Timeline
16:22
Grab a coffee and a seat at Morning Bell Coffee Roasters. The barista recommends the local roast, and the space is warm and inviting before the evening chill sets in.
16:32
Walk five minutes WNW to the Iowa Farm Mural. This piece from the Ames Murals: An Open Air Gallery project captures the region's agricultural roots. It is a great spot to stretch your legs and get oriented.
16:47
Walk four minutes W to the Cardinal and Flower Mural. This vibrant artwork adds a splash of color to the downtown streetscape and is perfectly positioned for the approaching light.
17:07
Return to the Iowa Farm Mural area for the main event. The sun sets toward the W, casting long shadows and golden light across the downtown district. The mural stands as a quiet witness to the day ending.
17:37
The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company
End the evening with dinner at The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company. The pizza crust is hearty and popular, and the honey dipping sauce is a unique local touch. It is open late, so you can stay as long as you like.
Local tip
The walk between the murals is short and flat. If you want to see more public art, the AAOSE Site is also nearby at the anchor.
Check before you go
- Morning Bell Coffee Roasters is open Mo-Su 07:00-17:00. For the sunset plan, arrive before 17:00 to order.
- The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company is open Mo-Th 11:00-14:00,16:30-24:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-24:00; Su 11:00-23:00.
- Check the route if you are coming from outside the immediate downtown area.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Ames (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).