Ames IA

Ames, IA – A charming college town in the heart of Iowa, Ames blends small-town warmth with big-city innovation. Home to Iowa State University, the city pulses with energy, creativity, and community pride. From scenic parks and bike trails to lively downtown cafes and Cyclone game days, Ames invites you to explore a place where education, agriculture, and Midwestern friendliness come together.

• Population: ~66,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers (10-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University campus, downtown Ames, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Brunnier Art Museum.
• Top Activities: Attending Cyclones games, biking in local parks, exploring farmers markets, enjoying live music, visiting botanical gardens.
• Famous Food: Hickory Park’s barbecue, The Cafe’s farm-to-table dishes, and ice cream from the ISU Dairy Science Club.

Ames, Iowa is a thriving Midwestern city known for its strong education, agriculture, and technology sectors. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers diverse job opportunities, especially in research, engineering, and healthcare. Below are the top five most in-demand jobs and careers in the city.

Ames, Iowa, is a friendly, vibrant city that's perfect for students who want to unwind, have fun, and chill out after classes. With a blend of relaxing parks, tasty eateries, and fun hangout spots, Ames has plenty of cool spots just right for student life.

Campustown – Located right by Iowa State University, Campustown is the go-to area for students looking to grab delicious food, hang out over coffee, or enjoy late-night snacks. Popular hotspots like Jeff's Pizza, Arcadia Café, and Insomnia Cookies make this area perfect for after-class hangouts.

Reiman Gardens – For students looking to relax outdoors, Reiman Gardens is ideal. Take an afternoon stroll, explore beautiful plant collections, unwind by the fountains, or check out their butterfly wing for an instant mood booster.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park – Outdoor-loving students gather here to enjoy sunny weather and nature walks. This park features scenic trails for biking, hiking, and relaxing next to a beautiful lake. It's perfect for a weekend picnic or a laidback bike ride with friends.

Perfect Games – A popular student hangout spot for a fun time with friends, Perfect Games offers bowling lanes, laser tag, mini-golf, and arcade games all under one roof. It's a great spot for relaxed afternoons or lively weekends.

Café Diem – A comfortable, welcoming café in downtown Ames, Café Diem serves delicious coffee, teas, pastries, and sandwiches. It's the perfect place for students to meet friends, unwind with a book, or simply chill out with their favorite drink.

North Grand Mall – Need a shopping break or quick retail therapy? North Grand Mall provides a variety of shopping choices, eateries, and a movie theater. It’s great for casual outings, quick food stops, or chill afternoons catching the latest movie.

Welch Avenue Nightlife – Ames students love Welch Avenue for its energetic nightlife scene. Featuring popular spots like Welch Ave Station, Paddy’s, and Es Tas Bar & Grill, it's perfect for grabbing food, enjoying live music, or just hanging out with friends after a busy week.

Ames, Iowa is a vibrant college town best known for its academic excellence and strong community. The city is a leader in research, innovation, and student success, making it a great destination for higher education.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Ames

Iowa State University – As one of the nation’s top public research universities, Iowa State is widely respected for its programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and design. With a strong emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning, the university supports over 30,000 students from all over the world.

Des Moines Area Community College (Ames Center) – Located in the heart of Ames, this branch of DMACC provides affordable education and transfers easily to Iowa State University. It offers associate degrees in liberal arts, nursing, science, and more.

Iowa Valley Community College District (Satellite Services) – Though headquartered nearby, this institution offers academic resources and programming within the Ames region. Known for its small class sizes and personalized instruction, it’s a great start for students entering career-focused programs.

Kirkwood Community College (Educational Partnership) – While based in Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood has formed partnerships in Story County to offer certification and training programs convenient for Ames residents. Their focus is on skilled trades and healthcare education.

North Iowa Area Community College (Workforce Programs near Ames) – With a mission to support workforce development, NIACC extends technical and adult education programs to students in central Iowa. Their flexible schedules and online classes serve working adults and recent high school graduates.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Ames

Graceland University (Ames Satellite Campus) – Known for its quality education and values-based approach, Graceland offers programs in education, nursing, and business. The Ames location provides accessible evening and weekend classes for working professionals.

Dordt University (Extension Programs in Ames) – Though its main campus is in Sioux Center, Dordt provides educational outreach and online degree options in the Ames area. The university emphasizes Christian values and academic integrity.

Simpson College (Distance Education) – With a strong liberal arts foundation, Simpson offers programs in criminal justice, business, and education. Their flexible format makes it easy for Ames residents to earn a degree while managing careers and families.

Upper Iowa University (Ames Center previously active) – While its Ames center is no longer active, UIU has a strong online presence and continues to serve students in the area with degrees in public administration, psychology, and human services.

Grand View University (Online programs serving Ames) – Located in Des Moines, Grand View offers online degree options for students in Ames. It is known for strong programs in nursing, education, and business leadership.

Ames, Iowa, is known for its strong emphasis on education, and it offers excellent high school choices for families. From top-rated public schools to reputable private institutions, students in Ames can access quality academics and development opportunities to prepare them for college and careers.

Top Public High Schools in Ames, IA

• Ames High School – The only public high school in the Ames Community School District, it is well-known for strong academics, sports, and arts programs. Ames High consistently ranks as one of the top schools in Iowa and boasts a high graduation and college acceptance rate.
• Gilbert High School – Located just north of Ames, this school ranks highly for academic performance and student engagement. It offers strong Advanced Placement (AP) programs and a supportive learning environment.
• Ballard High School – Serving the nearby Huxley area, Ballard provides access to quality teachers and a range of academic and extracurricular programs. It receives high marks for college readiness and school culture.
• Nevada High School – While technically outside Ames, this nearby public school provides a tight-knit atmosphere with a strong focus on STEM education and student success.
• Colo-NESCO High School – A smaller school within driving distance from Ames, it offers a personalized learning environment and growing academic programs.

