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Locrawl

Ames

Ames is a pleasant college town in Central Iowa, sitting astride the Skunk River roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines. Life in Ames follows the ebb and flow of the academic year at Iowa State University, which is the city's primary draw.

See
6
Do
1
Eat
10
Drink
6

23 places

  1. Do

    Ada Hayden Heritage Park

    Just north of town is this small lake that makes for a pleasant fishing and picnicking spot. A biking/hiking trail circles the lake, and a ramp for small boats is also available.

    6AM-10:30PMFree

  2. See

    Ames History Center

    A small museum run by the local historical society with exhibits and displays on Ames history. Books, historic postcards, and self-guided walking tour brochures are available for purchase here.

    Tue-Sat 10AM-4PMFree

  3. Eat

    Aunt Maude's

    Pricey but popular steakhouse with semi-formal atmosphere, which has made it something of an Ames standby with so few formal restaurants to go around. Patio and bar.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-2PM; Mon-Sat 5PM-close$15-40

  4. See

    Brunnier Art Museum

    Holding fine and decorative art items from around the world, including European decorative arts and American prints, paintings and sculpture, with an emphasis on Iowan artists.

    Tue-Fri 11AM-4PM, Sat Sun 1-4PMFree; suggested donation of $3

  5. See

    Campanile

    Overlooking the central lawn is this classically-designed clock and bell tower, frequently used as an icon for the university.

  6. See

    Christian Peterson Art Museum

    Located in one of the oldest buildings on campus, this museum holds a series of changing contemporary art exhibitions. A small sculpture garden with changing exhibits is located behind the building.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-4PMFree; donations accepted

  7. See

    Farm House Museum

    The oldest building on campus, the Farm House was the center of life for the model farm that was the entirety of the university during its founding years. Today it is operated as a historical museum with period furnishings.

    Mon Wed Fri noon-4PM, Tue Thu 12:30-4PMFree, $3 suggested donation per visitor

  8. Eat

    Hickory Park

    A huge and very popular Western-themed restaurant that has long been an Ames staple and is great for kids, parties, and large groups. American and Iowan fare, featuring pulled pork/beef sandwiches and a dessert menu boasting over 50 selections. Huge seating area, though there is often a wait to get a table on the weekends; however, the wait passes quickly and the waiting area has enough interesting decor and distractions like a TV and cheap candy to keep you occupied. Very popular with families. Diabetics beware.

    Sun-Thu 10:30AM-9PM, Fri Sat 10:30AM-10PM$10 with dessert

  9. Eat

    Jeff's Pizza

    Pizza place offering some unusual toppings, Iowa State student favorite. Eat in or delivery.

    Sun-Tue 10:30AM-1AM, Wed Thu 10:30AM-2:30AM, Fri Sat 10:30AM-3:30AM

  10. Drink

    Mickey's Irish Pub

    Frat-bar with dance floor in the basement but not considered a club.

  11. Drink

    Paddy's Irish Pub

    Relaxed dive bar with mostly standing room only (on the weekends) and overly loud music for dancing. Two-Fer-Tuesdays and dollar burgers on Wednesdays.

  12. See

    Reiman Gardens

    It was created to provide staff and students of the university a place to relax and enjoy nature. It is a large botanical garden with indoor and outdoor displays. Among the highlights are a lovely rose garden, a conservatory, and a popular butterfly garden.

    Daily 9AM-4:30PM; extended hours in summer$8 adults, $7 seniors, $4 children

  13. Eat

    Stomping Grounds

    A coffee shop/art gallery that is a popular student hangout and serves good cappuccinos and mochas, along with decent sandwiches and teas. Service takes a while, though.

    Mon-Fri 7AM-midnight, Sat Sun 8AM-midnight

  14. Eat

    The Cafe

    Very popular restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine, vegetarian options, casual but chic atmosphere. Great desserts and wine list.

    Mon-Thu 7AM-9PM, Fri Sat 7AM-10PM, Sun 7AM-8PM$5-20

  15. Eat

    The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company

    Pizza is hearty, but popular because of the crust. Has honey as a dipping sauce.

    Mon-Thu 11AM-2PM, 4:30PM-midnight; Fri Sat 11AM-midnight; Sun 11AM-11PM

  16. Drink

    Welch Avenue Station

    One of the longest-standing bars in town. The atmosphere is more traditional than the more "hip" and "modern" bars around town. Has regular bar food as well as pizza from the Pizza Pit upstairs.

    Mon-Thu 4PM-2AM, Fri 1PM-2AM, Sat Sun 11AM-2AM

  17. Eat

    West Street Deli

    A pleasant and rather unassuming deli on a quiet side of campus. Excellent sandwiches.

    Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM

  18. Drink

    Whiskey River

    Dive bar on Main Street in downtown, three miles from campus.

    Mon-Sat 11AM-2AM, Sun 10AM-2AM

  19. Drink

    Cy's Roost

    Sports bar.

  20. Eat

    Downtown Deli

    Very bare-bones, but a nice local choice for sandwiches.

  21. Drink

    Sips

    Dance club.

  22. Eat

    Thai Kitchen

    A small Thai restaurant with friendly atmosphere.

    Tue-Fri 11AM-8:30PM, Sat Sun noon-8:30PM

  23. Eat

    The Spice

    Thai cuisine with a nice ambiance.

    Mon-Sat 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM