Year-Round Adventure: The Best Things to Do in Greater Ames, Iowa
Abigail Brant (Jennings) grew up on a farm outside of Story City. While she’s traveled across the country, she’s convinced central Iowa is her forever home. She credits her firmly planted roots to the region’s friendly people, affordability and collection of things to do.
“I’ve never found a place I’d like to live more,” she says. “My husband and I love our life here, and we are never bored.”
Unlike some cities where summer brings all the fun, the Greater Ames region provides indoor and outdoor activities year-round.
“A lot of what I love about central Iowa is how easy it is to get outside and slow down a bit, from evening walks and bike rides to catching a sunset or grabbing a drink or dessert after a ride on the trail,” Brant says. “There are so many hiking opportunities throughout Iowa as well as bike trails.”
If you are looking to map out your calendar, use this seasonal guide to uncover the best things to do in Ames, Iowa, and its neighboring communities.
Warm Weather Activities and Outdoor Recreation
When the Iowa sunshine hits, the region shines with an abundance of aquatic centers, multi-use trails and scenic parks perfect for a weekend escape.
Paved Paths and Scenic Waterways
Brant has fond memories of summer days spent at Little Wall Lake, south of Jewell.
One of her favorite nature activities currently is hiking at Ledges State Park near Madrid, one of Iowa’s most popular state parks. Ledges features a scenic overlook of the Des Moines River Valley.
“It’s a very serene area and a little bit hillier right by the river valley,” Brant says. “You feel like you are in your very own world.”
The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Story County is frequented by bikers, walkers and horseback riders. “It’s very beautiful in the fall; it’s just stunning,” Brant says.
For long-distance cyclists, the famous Raccoon River Valley Trail spans a massive 89 miles and passes through 14 distinct communities from Jefferson to Herndon. Another major Story County attraction is Hickory Grove Park outside of Colo, where visitors can camp, fish, explore wooded trails or enjoy the lake via kayak and paddleboard.
Family Fun and Local Arts
Golf enthusiasts can head over to Boone to enjoy the scenic, rolling terrain of the Honey Creek Golf Course, which offers a challenging 18-hole layout. If you prefer visual arts, venture north to Webster City to explore the whimsical outdoor sculpture park at West Twin Park, where visitors can experience large-scale fine art up close.
For families traveling with young children, the town of Huxley opened a brand-new public splash pad in 2025, providing a budget-friendly place to cool off on those toasty summer afternoons.
Indoor Entertainment and Winter Adventures
When the colder Midwestern weather rolls around, there is absolutely no need to hibernate. The Greater Ames area features a robust lineup of cozy indoor venues and exhilarating snow parks.
Dining and Workshops in Downtown Ames
Brant loves spending time in Downtown Ames, which offers dining, shopping and entertainment. One of her favorite spots is The Recipe, where you can make things like pasta and sourdough bread. “It’s really fun for a date or girls’ night out,” she says.
West of Downtown Ames, in Campustown, is Tosca, an Italian restaurant that’s a great place to take the family or grab a drink with a friend.
Staying Active Indoors
Fun for the whole family awaits at the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center in Ames. It features a lap pool, splash pool, water slide and more. Bluestem Boulders in Ames is a great place to go rock climbing indoors. The Nevada Field House also offers many options for staying active indoors, thanks to its walking track, basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts and turf area. Ames also offers indoor pickleball and tennis 24/7 at Harvest Pickleball & Tennis.
For those who love the arts, take in a show at Ames Community Theater, which recently celebrated its 70th season and hosts year-round performances.
Hit the Slopes at Seven Oaks Recreation
Snow adventures are incredibly plentiful at Seven Oaks Recreation near Boone. You can challenge your friends or family members to a high-speed race down the hillside on custom snow tubes, or try your hand at alpine skiing and snowboarding.
“It’s a great place to learn how to ski, especially if you’re wanting to go to a bigger ski resort someday, or just get outside in the winter,” Brant says.
Whether you prefer the warmth of a summer lake day or the rush of an indoor climbing wall, the central Iowa region proves that a vibrant community life never has to stop for a change in season.
Get to Know the Ames Region
Want to learn more about living and working in Ames, IA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Ames, Iowa, and The Greater Boone, Hamilton & Story County Region.