Ames

Ames is a friendly college town in Central Iowa|Central Iowa, sitting astride the Skunk River roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines. Life in Ames follows the ebb and flow of the academic year at Iowa State University, which is the city's primary draw. Named after Massachusetts congressman and transcontinental railroad supporter Oakes Ames and the city was founded as a stop along one of the primary rail links to the first transcontinental railroad. The railroad is still a daily part of life in Ames, with nearly 70 Union Pacific long-haul freight trains passing through town each day.

Travel to Ames

GPS 42.027|-93.628

Travel by vehicle to Ames

Traveling from the north (e.g., Minneapolis, 2.5-hr drive) or from the south (Des Moines, 30 minutes), take I-35 to exit 113 and drive west along 13th Street into town. Or take US 30 (exit 111) west to South Duff or University Boulevard and go north into town. Traveling from the east (Chicago, 5.5 hours) or from the west (Omaha, 2 hours), take I-80 to I-35 and then I-35 north and as above. US 30 also reaches Ames direct from Omaha and Chicago.

Burlington Trailways and Jefferson Lines both serve the Ames Intermodal Facility GPS 42.0213,-93.6523, +1 515 232-2404, at 129 Hayward Avenue, a block south of the Iowa State University campus in the Campustown neighborhood. Jefferson Lines directly connects Ames to destinations north and south along I-35, while Trailways directly links Ames to Des Moines and destinations east along US 30.

Travel by plane to Ames

There is no commercial aviation to Ames; the closest airport is located in Des Moines. Shuttle service is available to/from Ames; Executive Express offers a relatively frequent scheduled service. If flying via charter or general aviation, one can use the Ames Municipal Airport GPS 41.9991,-93.6234 on the southern edge of town, south of Airport Rd; from there automobile is the best option into town - a Hertz rental vehicle location is available at the airport.

Transportation in Ames

Lincoln Way is the main east-west thoroughfare of the city, passing just south of Downtown (the historic center of town, north of the train tracks between Grand and Duff Avenues) and continuing west to Campustown (the neighborhood instantly south of the ISU campus) along the southern edge of the central campus of ISU. Similarly, 13th Street runs from I-35 across the northern edges of the downtown area and the university campus. Main north-south roads include Duff Avenue (south of Lincoln Way) and Grand Avenue (north of Lincoln Way) which together carry U.S. Highway 69 through Ames, University Boulevard and North/South Dakota Avenues.

The city-university partnership CyRide provides bus service in Ames. Service hours can be limited (particularly during weekends and school breaks), but the system does a nice job covering the city and is very reliable. Fare is $1.25 ($0.60 for children/seniors).

Ames is very bicycle friendly, with a moderately extensive paved trail system for walking and biking. Apart from ISU itself and there are generally three main pedestrian-friendly concentrations of shops and restaurants: Downtown along Main Street between Clark and Duff Avenues, Campustown along Welch Ave south of Lincoln Way and the much newer Somerset neighborhood directly north of the ISU campus along Stange Ave north of 24th St. Not quite so pedestrian friendly is the two miles of big box stores and strip malls along Duff Avenue between US 30 on the south and Lincoln Way on the north.

What to See

• The Downtown neighborhood, along Main Street between Grand and Duff Avenues (just north of Lincoln Way and the train tracks), is the historic center of town and makes for a friendly stroll. The neighborhood has most of Ames' civic functions, such as the city hall and the library and the main post office. Main Street is lined with charming old brick buildings holding small shops and restaurants and often hosts events such as a local farmers' market. At the east side of Downtown on Duff Avenue, in the shadow of Ames' power plant, isBandshell Park GPS 42.0265,-93.6096, a friendly square that regularly holds concerts in the summer months.

• Ames History Center 416 Douglas Ave 42.0258,-93.6119 at Douglas and 5th ☎ +1 515 232-2148 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM Monday - 4PM Free A small museum run by the local historical society with exhibits and displays on Ames history. Books, historic postcards and self-guided walking tour brochures are available for purchase here.

Iowa State University

Ames iowastate - The Campanile, Iowa State University

Occupying nearly 500 acres in the middle of town is the scenic main campus of the Iowa State University, with its many lovely green spaces and a large collection of public art scattered throughout. Architecture varies, from gorgeous classically-designed buildings in the middle of the campus to more modern brutalist-style buildings around the edges. A large lawn occupies the very center of the campus, with a small lake at the southern end.

• Brunnier Art Museum 2nd floor of the Scheman Building, ISU campus 42.0215,-93.6367 ☎ +1 515 294-3342 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11AM Monday - 4PM, Saturday - Sunday 1PM Monday - 4PM Free; suggested donation of $3 Holding fine and decorative art items from around the world, including European decorative arts and American prints, paintings and sculpture, with an emphasis on Iowan artists.

