- 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
Showing 21-30 of
129
13.5 Miles
Run by a regional historical society, Boone County Historical Center provides visitors with historical and cultural information about the area. The center has exhibits with artifacts like fossils, Native American tools, taxidermy, and more.
13.5 Miles
Camp Hantesa is a youth summer camp specializing in encouraging children to find their inner creativity and voice. The camp offers after-school programs, summer camp programs as well as special events.
13.5 Miles
Showing the latest blockbuster titles, Fridley Theatres offers the Boone community a family-friendly movie going experience. The small theatre features multiple movie screens and a full service snack and candy bar.
13.6 Miles
The main focus of McHose Park is an 18-hole disc golf course. The course is mostly flat but has very long overall distance and challenging old growth trees and underbrush hazards.
13.7 Miles
Visitors learn about history and culture at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace. The small home has been staged to reflect the lifestyle of Mamie and the venue is run by knowledgeable guides who know every detail about the items in the house.
14.0 Miles
Botanists and plant lovers flock to the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid. The Arboretum includes riots of colorful blossoms, unusual exotic plants, sculptured gardens, elegant creeping plants and plenty of other delights. This attraction is best visited in dry weather.
14.1 Miles
Featuring exhibits detailing the history of railroading from the Civil War until present day, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and James H. Andrew Railroad Museum displays railroad photographs and video footage. The museum also organizes train rides from the depot.
17.2 Miles
Preserved and maintained by the Iowa Historical Society, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a working rail line and mobile museum that offers rides on vintage locomotives. It is open seasonally and closes each winter.
17.2 Miles
Come play in the snow at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone, Iowa. Skiing, tubing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and a host of other exhilarating winter activities make a visit to Seven Oaks a great vacation idea. This destination also rents skis and snowboards.
19.4 Miles
Designed to provide a sophisticated entertainment experience, the Cabaret Bar & Patio features an array of live performers and DJs. Private VIP party rooms are available with bottle service, and the bar offers signature cocktails.