, trophies, and stories of victory
- Tailgate Tastes on Lincoln Way: Try smoked brisket, grilled sweet corn, and kettle corn as food trucks roll out before a game
- Game Day Photo at the Cyclone Statue: Snap a classic campus shot with the swirling red-and-gold mascot outside the stadium
- Victory Lane Ice Cream: Celebrate with a post-game scoop or sundae loaded with toppings and team spirit
- Dinner at a College Town Classic: Sit down for comfort food in a place where walls are packed with Cyclone gear and the fries come loaded
📅 Ames Calendar
- Maple Syrup Festival (March): Watch sap turn to syrup and sample pancakes hot off the griddle at McFarland Park
- Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (May–Oct): Saturdays fill downtown with fresh produce, baked goods, and live acoustic sets
- Ames on the Half Shell (May–June): Friday night beer garden and live music series in Bandshell Park
- Summerfest in Campustown (June): Inflatable games, live DJs, and street food turn the student district into a summer carnival
- 4th of July Parade & Fireworks (July): Red, white, and booming — a classic small-town celebration with floats and pyrotechnics
- ISU Football Kickoff (Sept): Saturdays come alive as thousands tailgate and pack the stadium in cardinal and gold
- WinterFest (Dec): A weekend of carriage rides, ice carving, crafts, and cocoa to kick off the holiday season
💡 Ames Tips
- Plan for Game Days: Traffic builds early — park once and walk
- Bring Walking Shoes: Campus is large and built for foot traffic
- Ice Cream Runs Late: The dairy sells out flavors, especially on warm days
- Downtown is Metered: Bring coins or use the app for easy parking
- Book Hotels for Football Weekends Early: Rooms fill fast around home games
- Ride CyRide for Free: The local bus system is easy and fare-free for most routes
- Weather Swings Fast: Pack a hoodie and sunscreen — sometimes you’ll need both in one day
🍦 Ames Menu
- ISU Creamery Ice Cream: Churned from campus dairy cows — flavors range from classic vanilla to inventive student-made blends
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A Midwestern staple — thin, crispy, and bigger than the bun
- Sweet Corn in Season: Steamed or grilled and dripping with butter during summer tailgate season
- Cheese Curds: Fried golden bites served squeaky fresh and best with ranch or ketchup
- Cyclone Burger: A thick patty loaded with bacon, cheese, and onion rings — best after a win
- Scotcheroos: Chocolate-topped bars made from crispy cereal, peanut butter, and butterscotch
- Buttered Popcorn from Jack Trice: Salty and warm, a game-day favorite eaten by the handful