Ames, University town in Story County, Iowa, United States.
Ames is a university town in Story County, Iowa, built around the Iowa State University campus and downtown core. The town sits in the central Iowa prairie, surrounded by cornfields and gently rolling hills.
The Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad founded the town in 1864, naming it after Congressman Oakes Ames who supported the transcontinental railroad. The university was established in 1858 as an agricultural college and has since shaped the growth of the town.
The university campus shapes the town with its red brick buildings and wide lawns where students gather between classes. Downtown streets are lined with bookstores, coffee shops, and small businesses that cater to the young population.
The CyRide bus system connects all parts of town and runs regularly between campus and downtown. Interstate 35 and Highways 30 and 69 lead directly to town, providing quick connections to surrounding areas.
The Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory conducts materials science research and produced the first pure uranium metal in the 1950s. The National Animal Disease Center studies animal diseases and their impact on agriculture and public health.
Location: Story County
Inception: 1864
Elevation above the sea: 287 m
Website: http://cityofames.org
GPS coordinates: 42.02734,-93.63159
Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:52
Catt Hall
1.2 km
The Farm House
928 m
Roosevelt School
750 m
Ames City Hall
1.1 km
Food Sciences Building
926 m
Delta Upsilon Chapter House
1.2 km
Donald and Ruth Furman Aquatic Center
922 mBrunnier Art Museum
760 mSmith Park
879 mO'Neil Park
994 mFiretruck
342 mBravo III
1.1 kmFisher Theater
836 mHandprint Table
797 mLush Auditorium
1.1 kmButterfly
1.1 kmRising Wave
920 mWoman's Head
1.1 kmSkate Park Mosaic
152 mAmes City Auditorium
1.1 kmJanus Agri Altar
947 mIce Blue
1 kmUntitled
1.1 kmMoon Rising
968 mStatue, Work of art
1.2 kmWork of art, sculpture
1.2 kmWork of art, sculpture
1.2 kmSculpture, Work of art
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