Ames is located in central Iowa roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines, in the eastern part of Story County, astride the Skunk River. The city was named after Massachusetts congressman, shovel tycoon, and transcontinental railroad supporter Oakes Ames, the railroad is still a daily part of Ames life, with nearly 90 Union Pacific long-haul freight trains passing through town each day over several at-grade road crossings. Unfortunately, no passenger rail service is available to the city. Life in Ames follows the ebb and flow of the academic year at Iowa State University, the city's largest employer. Other major employers include the Iowa Department of Transportation, Sauer-Danfoss, Ball Corporation, and Barilla.

Get In

By car
Traveling from the north (eg, Minneapolis, approximate drive time 2.5 hours) or from the south (eg, from Des Moines, 0.5 hours, or from Kansas City, approximately 3 hours), take I-35 to exit 113 and drive west along 13th Street to Clark Avenue. Head south on Clark Avenue to City Hall and the Main Street district. Traveling from the east (Chicago, 5.5 hours) or from the west (Omaha, 2 hours), take I-80 to I-35, and then I-35 north and as above.

By bus
Trailways. Has a location on the north side of Lincoln Way east of Duff Avenue and west of Dayton Road, but this location is not yet integrated into the city bus or bike- and foot-path system, so have car transportation arranged if arriving by long-distance bus.

By plane
Shuttle service is available from Out of Town transport to/from the Des Moines International airport. If flying via charter or general aviation, one can use Ames' airport on the southern edge of town, south of Airport Road, but again, privately-arranged car transport is the best bet from there into town.

Activities

Iowa State University sporting event Men's football and men's and women's basketball are probably the biggest draws, but Iowa State is also a national power in mens' wrestling and the university fields teams in several other sports in the Big 12 Conference, at the NCAA Division I level.
Cultural events at Iowa State Center Concerts and plays at Scheman and Fisher theaters.

Attractions

 • Brunnier Museum.
 • Farm House Museum.
 • Christian Peterson sculpture collection. Located around the ISU campus.
 • Hoggatt School. A historical one-room schoolhouse.
 • Iowa State University Campanile

Shopping

Iowa State University licensed paraphernalia (sweaters and such) are available from several retailers around town, but perhaps most notably at the bookstores on or near campus along Lincoln Way. Other specialty shopping can be had in Campustown, Somerset, or downtown.

For big-box chain stores, the major shopping areas are along south Duff Avenue from Lincoln Way south past U.S. Highway 30, and along east of north Grand Avenue near the North Grand Mall, between 24th Street and Bloomington Avenue.

Dining

 • Aunt Maude's, Main St, on the west end. Slightly more formal dining.
 • Bali Satay House. Vegetarian friendly.
 • Cafe Beaudalaire, Lincoln Way, in Campustown. Vegetarian friendly.
 • Hickory Park, South Duff. Barbecue.
 • Battle's BBQ, Welch Ave. Barbecue.
 • If it's outdoor grill season, stop by the Iowa State Meats Lab and pick up some cuts.

Drink

The college club scene is served by an ever-shifting array of bars and clubs in Campustown.