Timeline
15:24
Grab a burger and a drink at Clyde's Gastro Diner. It is open from 07:30 to 20:00, so you have plenty of time to eat and digest before heading to the gardens.
16:04
Walk to Reiman Gardens. The entrance is just a short stroll from the diner. Enter and head straight for the outdoor rose garden and the conservatory. The golden light hitting the glass and petals is the main event.
16:54
Head to Welch Avenue Station for a nightcap. This traditional bar is open until 02:00 on weekdays, making it a perfect, relaxed spot to end the evening after the gardens close.
Local tip
Reiman Gardens closes at 4:30 PM, so you must arrive early. The golden light starts at 16:24, meaning you only have about 40 minutes to enjoy the outdoors before it gets dark. Check the route from Clyde's Gastro Diner to the gardens if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Check before you go
- Reiman Gardens closes at 4:30 PM. Arrive by 4:00 PM latest to see the golden light outdoors.
- Clyde's Gastro Diner is open 07:30-20:00.
- Welch Avenue Station is open Mo-Th 16:00-02:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Ames (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).