The climate here is wonderful. Seasons? We have them all, in their complete wonder and majesty. With beautiful snow covered trees and streets, Ames averages about 20 degrees in the winter. Spring comes with a smile, bringing flowers and sunshine. Summer averages about 72 degrees, leaving the citizens of Ames free to picnic and enjoy the many parks that the city offers. In the fall the the trees show forth in brilliant colors, setting the scenery ablaze in gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows.

Recreation

Entertainment

Big 12 sports, Broadway shows, opera to cutting edge rock and roll, art, antiques, and gardens; Ames has something for everyone. The college town brings the diverse cultural and educational events that makes Ames a standout in Iowa.

The Iowa State Center is a four-building complex, comprised of James H. Hilton Coliseum, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater, and the Scheman Building. The Iowa State Center regularly features leading performers from all genres and popular Broadway shows for audiences of all ages.

Parks & Recreation

The Ames Park & Recreation Department offers numerous opportunities. Ames has 30 parks with a grand total of 1,374 acres of land devoted to recreation and relaxation. Here are some of the activities that Ames offers.

• Big 12 Conference athletic events
• Brunnier Art Museum
• Farm House Museum
• Iowa State Memorial Union
• Reiman Gardens
• Octagon Center for the Arts
• 27 basketball courts
• 25 volleyball courts
• 15 racquetball courts
• 4 volleyball courts
• Indoor/outdoor tennis courts
• 6 indoor swimming pools
• Numerous soccer and intramural fields
• 29 parks totaling 740 acres
• Bowling
• Billiards
• Video arcades
• 4 golf courses
• Youth Sports Complex
• Extensive bike and hiking trail systems
• and much, much more!

Dining

Ames offers almost 200 local restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining. On campus there is 7 dining rooms, and a food court. Ames also offers catering, on and off campus.

Education

Preschools & Daycare Information

Ames Community Preschool Center 515-233-2901
Center for Child Care Resources 515-294-8833
Children's Services of Central Iowa 515-292-2828
Community Options 515-233-5188
Formative Years 515-292-3609

Secondary Education

The Ames Community School District consists of eight elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Total Enrollment in the Ames Community School District is about 5,000.

Ames High School is a four-year high school with an emphasis on college preparation. The school enjoys an excellent reputation within the state and nation. Three-fourths of the faculty have earned their masters degree and four have completed their doctorates.

There are also two private schools in Ames:
St. Cecelia Catholic Elementary, (515) 232-5290
Ames Christian School, (515) 233-0772

Higher Education
A little over 25,000 students attend Iowa State University, containing the colleges of Agriculture, Business, Design, Education, Engineering it is known for excellence in science and technical fields and the arts and humanities. Iowa State has grown to have the largest undergraduate enrollment in Iowa, and included students from all over the U.S. and 112 other countries. As Iowa's only land-grant university, Iowa State's mission is: education, research and outreach.

Iowa State University is now ranked among "The Top 50 Public National Universities" by U.S. News and World Report.
Iowa State University is the birthplace of the the first electronic digital computer-- the Atanasoff-Berry Computer.
Iowa State University ranks second, after Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among universities in the nation for the number of top technologies honored by R&D Magazine.

According to the book, The Campus as a Work of Art, Iowa State is also among the 25 most beautiful campuses in the nation.

Iowa State University also brings college athletics to Ames. The university’s athletic program offers 20 NCAA intercollegiate sports and participates in the Big 12 Conference.

Click here for a list of helpful links in the Ames area.