Top Private High Schools in Ames, IA

• Cornerstone School of Ames – This faith-based school offers grades from preschool through high school. It provides a Christ-centered education with strong academic programs and a focus on moral development.
• Lutheran Interparish School (LIS) – While primarily focused on younger grades, high school programs are being developed in partnership with other institutions. LIS provides a structured, values-driven learning environment.
• Des Moines Christian School – Located in nearby Urbandale, it attracts students from the Ames area. This private school is known for academic excellence, a strong faith-based approach, and college preparatory programs.
• Grand View Christian School – Though located in Des Moines, some Ames families opt for this school due to its strong academics and religious instruction. It serves middle and high school students with college-prep tracks.
• St. Pius X School (affiliated with Dowling Catholic High School) – Dowling is not in Ames but often considered among the best private options for students in central Iowa. It offers a rigorous Catholic education and is well-regarded for preparing students for higher education.

Ames, Iowa may not have any professional major league sports teams like larger cities, but it is a city with a deep passion for sports, especially at the collegiate level. Located in central Iowa, Ames is home to Iowa State University, whose teams compete at the highest level of college sports. While professional teams in the four major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) are not based directly in Ames, fans in the region follow pro teams from nearby cities like Des Moines, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Kansas City.

🏈 Football – No Professional Teams in Ames, Closest: Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

• No NFL teams are located in Ames, but the city is passionate about football thanks to the Iowa State Cyclones, whose games often draw more than 60,000 fans to Jack Trice Stadium.
• Minnesota Vikings – Based in Minneapolis, the Vikings are a popular choice among Iowa football fans. While they have not won a Super Bowl, they have claimed four NFC championships and have a loyal following throughout the Midwest.

🏀 Basketball – No Professional Teams in Ames, Closest: Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)

• No NBA teams in Ames, but collegiate basketball is a highlight, with Hilton Coliseum packed during college basketball season. The Iowa State Cyclones men's and women's teams are regularly featured in national tournaments.
• Minnesota Timberwolves – Located in Minneapolis, this team draws support from Iowa fans. The Timberwolves made a strong return to prominence in recent NBA seasons with stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.

⚾ Baseball – Minor League Teams Near Ames: Iowa Cubs (Des Moines, Triple-A Affiliate)

• Ames does not have a Major League Baseball team, but baseball fans can enjoy the Iowa Cubs in nearby Des Moines—just a 45-minute drive away. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and plays at Principal Park.
• Chicago Cubs & Kansas City Royals – These two MLB teams have strong fan bases within Iowa. The Cubs won the 2016 World Series after a 108-year drought, and the Royals won in 2015.

🏒 Hockey – Closest Teams: Iowa Wild (AHL) and NHL Teams in Minnesota or Illinois

• No NHL teams play in Ames, but hockey fans in the region often support the Iowa Wild, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, based in Des Moines.
• Minnesota Wild (NHL) – As the nearest NHL franchise, the Wild are popular throughout Iowa. Though they have not yet won a Stanley Cup, they consistently make playoff appearances and are known for their defense-first style.

⚽ Soccer – No MLS Teams in Ames, Closest: Sporting KC (MLS)

• Ames does not have a Major League Soccer team, but some local clubs and community leagues offer recreational play opportunities.
• Sporting Kansas City – Based in Kansas City, the club has won multiple titles including two MLS Cups (2000, 2013). They are the closest MLS team to Ames and have a strong Midwestern following.

While Ames lacks major professional teams, its love for sports is fueled by Iowa State University and easy access to nearby professional franchises. Fans in Ames support regional teams and make road trips to cheer on their favorites, creating a vibrant sports culture rooted in both college and pro traditions.

Ames, Iowa is more than just a charming Midwest college town. With its strong connection to science, culture, and community spirit, Ames offers fascinating and unique qualities that set it apart. Here are 10 fun facts about this vibrant city:

1. Home of Iowa State University – Ames is known for Iowa State University, which was the first land-grant university in the U.S., opening its doors in 1858.
2. The Birthplace of the Computer – The world's first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff–Berry Computer, was developed at Iowa State in the late 1930s.
3. City of Innovation – Ames hosts the National Animal Disease Center and several USDA facilities, making it a hub for agricultural and environmental research.
4. Ranked One of the Best Places to Live – Ames frequently appears on national lists as one of the best small cities to live in, work, and raise a family.
5. Over 36 Public Parks – For a small city, Ames boasts an impressive park system with more than 1,200 acres of green space for walking, biking, and playing year-round.
6. NASA-Connected – Iowa State’s Space Grant Consortium ties Ames to NASA, encouraging aerospace education and research.
7. Cyclone Spirit – The town lights up with excitement during ISU Cyclones athletic events, drawing fans from all over the state to games at Jack Trice Stadium.
8. Smartest City in the U.S. – Ames has one of the highest percentages of residents with college degrees in the country, thanks to its strong academic community.
9. Art on Display – Public art is everywhere in Ames, from sculptures on Main Street to exhibits at the Octagon Center for the Arts.
10. Science Fiction Namesake – NASA's Ames Research Center in California was named after Joseph Sweetman Ames, a key supporter of aviation and science, but ironically has no location link to Ames, Iowa.