undefined Itinerary

Take a trip to the Ames Farmers' Market, held every Saturday from May to October, for fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. After shopping, visit the Brunnier Art Museum on the Iowa State University campus to see its collection of Midwestern art and decorative art.

For lunch, try the Wood-fired Pizza at The Mucky Duck Pub, which also offers a selection of local beers. In the afternoon, visit the Reiman Aquarium, which features a 12,000-gallon tank filled with sharks, rays, and other marine life.

End the day with a movie at the North Grand Cinema, a locally-owned theater that shows a mix of first-run and classic films.

Head to Brookside Park, which offers hiking trails, a pond, and a playground. After exploring the park, visit the Octagon Center for the Arts to see its exhibits of local and regional art.

Grab lunch at Cafe Beaudelaire, a French-inspired cafe that offers quiches, crepes, and sandwiches. In the afternoon, visit the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad for a scenic train ride through the beautiful Iowa countryside.

End the day with dinner at The Cafe, a restaurant that features American cuisine made with local ingredients.

Take a day trip to the Ledges State Park, located just 20 minutes from Ames. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Des Moines River valley.

For lunch, stop at the High Trestle Trail Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch, visit the John L. Lewis Mining and Labor Museum in Lucas, which offers exhibits on the history of coal mining and the labor movement in Iowa.

End the day with dinner at Hickory Park, a local favorite that serves barbecue ribs, burgers, and ice cream.

Visit the Reiman Gardens again to see its seasonal displays and butterfly wing. Afterward, visit the Farm House Museum on the Iowa State University campus to learn about the history of agriculture in Iowa.

Grab lunch at The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company, which offers pizza, sandwiches, and salads. In the afternoon, visit the Furman Aquatic Center, which features a lazy river, water slides, and a zero-depth entry pool.

End the day with dinner at Aunt Maude's, a restaurant that serves a mix of American and international cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients.