Attractions in Ames, Iowa

Historic Homes & Buildings

Farm House Museum 515-294-3342
Located on the Iowa State University Campus
Open by appointment only to the public, this three story house was the first building on the Iowa State campus. A National Historic Landmark, the 14-room Farm House has... more info
Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace 515-432-1907
709 Carroll Street, Boone, IA 50036
Located 13 Miles West
Original family furniture, a museum and a library can be found at the restored birthplace of former First Lady Mamie Doud Eisenhower, wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the... more info map

Ames Public Library 515-239-5656
515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
A department of the City of Ames, the Ames Public Library features a nice selection of books, videos, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and magazines. Programs are regularly... more info map

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad 515-432-4249
225 10th Street, Boone, IA 50036
Located 13 Miles West
A tourist line railroad, historic railroad items, and equipment can be seen at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. more info map
Boone County Historical Center 515-432-1907
602 Story Street, Boone, IA 50036
Located 13 Miles West
Housed in the former Masonic Temple, built in 1907, the Boone County Historical Center offers exhibits on the natural, geological, Native American, military, and local... more info map
Brunnier Art Museum 515-294-3342
290 Scheman Building, Ames, IA 50011
Located at the Iowa State Center
One of the United States' few museums located within a performing arts and conference complex, the Brunnier Art Museum is Iowa's only accredited museum with an emphasis... more info
Kate Shelley Railroad Museum 515-432-1907
1198 232nd Street, Ames, IA 50036
Located in Moingona
Open by appointment, this restored depot features a working telegraph, railroad memorabilia, and artifacts relating to Kate Shelley's life and the dramatic story of her... more info map
Octagon Center for the Arts 515-232-5331
427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Located in the Ames Main Street Cultural District
The Octagon is a comprehensive community arts center located in an historic four-story building that offers art exhibitions, workshops, and such annual special events as... more info map

McFarland Park
56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010
McFarland Park is a 200-acre area that includes a variety of ecotypes, the Story County Conservation Center, Stargazing Observatory, hard-surfaced Touch-a-Life Trail, a... more info map
Peterson Park
1.75 Miles East of Highway 69 on 180th Street
Peterson Park is a 200-acre park, located four miles north of Ames between Highway 69 and Dayton Road, along the Skunk River Greenbelt. Visitors enjoy such activities... more info
Reiman Gardens 515-294-2710
1407 University Boulevard, Ames, IA 50011
Located at Iowa State University
One of the largest public gardens in Iowa, Reiman Gardens is a year-round facility that is situated on a 14-acre site. It features distinct indoor and outdoor gardens,... more info

Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards 515-232-2747
3801 West 190th Street, Ames, IA 50014
Located 3 Miles North of Ames
Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards' varieties are Cabernet Franc, Chancellor, Chelios, Frontenac, Marchael Foch, Niagara, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, St. Pepin,... more info map