Best of Ames, IA
Home of Iowa State University
About Ames
Ames is located in Story County, central Iowa, roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines. As the home of Iowa State University, it serves as a major educational hub where students comprised about half of the city's population in fall 2023. The 2020 census recorded a total population of 66,427, ranking it as the state's ninth-most populous city.
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Union Drive Marketplace
Union Drive Marketplace is a cafeteria-style restaurant located at 207 Beyer Court.
View details →The best of Ames
Best Hotels in Ames
25 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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AmericInn by Wyndham Ames
AmericInn by Wyndham Ames is a hotel located in the Iowa State Center.
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Baymont Inn & Suites Ames
Baymont Inn & Suites Ames is a hotel located in the Iowa State Center.
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Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites is a hotel located in the Iowa State Center neighborhood.
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Country Inn & Suites
Country Inn & Suites is a hotel located in the Iowa State Center neighborhood.
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Days Inn by Wyndham Ames
Days Inn by Wyndham Ames is a hotel located in the Iowa State Center neighborhood.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Ames
The Hampton Inn & Suites Ames is located in the Iowa State Center neighborhood. It offers a convenient stay for visitors to the area.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Ames
Home2 Suites by Hilton Ames is a hotel located in the Iowa State Center.
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Iowa House
Iowa House is a historic hotel located at 405 Hayward Drive, near Union Drive in Ames, Iowa.
Best Restaurants in Ames
67 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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1+1 Restaurant & Tea
1+1 Restaurant & Tea serves Chinese cuisine in the Union Drive area.
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Abelardo's Mexican Food
Abelardo's Mexican Food is a restaurant located in Iowa State Center serving Mexican cuisine.
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Aunt Maude's
Aunt Maude's is an American restaurant located in the Iowa State Center.
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Blue Fish Hawaii Poke Bowl
Blue Fish Hawaii Poke Bowl is a Hawaiian restaurant located on Union Drive.
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Brick City Grill
Brick City Grill is a burger restaurant located in the Somerset neighborhood.
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Clyde's Gastro Diner
Clyde's Gastro Diner serves burgers and American dishes in a casual setting.
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Cornbred Barbeque
Cornbred Barbeque is a restaurant in the Iowa State Center that serves American barbecue.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Ames
24 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Cabin Coffee Co.
Cabin Coffee Co. is a coffee shop located at 2721 East 13th Street. It offers a variety of coffee drinks in a casual setting.
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Morning Bell Coffee Roasters
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters is a coffee shop located at 111 Main Street.
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Stomping Grounds Cafe
Stomping Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop located at 303 Welch Avenue.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Ames
23 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Es Tas Bar & Grill
Es Tas Bar & Grill serves Mexican drinks in a relaxed setting on Union Drive.
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London Underground
London Underground is a bar located in the Iowa State Center area.
Best Things to Do in Ames
6 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Ames History Museum
The Ames History Museum is located in the Iowa State Center and offers a glimpse into local history.
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Brunnier Art Museum
Brunnier Art Museum is an attraction located in the Iowa State Center.
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Farm House Museum
The Farm House Museum in Richardson Court is the oldest building on the Iowa State University campus, originally built in 1860 as part of the model farm for Iowa Agricultural College.
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Octagon Center for the Arts
The Octagon Center for the Arts is located in the Iowa State Center. It hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions.
Best Shops in Ames
25 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Duck Worth Wearing
Duck Worth Wearing is a shop located in the Iowa State Center.
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The Funky Zebras Ames
The Funky Zebras Ames is a shop located in the Schilletter-University Village neighborhood.
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Ames Christian Supply
Ames Christian Supply is a shop located in the Iowa State Center area. It offers religious items for the community.
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Everts Flowers Home Gifts
Everts Flowers Home Gifts is a shop located in the Iowa State Center.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Ames
51 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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Gateway Park
Gateway Park is a public green space located in the Iowa State Center neighborhood. It provides open lawns and walking paths for visitors.
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Greenbriar Park
Greenbriar Park is a public park located in the Iowa State Center neighborhood.
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Inis Grove Park
Inis Grove Park is a park located in the Schilletter‑University Village neighborhood.
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Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens is a university‑owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.
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