Things to do in Ames

Welcome to Ames!

Congratulations on making it to the 2025 Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals! While you’re here, we invite you to explore Ames! Here are four things to get you started:

1. A taste of Ames

We know you’re hungry, and we’re here to help. We’ve put together a guide to all the unique flavors, fast food, pizza-on-the-go, hip cafes, bar-and-grills, and down-home goodness that Ames has to offer. To help you narrow down all the choices, here are a few suggestions:

• At Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., order the thick, Denver-style pizza, and be sure to save some of the rolled-edge crust to drench with honey for dessert. Located in downtown Ames

• Hungry for barbecue? Try Hickory Park on South Duff (save room for ice cream!); award-winning Cornbred BBQ is located on Main.

• Wallaby’s in north Ames is a sports bar and grill that celebrates all things Iowa State athletics.

• Close to campus, you’ll find Macubana, Pizza Pit, Tosca, Jeff’s Pizza, and more in the Campustown neighborhood.

• For local coffee, try Burgie’s, Café Diem, or Morning Bell Coffee Roasters.

2. Downtown Ames

Find local, independent shops filled with books, plants, consignment, vintage, and more – and be sure to check out downtown’s unique coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. On Saturday morning, Main Street transforms into the area’s best farmers’ market.

3. Reiman Gardens

If you have time, visit this 17-acre botanical garden – part of Iowa State University. You’ll find flowers, a butterfly wing, and Elwood, the world’s largest concrete gnome.

4. Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Located on Hwy. 69 just north of Ames, this recreational lake area offers a 3.2-mile walking path and upland trails – a perfect stress reliever!

Find more information at DiscoverAmes.com. To get around Ames, CyRide can help!