Things to do Around Ames
Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau
213 Duff Avenue, Ames IA 50010
515-232-4032 or 800-288-7470, FAX 515-232-6716
For information regarding organized tours of student-run farms, ISU research farms and agriculture centers on campus, or local agriculture operations, contact the Ames CVB. Group tour information available upon request.
Ames Heritage Association
PO Box 821, A
mes IA 50010
515-232-4877
Contact: Kathy Svec. Informative tours of historic Main Street architecture, the 1860s Hoggatt School, the restoration-in-progress of the Bauge Log Home, or slide tours of early Ames history are available for groups with two weeksÕ notice.
Art on Campus
290 Scheman Bldg., Ames IA 50011
515-294-3342
Call the University Museums for a brochure, including map, on self-guided tours of art on Iowa State UniversityÕs campus. Tour includes sculptures by Christian Petersen, ISU artist-in-residence 1937-1958. Many items available for view 24 hours a day.
Boone County Historical Society
602 Story Street, Boone IA 50036
515-432-1907
Operates Hickory Grove Rural School and Museum at Don Williams Recreation Area, north of Ogden Ñ Kate Shelley Railroad Museum at Moingona Ñ and Boone County Cultural Center and Historical Museum (in the old Masonic Temple) at Boone.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Box 603, Boone IA 50036
515-432-4249 or 800-626-0319
Travel in 1920s passenger cars. Steam locomotive (weekends) or diesel locomotive (weekdays). Cross the 156' trestle over the Des Moines River valley. Museum, gift shop, snack bar. Ride 1 hour, 45 minutes. Memorial Day - Oct. Reservations for groups only.
Brunnier Art Museum
290 Scheman Bldg., Ames IA 50011
515-294-3342
A nationally accredited decorative and fine arts museum, supplementing major collections with traveling exhibits and educational events. Gift shop. Open year round. Watch for the Land of Fragile Giants exhibit, August 1995 through January 6, 1996.
Country Relics Little Village & Homestead
3290 Briggs Wds Rd, Hwy 17 N, Stanhope IA 50246
515-826-3491, FAX 515-826-3491
Stroll into the past in our early 1900s magical village detailed with childrenÕs furnishings, salesmenÕs samples and toys, on a typical Iowa-family farm. Open May - Oct. "Christmas strolls" Thanksgiving Friday through first Sunday in Dec. Admission fee.
Farmhouse Museum
290 Scheman Bldg., Ames IA 50011
515-294-3342
On Iowa State UniversityÕs central campus, this National Historic Landmark is a fully restored home reflecting the period of 1860-1910. Open early March - December, with special holiday decorations and activities. Tours welcome. No admission charge.
Gallery 181
ISU College of Design, Ames IA 50011
515-294-7427, FAX 515-294-9755
Exhibitions of work by professional artists and designers. Additional shows of undergraduate and graduate studentsÕ art and design work.
Historic Old Town Association
709 Duff Avenue, Ames IA 50010
515-233-3528
Located north of downtown Ames are most of the remaining residential structures from the first two plats in the original town of Ames. Homes were constructed in the 1870s to the mid-1920s, many are being restored. Call for more information.
Iowa Arboretum
1875 Peach Avenue, Madrid IA 50156
515-795-3216
Hundreds of cultivated trees, shrubs, and flowers in this Library of Living Plants. Walking trails with scenic overlooks and spring-fed streams. Over 300 acres of forest. Plant labels and pamphlets provide self-guided tours. Guided tours by appointment.
Iowa State Memorial Union
Iowa State University, Ames IA 50011
515-294-2549
A 67-year old guest room and conference center with classic architecture, war memorial, galleries (294-1437), a gift shop (294-3268), evening entertainment in the Maintenance Shop (294-2758), book store, dining, recreation facilities and more.
Iowa State University Campus Tours
Contours @ - PO Box 2462, Ames IA 50010-2462
515-232-3263, FAX 515-232-3259
Tour Iowa State UniversityÕs central campus. Campanile (a working carillon), Christian Petersen sculptures, Lake LaVerne, Parks Library and the Memorial Union can be included on this guided tour. Tours are tailored to the interests of your group.
Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace
PO Box 55, Boone IA 50036
515-432-1896 or 432-1931
Mamie Geneva Doud was born in Boone in 1896. Her birthplace is a completely restored Victorian home open for guided tours April - October. Historical library of the Eisenhower era. Group tours by appointment year round. 15 minutes west of Ames.
Nevada Community Historic Society
PO Box 213, Nevada IA 50201
515-382-6236 or 382-2535
At your leisure view a Victorian home, carriage house, Halley School, log cabin, and St. PatrickÕs Church. Guided tours of Victorian home, Halley School and log cabin by appointment only. Call for more information.
Reiman Gardens
106 Horticulture - ISU, Ames IA 50011
515-294-2751, FAX 515-294-4817
Scheduled for completion in summer 1995. While young, the gardens will present a fantastic floral display. Roses, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and herbs. Guided tours by appointment. Located on Elwood Drive, south of Cyclone Stadium.
Story City Antique Carousel
Hillcrest & Broad Street, Story City IA 50248
515-733-4214, FAX 515-733-4504
Antique Carousel, built in 1913 by Herschel/Spillman. Horses, pigs, roosters, dogs, chariots and a spinning tub. Original Wurlitzer Military Band Organ. Enclosed. Busses welcome. Group tours by appointment.
Story City Museum, School, Swinging Bridge
Hillcrest & Broad Streets, Story City IA 50248
515-733-4214, FAX 515-733-4504
Vintage clothing, hand tools, collectibles, and Scandinavian articles in the Story City Museum. School house was built in 1859.
Story Theatre/Grand Opera House
512 Broad, Story City IA 50248
515-733-4318 or 733-2027
Story CityÕs historical theatre and restored grand opera house, operating since 1913. Oldest continually-running theatre in Iowa. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Celebrating over 80 years of entertainment! Tours available upon request.
The Octagon Center for the Arts
427 Douglas, Ames IA 50010
515-232-5331, FAX 515-232-5088
Major regional art center featuring local, regional and national art exhibitions. Tours and art programs. Museum gift shop. Year-round art education for all ages. Handicapped accessible. Call for free brochure.
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