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.

Address: 5205 Grand Ave
Hours: 6AM-10:30PM
Price: Free
Website: cityofames.org (opens in a new tab)

Directions Suggest a nearby place

Listing from Wikivoyage: Ames, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Close by

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
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
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
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