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Experience spring in Ames

Whether you’re getting outside or checking out local events, find out what makes spring special in Ames!

Embrace spring

Outdoor adventure

Hit the golf course, bike through the trails at Ada Hayden, or take the family to Brookside park!

Get outside

Eat like a local

Kick back and relax. You know you’re in for a good time at these local favorites.

Dig In

Explore Downtown

Spend an entire afternoon in the heart of Ames.
Enjoy downtown

Get crafty

From painting to pottery, there are endless possibilities to develop your artistic talents.

Find Inspiration
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Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

Ames welcomes Odyssey of the Mind World Finals 2026 from May 27-30!

Learn more
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2026 Visitor Guide

The Visitor Guide for 2026 is here! Request a guide straight to your mailbox now.

Get yours now
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CyTown development updates

Check out the latest news on this unique, year-round destination to be built by fall 2027.

Discover CYTOWN
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Discover your best day ever in Ames!

Immerse yourself in Ames, where unique flavors, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences await you around every turn.

Have your best day ever
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See a new perspective

Enjoy the beautiful art and landscape of Reiman Gardens like you’ve never seen it before!

Explore the gardens
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Cyclone City Tour

27 statues of Iowa State’s mascot Cy can be found throughout Ames, and a weekend here isn’t complete without taking pictures with one! 
Find Cy
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Downtown Ames

With unique eats, local brews, and fun activities; there’s a reason it’s called Main Street. 

Visit Downtown
Featured Itinerary
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Discover Ames while VISITING your student

While visiting your student at Iowa State University, Discover the best of Ames! Whether you’re in town for graduation, orientation, or just a simple summer visit, explore the place your student calls home.

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Savor local flavors

Shop for game day gear

Visit the gardens

DiscoverAmes

Discover what we love about Ames!

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I’m ready to help!

MELISSA MUSCHICK

Director of Partner and Community Engagement

 

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Connecting
with Iowa State University

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  • Collaboration with ISU Athletics
  • Engaging at student-focused events like EIS (Experience Iowa State) and Orientation
  • Partnering with key ISU departments to connect with students and families
  • Providing resources to incoming freshman through an annual mailing

Promoting
Ames Nationwide

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  • National coverage; RV There Yet and ISU Guide to the Game
  • 1.5M+ social media impressions across multiple platforms
  • Creating and distributing 25K+ Visitor Guides and 30K+ Ames Insiders
  • Working with local and national influencers to promote Ames

Investing
in Our Community

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  • Awarding $100K+ in Community Grants each year to support local events
  • Outreach to youth through career fairs and presentations
  • Educating local businesses and leaders on how we can help and what we do
  • Coordinating and leading Hotel & Attraction Council to keep them informed and up to date

Growing
Events & Opportunities

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  • Bringing major events that draw tens of thousands of people to our community including Boys State Basketball and Campustown Showdown
  • Attending national trade shows and conferences to find new opportunities of events to bring to Ames
  • Providing top-tier service before, during and after each event

Advocating
for Our Community

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  • Funding feasibility studies for local projects
  • Helping advance tourism developments like CyTown and The LINC
  • Advocating for tourism with elected officials- Local & State
  • Driving converstations on a new Fieldhouse in Ames
  • Collaborating with Ames Alliance, iTIP, City of Ames, ISU & Visit Boone County

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