Things to do & places to visit in Ames, Iowa, United States

Ames city in Iowa, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 2:41.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Octagon Center for the Arts (13 reviews)
- Excellent Changing Art Exhibits, Classes, and Museum Store
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

The Octagon Center for the Arts is a non-profit community art organization. The Octagon has been a cornerstone of the cultural scene in Ames since 1966. The Octagon serves more than 30,000 people annually through education classes and outreach programs, rotating exhibits, retail gallery shop, and special events such as the annual Octagon Art Festival See more..
5.0 Ames Silversmithing (7 reviews)
- Quality Jewelry with your budget in mind ;)
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

My late husband, Jack, bought me many quality pieces there over our 40 years of marriage. I took up where he left off ;) Their SALES are supper with a large selection for all budget ranges. Staff are outstanding; not pushy; call me by my 1st name each time, and knowledgeable on all their items. You can get your diamonds/fine jewelry cleaned while looking around their remodeled shop with everything laid out beautifully. Their window displays are ALWAYS outstanding; I can't wait to see them every time I'm in the area. Betty Gordon See more..
5.0 North Grand Cinema (5 reviews)
- Family-owned
Spent 1-2 hours Movie Theaters
North Grand Cinema is my favorite and such a bonus to have a family-owned, non-chain theatre in the Ames community. Seats are huge, comfortable, with sliding tables and seats recline. Employees are always super friendly. Previews have a fun retro vibe. Enjoy a movie with a Stubborn Soda or an adult beverage! See more..
5.0 Textile and Clothing Museum (5 reviews)
- Worth a visit even if you cannot sew
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
I was looking for the Global Cafe and happened upon the Textile and Clothing Museum. I had heard about the ISU Design Lab but that is different from this museum. I spent about an hour walking around and looking at the clothing displays. It gave me a greater appreciation of the creativity and time and effort that goes into clothing. Iowa State University has a long history of greatness in home economics and design. This museum displays why ISU has a great reputation in clothing. This exhibit might bore young children. You would need to park on the city street somewhere nearby and pay street meter parking and then walk to the campus building to see the museum. It is easy to do this but you need to be ableto walk a few blocks to do it. See more..
5.0 Butterfly Day Spa (3 reviews)
- What a Great Place
Spas
My girlfirends and I needed a little break from our families and had a hard time finding a spa that could fit us in. The people at Butterfly were more than excellent to us. We all had pedicures and manicures. I have had issues with my neck and got a massage that made me feel like a brand new person. We will be back again for sure. See more..
5.0 Chocolaterie Stam (2 reviews)
- Classy spot for fancy chocolates
Speciality & Gift Shops
A lovely store with really great chocolates and gelato. Nice atmosphere with excellent staff and attention to service. High quality high end chocolates. You ar doing something right if you stop here. See more..
5.0 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (2 reviews)
- Great place of Worship
Churches & Cathedrals

I’ve gone to this church for years. They have been a center for the student community as well as the Catholic and Christian Ames community. Everyone is welcomed to worship here, if desired. Clean. Great sermons. They won’t try to convert you unless YOU ask. Very family and student friendly. Marcy’sDinerTantrumScale 5/5- NoScreamingKids. CyHawkApproved, yes he came with me to Mass one night. See more..
5.0 It's All About Me! Boutique & Spa (1 review)
- This place is amazing!!
Friday: 1:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spas

The only place to go for spa services in Ames! The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. I always leave so relaxed and I will definitely be back!! See more..
5.0 Ooh La Spa (1 review)
- My Massage at Ooh La Spa
Spas
I asked the front desk staff at the hotel I was staying who they would recomend for a massage and they told me a new place that just opened called Ooh La Spa. The three ladies I encountered there were very pleasant and friendly. The location was easy for me to find and the massage was very, very relaxing. I would highly recommend this place to anybody visiting. Also the regulars who have not yet discovered it. Submitted by: Nick Lazlo See more..
5.0 Es Tas Bar and Grill (1 review)
- My Favorite Bar in Ames
Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
I have gone here on multiple occasions and it has never let me down. Their drinks are amazing and the bartenders are super nice and talented. I have asked for a pink fruity margarita pitcher before to challenge the bartenders and was blown away with the results. Food wise, their cheese balls are to die for and their tacos are amazing. You cannot go wrong with coming here for a drink or some food and a drink. See more..
5.0 Farm House Museum (1 review)
- Great to check out between classes
Historic Sites

The building where many influential Iowa State heads or state figures have lived before, it has been restored and preserved to represent the period in which it stood from the late 1800s to early 1900s. It is filled with many genuine items from that time period, and also doubles as a display for historical kerosene lamps. I spent about 30-40 minutes just wandering around the 3-story display between classes, and it definitely can keep your attention if you're looking to kill that time. See more..
4.5 Reiman Gardens (361 reviews)
- Our second best garden visit on our trip
Gardens

Enchanting, 17-acre garden with new display annually; inside find a live, exotic butterfly exhibit and gardens that change seasonally; private rentals available. See more..
4.5 Iowa State University (336 reviews)
- Fun, and don't have to be a student to visit.
Educational sites

