Ames | USA Iowa

Ames is a city in Story County, located approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines. It is the site of Iowa State University (ISU) and serves as a major national center for agricultural and veterinary research, as well as biorenewable energy development.

Historical Timeline

Founded in 1864 as a station on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad, the city was named after U.S. Congressman Oakes Ames. Its identity was permanently established by the 1858 founding of the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm (now ISU). The primary event shaping its modern urban form was the post-WWII expansion of the university and the 1961 establishment of the National Animal Disease Center, which transformed Ames into a high-tech research enclave.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 67,000. The top three ethnic demographics are White (78.4%), Asian (10.2%), and Hispanic/Latino (4.1%). The population is highly transient and seasonal, with over 30,000 students residing in the city during the academic year. The median age is 23.5 years, among the lowest in the state.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Ames is organized around three primary activity centers.

Campustown: Located south of the ISU campus, this is a high-density area featuring student-oriented retail, nightlife, and housing.

Main Street (Downtown): The historic commercial core, located approximately two miles east of campus, featuring local boutiques and the city’s administrative offices.

South Ames: A rapidly developing commercial and industrial district housing the ISU Research Park and major retail outlets.

Somerset: A planned "New Urbanism" neighborhood in North Ames characterized by mixed-use development and walkability.

Top City Landmarks

Iowa State University Campus: Specifically the Central Campus, often cited as one of the most beautiful in the U.S.

Reiman Gardens: A 17-acre botanical garden featuring a massive butterfly wing structure and a tropical conservatory.

Jack Trice Stadium: Home to the ISU Cyclones football team.

Brunnier Art Museum: Located in the Scheman Building, featuring a significant collection of decorative arts.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park: A 437-acre park converted from a former quarry, popular for kayaking and bird watching.

Transportation Network

The city is served by CyRide, a nationally recognized, high-frequency bus system operated as a partnership between the city and the university. There is no passenger rail service; the nearest Amtrak access is in Osceola. I-35 and US-30 are the primary highway arterials. Uber and Lyft are highly active, though demand peaks heavily during university events. Traffic is generally light but becomes extreme during ISU home football games.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Crime is statistically low, with property theft and bicycle theft being the most frequent issues. There are no designated "red zones." Standard precautions are recommended in the Campustown area during late-night weekend hours due to high student density.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 300–1,000 Mbps via MetroNet (Fiber), ICS Advanced Technologies, or Mediacom. Mobile coverage is universal. Card acceptance is 100%. ATMs are ubiquitous in the Campustown and Downtown districts.

Climate & Air Quality

Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C; winter temperatures range from -12°C to -1°C. Air quality is exceptionally high. Ames experiences significant seasonal variation with an average of 33 inches of annual snowfall.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping is expected at 18–25%. Social norms are "academic-casual" and friendly. The "Cyclone" athletic culture is the primary social driver. The dress code is "casual." Smoking is prohibited in all public indoor spaces and on the entire ISU campus.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in Campustown for immediate access to the university and vibrant nightlife.

Stay near South Duff Avenue / US-30 for standard commercial hotel chains and proximity to the Research Park.

Local Cost Index

Espresso: $4.25

Standard Lunch: $14.00

Bus Ticket: $1.00 (Students/Staff ride free)

Nearby Day Trips

Des Moines: 50 km (40 minutes by car)

Ledges State Park (Boone): 25 km (20 minutes by car)

High Trestle Trail Bridge: 30 km (25 minutes by car)

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad: 22 km (20 minutes by car)

Facts & Legends

Ames is the birthplace of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), the world's first electronic digital computer, built at Iowa State in 1937. A verified historical oddity is that the university's mascot is the "Cyclones," but the costumed mascot is "Cy" the cardinal, because a cyclone was deemed too difficult to depict as a costume. Local legend includes reports of "The Ghost of Stephens Auditorium," where a former stage manager is said to watch performances from the wings.