Ames, Iowa is a unique blend of city and small town, youth and wisdom, beautiful seasons and warm people.

Ames offers all the amenities of a larger city, housing its own mall, several movie theaters, auditoriums from 450 to 14,500 seats, pulling together the best attractions, and the newest in entertainment. It also carries that good old fashion flare for small town life. You can get almost any where in Ames in about 15 minutes. It has two "downtown" areas in Main St. and Campus Town. Here you can enjoy the small shops and restaurants during a peaceful sunny afternoon. Browse through the Area Highlights section to learn more about recreational and educational opportunities in Ames. Visit the Ames Links section for links to helpful information about business, education, and recreation opportunities in Ames.

Ames is also home to Iowa State University where eager young adults come to learn and grow. They add a youthful glow to the atmosphere, electrifying it with ethusiasm for the Iowa State Cyclone sports teams, and looking towards a future out there in the real world after Ames has taught them her lessons. They are instructed by the older and wiser citizens of Ames, the professors and scholars that call this town home are world renown, placing Iowa State at the top of land grant universities.