The Ames Experience

Home of Iowa State University
Ranked among "The Top 50 Public National Universities" by U.S. News & World Report, Iowa State University has over 26,000 students enrolled from all 50 states and 103 other countries encompassing a beautiful central campus that is one of only three university campuses to make the American Association of Landscape Architect's centennial listing of "Medallion Sites".

Enjoy Entertainment at its Finest
The Iowa State Center, a four building entertainment and education complex on Iowa State's campus, hosts popular Broadway performances and leading musical artists, featuring pop, rock, country and folk music for audiences ranging up to 14,000.  Music lovers will also enjoy the wide range of artistic performances put on by the Iowa State music department.  The Ames City Auditorium also hosts a variety of dance, theater and musical performances each year.  During the summer months, stop by the Durham Bandshell in Bandshell Park for a memorable concert.

What's Your Game?
Whether you're a fan or participant, Ames offers a variety of athletic opportunities for all ages.  The Iowa State University Cyclones, part of the prestigious Big 12 Conference, boast a winning tradition in a variety of men's and women's sports.  Ames is also the annual host of both the Iowa Games Summer Sports Festival and the Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games.

The Great Outdoors
Enjoy 33 woodland parks and open spaces, 55 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, five different golf courses encompassing varying terrains and the 14-acre Reiman Gardens, one of the largest public gardens in Iowa, featuring distinctive theme gardens that change annually, an indoor conservatory and an indoor butterfly wing.

Save Time for Shopping
Find something special for everyone when you visit Ames' unique shopping districts, including the Main Street Cultural District, North Grand Mall, and Campustown.

Easy to Find
Ames is conveniently located at the crossroads of Interstate 35 and US Highway 30, just 30 minutes north of Des Moines and only 3 hours from Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Omaha.

Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a visitors guide to meeting facilities, dining, lodging, and local recreational activities and sporting events.  For more information, visit the ACVB's web site.


Source:  Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau