- Our list of the best things to do in Ames, Iowa, features the top 40 nearby activities — including 15 great attractions with user approval ratings of 90% or more!
- Ames, IA has a variety of great sights and experiences nearby. Top categories include: Entertainment & Shows, Outdoor Places, Museums & Galleries, and Amusement.
- The results below include the top 19 things to do within the city of Ames, IA , followed by 21 popular activities in nearby cities, including Ankeny, Boone, Madrid and Johnston
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0.0 Miles
Pub food, such as burgers, are crafted daily using fresh and quality ingredients
0.4 Miles
One of the largest American public universities, Iowa State University is located in Ames. Its most highly regarded programs are computer science, information systems, chemistry, biology and engineering. Notable faculty include chemistry professor Daniel Scheckmann, recipient of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistr…
1.8 Miles
Managed by the University of Iowa, Reiman Gardens is an extensive series of botanical gardens that includes a gigantic butterfly house. This attraction is open throughout the year and offers holiday exhibits in its warm greenhouses.
4.8 Miles
Featuring the 6.5-acre McFarland Lake, McFarland Park provides 5.5 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. It can be used for fishing, picnicking, camping and exploring the woodland, tallgrass prairie and stream habitats located in the park.
0.8 Miles
Showcasing live entertainment, from comedy to poetry, Dg's Tap House offers visitors a selection of 40 beers on tap. The bar has a jukebox, Foosball table, dartboards, and televisions for visitors to enjoy.
1.4 Miles
The Brunnier Art Museum, located in Ames, Iowa features a perminate collection as well as rotating exhibits browered from private collections and other museums. A nice variety of interesting items is always available for viewing.
0.6 Miles
Brookside Park offers basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts, a playground, wading pool, and walking path. There are 3 picnic shelters with grills available for rent, and restrooms are located on site.
2.3 Miles
Emma McCarthy Lee Park offers a playground, tennis and sand volleyball courts, picnic tables with grills, and open fields. Restrooms and electrical outlets are available, along with 2 rentable picnic shelters.
1.7 Miles
Located on the site of a former dairy farm, Moore Memorial Park features open grass fields and paths that take visitors into a nature area bordered by a creek. It provides a playground, restroom facilities, picnic tables, grills and shelters.
2.6 Miles
Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a lakeside park with boat access. The park features several short walking trails as well as picnic areas and bike paths. The lake is also suitable for fishing.
0.9 Miles
Located along the South Skunk River, Inis Grove Park provides open green space and nature areas along with basketball and tennis courts. The park has picnic facilities including shelters, tables and grills, a playground, restrooms and horseshoe pits.