Had a lovely time touring the campus, even though I was not a student. There is so much to see, and where to start? Several buildings have either museums or objects on display. Of note were the Art Museum and the Aeronautics building with its airplanes on display. There is a bell tower where they play music and in some cases, a perky co-ed will kiss you. The day I visited there were hammocks out, and student Jousting on the green. See more..
4.5 Alluvial Brewing Company (49 reviews)
- Excellent experience
Friday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Breweries

Wife and I went on a motorcycle ride on a Sunday. Went to Alluvial and wow!! The building and grounds very nice. The imperial milk stout, and oh henry batata autumn ale were exceptional. The art work is beautiful. Highly recommend this place See more..
4.5 Brunnier Art Museum (29 reviews)
- Beautiful Jugs
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

Although I am not a student, I was allowed free access to see the museum. The young lady at the counter pointed out the glass collection and where I could see a nice pair of jugs. The emerald color was spectacular. See more..
4.5 Furman Aquatic Center (21 reviews)
- Love this center!
Spent 1-2 hours Water Parks

We moved here from a somewhat smaller town that had a great pool. I was so relieved to see this was the center that Ames has available. I have three boys grades 4-7. We get a family pass and go in the evenings 2-4 times a week on average. I'm very impressed with their lifeguards, the staff is friendly. Even when it's busy it doesn't feel crowded, I can always find a chair to sit and relax while the kids play. The slides are a lot of fun and I love that we have a lazy river. See more..
4.5 Perfect Games (19 reviews)
- Great outlet for Kids on trip!
Bowling Alleys

Took a group of kids that were in town for a competition. Place was affordable and fun for the kids! Laser tag was $3 per person. Good pizza. Right now they are not serving anything but pizza and appetizers for food. See more..
4.5 Stephens Auditorium (14 reviews)
- Nice place to see a show
Spent 2-3 hours Ballets • Concerts • Symphonies • Theaters • Theatre & Performances

Stephens Auditorium is a 2,729-seat hall, hosting a dazzling array of international performances of music, theater and dance, as well as world-class orchestras, popular Broadway musicals, and explosive country and rock concerts. See more..
4.5 Della Viti (13 reviews)
- Seriously, unexpectedly great place
Friday: 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs

I'm from Twin Cities...visiting...had no idea something like this existed...yet it's in Ames...NICE. Love the concept!! See more..
4.5 London Underground (5 reviews)
- Nice distinctive bar in a college town
Friday: 3:00 PM - 2:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

Wanted to get away from the college kids during ISU orientation and this place fot the bill. Great old school mai tai! Loved our bartender D See more..
4.5 Thumbs (2 reviews)
- Thumbs gets Two Thumbs Up
Bars & Clubs
Thumbs was an energetic atmosphere with a great bartender. The music played was perfect and had the bar dancing and singing along. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great place to have a drink in Ames. Not just a great place for the college kids. See more..
4.0 Torrent Brewing Company (19 reviews)
- Great place!
Breweries

Great beer, awesome atmosphere, fun people! Good for families, couples or grabbing a pint by your lonesome. Highly recommended! See more..
4.0 Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards (18 reviews)
- GREAT Place for parties
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

It is in the country, but close to Ames, has a terrific view of the vineyards, and is a large space for gatherings. See more..
4.0 Movies 12 (13 reviews)
- Newly remodeled
Movie Theaters

Recently remodeled and with reclining/heated seats, and plenty of room between the rows of seats that folks can actually walk between aisles(even those in the "weight challenged department") without moving or putting the seats down. Staff that actually cares....nice touches like mints at the end of the movie. This beats the chain cineplex at the other end of town hands down! Prices can't be beat either. See more..
3.5 North Grand Mall (24 reviews)
- Gets the job done with good connectivity
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

It's really quite a tiny place, but it gets the job done when you need to grab clothes or whatnot. The main positive is how connected it is, it's hooked up to quite a few of the bus routes in the town, and you can easily get there from almost anywhere quickly via public transport. See more..
3.5 Veenker Memorial Golf Course (14 reviews)
- Safe sledging in winter
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Golf Courses

Sorry for this posting, but this will be helpful for travelers. This is an excellent place for sledging during the winter, and that's what we did there last December. Kids simply refuse leaving the place... Happy Holiday folks... See more..
3.5 Welch Ave Station (2 reviews)
- Great College Bar
Friday: 1:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
College bar near ISU campus. Very inexpensive drinks. Fun but chill place with dart boards, pool tables, music and students hanging out. Music not blaring so you could actually sit and have a conversation. See more..
3.0 Whiskey River (16 reviews)
- Everything was good!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
Great restaurant in historic downtown Ames. So much to do there in addition to eating. I went with the Southern fried chicken salad with Tex Mex dressing. Yummy! I was with a party of 8 and everyone had a delicious meal. They are know for the chicken and meatloaf. Brussel sprouts as an appetizer are exceptional too. Great service! See more..
Sportsman's lounge (0 review)
Bars & Clubs
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Blacks Heritage Farm (0 review)
Farms
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