Location: Central Iowa, home to Iowa State University
Vibe: Friendly, youthful, with a mix of academic energy and small-town warmth
Best For: Families, college visitors, solo travelers, foodies, outdoor lovers, history buffs, and RV explorers
🛌 Where to Stay in Ames
Hotel at Iowa State University – Modern, convenient, and full of Cyclone pride Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Comfortable and centrally located Graduate Ames – Boutique hotel with quirky college-themed decor Airbnbs – Quaint bungalows and apartments near campus RVers: Ames/ISU KOA Journey and Brookside Park Campground offer good facilities and easy access
🗓️ DAY ONE: College Town Energy & Cultural Exploration
☕ Morning: Wake Up and Sip
Grab coffee and a homemade pastry at Peet’s Coffee or the cozy Sola Coffee Café downtown.
Stroll through Iowa State University campus: Visit the iconic Campanile Tower and listen for the hourly chimes Explore the Central Campus Mall and admire the seasonal flower beds Stop by the Brunnier Art Museum for unique regional exhibits Wander through the Reiman Gardens — a 17-acre horticultural oasis with beautiful themed gardens, butterfly conservatory, and a tropical rainforest dome
🛍️ Midday: Downtown Ames & Shopping
Explore Historic Main Street — a vibrant stretch of shops, boutiques, and eateries.
Browse at Paper Heart Boutique for gifts and local art Stop by Ames Drug — a classic old-school pharmacy with soda fountain charm Lunch at Ted’s Montana Grill for bison burgers and local flavors, or The Breakfast Club for a hearty midday feast
🚶♀️ Afternoon: Museums and Outdoors
Visit the Octagon Center for the Arts, an artist cooperative featuring rotating exhibitions and hands-on workshops Explore Ada Hayden Heritage Park for walking trails, birdwatching, and lakeside serenity For a dose of history, visit the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad just 20 minutes away — take a vintage train ride through picturesque Iowa countryside
🍽️ Evening: Dinner & Nightlife
Dinner Picks: Dublin Bay Pub — Irish pub fare with a warm atmosphere Lucca — Italian dining with a cozy vibe Iowa Chop House — Classic steaks and Midwestern hospitality Nightlife: The Maintenance Shop — Live music venue hosting local and regional acts Olde Main Brewing Company — Craft beer and friendly crowds Peoples Brewing Company — Known for experimental brews and a lively taproom
🗓️ DAY TWO: Outdoors, Wacky Finds & Hidden Gems
🌳 Morning: Adventure in Nature
Head to Ledges State Park, just a 15-minute drive west. Explore:
Hiking trails through sandstone cliffs and rugged canyons Photo ops overlooking the Des Moines River valley Picnicking or fishing by the water
🧭 Midday: Wacky & Unique Attractions
Visit the Ames Main Street Farmers Market (seasonal) for fresh produce, crafts, and local treats Stop by the World’s Largest Truck Stop in nearby Walcott (about an hour away) for quirky souvenirs and snacks Explore the Farmers State Bank building — the oldest in Ames, for a touch of architectural history
🛍️ Afternoon: Antiquing & Hobbies
Hunt for treasures at Ames Antique Mall Visit The BrewLab to try brewing your own craft beer with expert guidance Check out Ames Photography Club events or local galleries for creative inspiration
🌅 Evening: Relax & Dine
Dinner at HoQ — a cocktail bar with inventive drinks and small plates Try Bombers Burrito Bar for casual, flavorful eats End the day with a stroll around Ada Hayden Lake for sunset reflections
🎯 Things to Do For Every Traveler
👨👩👧👦 Families
Reiman Gardens butterfly house Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad train rides Ledges State Park hiking
👯 Girls’ Trip
Boutique shopping downtown Spa treatments at local salons Wine tasting events at Summit Winery
🧔 Guys’ Trip
Brewery tours Golf at Ames Golf & Country Club Outdoor fishing and hiking
🎒 Solo & Single Travelers
Coffee shop hopping and book browsing Art workshops at Octagon Center Quiet nature walks
🚐 RV & Camping
Ames/ISU KOA with full hookups Brookside Park Campground near the city Ledges State Park primitive camping for nature lovers
📸 Most Photogenic Spots
Campanile Tower framed by autumn leaves Sunset over Ada Hayden Lake Colorful blooms in Reiman Gardens The sandstone formations of Ledges State Park Historic brick storefronts on Main Street
🍽️ Foodie Favorites Cheat Sheet
Breakfast: The Breakfast Club, Little Tokyo Lunch: Ted’s Montana Grill, Pizza Pit Dinner: Dublin Bay Pub, Lucca, Iowa Chop House Snacks & Treats: Van’s Ice Cream, Tasty Tacos Drinks: Olde Main Brewing, Peoples Brewing, The BrewLab
🌤️ Best Times to Visit
Spring: Gardens bloom, farmers markets start Summer: Festivals, lake activities, warm trails Fall: Stunning foliage, football games, cozy eateries Winter: Quiet charm, holiday events, warm coffee shops
🌟 Final Thoughts
Ames is a welcoming blend of vibrant college town energy and genuine Midwestern charm. Whether you’re wandering its leafy campus, hiking in nearby state parks, or savoring farm-to-table flavors downtown, Ames offers a memorable mix of exploration, relaxation, and local spirit. It’s the perfect basecamp for a heartland adventure, whether solo, with friends, family, or your RV in tow.
Hagan Happenstance 