• Campanile 42.0255,-93.646 Campanile (Iowa State University) - ISU campanile Overlooking the central lawn is this classically-designed clock and bell tower, frequently used as an icon for the university.

• Christian Peterson Art Museum Morrill Hall, ISU campus 42.0272,-93.6480 ☎ +1 515 294-9500 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 4PM Free; donations accepted Located in one of the oldest buildings on campus, this museums holds a series of changing contemporary art exhibitions. A small sculpture garden with changing exhibits is located behind the building.

• Farm House Museum in the center of the ISU campus 42.0272,-93.6439 ☎ +1 515 294-3342 Opening Hours: Monday,W,F: noon-4PM, Tu,Th: 12:30-4PM Free, $3 suggested donation per visitorThe Farm House (Knapp–Wilson House) The oldest building on campus and the Farm House was the center of life for the model farm that was the entirety of the university during its founding years. Today it is operated as a historical museum with period furnishings.

• The main library on campus, Parks Library GPS 42.0281,-93.6488, is notable for holding a set of murals painted by Grant Wood (creator of the famous American Gothic painting). Located down a quiet side hall and an adjacent study room and the murals depict agrarian life and the home and agricultural-based education ISU is noted for.

• Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd 42.0098,-93.6388 shares a parking lot with Jack Trice Stadium ☎ +1 515 294-2710 Opening Hours: Daily 9AM Monday - 4:30PM; extended hours in summer $8 adults, $7 seniors, $4 children Reiman Gardens Originally created to provide staff and students of the university a place to relax and enjoy nature, thit is a large botanical garden with indoor and outdoor displays. Among the highlights are a lovely rose garden, a conservatory and a popular butterfly garden.

Muslim Travel Tips

Jack Trice Stadium, daytime - Cyclones football game, Jack Trice Stadium

• ISU Cyclones, +1-888-478-2925. ISU's football and basketball teams are the biggest draws, but ISU is also a national power in wrestling and the university fields teams in several other sports in the Big 12 Conference, at the NCAA Division I level. The sports complex is just southeast of the main campus; the football team plays at Jack Trice Stadium GPS 42.0140,-93.6358 on University Blvd just south of Lincoln Way, while the basketball, wrestling, volleyball and gymnastic teams play at Hilton Coliseum GPS 42.0210,-93.6348, at Lincoln Way & University Blvd.
• Next to the stadium complex are Iowa State's two ditorium/ performing art centers and the Stephens Auditorium GPS 42.0202,-93.6379 and the Fisher Theater GPS 42.0215,-93.6380, both of which play host to a variety of concerts and plays.

• Ada Hayden Heritage Park 5205 Grand Ave 42.0719,-93.6249 ☎ +1 515 239-5360 Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 10:30PM Free Just north of town is this small lake that makes for a friendly fishing and picnicking spot. A biking/hiking trail circles the lake and a ramp for small boats is also available.

Shopping

ISU Cyclones' licensed paraphernalia (sweaters and such) are available from several retailers around town, but perhaps most notably at the Iowa State University Book Store GPS 42.0233,-93.6458 in the Memorial Union on campus facing Lincoln Way. Other specialty shopping can be found along Main Street in Downtown, which is lined with a number of small boutiques and stores.

Most of the big-box chain stores in town are along Duff Avenue on the south side of town, between Lincoln Way and U.S. Highway 30. There's also a Wal-Mart and some strip malls along North Grand Avenue on the north side of town, as well as Ames' only indoor mall and the small North Grand Mall GPS 42.0493,-93.6226 between 24th and 30th Streets.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Ames

Dining-wise, Ames is mostly a pizza-and-soft drink kind of town, perhaps reflecting the tastes of the local student population, however there are some standouts:

• Aunt Maude's 547 Main Street 42.0253,-93.6189 ☎ +1 515 233-4136 Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday 11AM Monday - 2PM; Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5PM Monday - close $15-$40 Pricey but popular steakhouse with semi-formal atmosphere, which has made it something of an Ames standby with so few formal restaurants to go around. Patio and café.

• The Cafe 2616 Northridge Pkwy 42.0487,-93.6437 ☎ +1 515 292-0100 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 7AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 7AM Monday - 10PM, Sunday 7AM Monday - 8PM $5-$20 Very popular restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine, Vegetarian options, casual but chic atmosphere. Great desserts and list.

• Downtown Deli | 328 Main Street 42.0249,-93.6149 ☎ +1 515 232-3626 Very bare-bones, but a nice local choice for sandwiches.

• The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company - 129 Main Street 42.0253,-93.6119 ☎ +1 515 232-4263 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 2PM, 4:30PM Monday - midnight; F-Sa 11AM Monday - midnight, Sunday 11AM Monday - 11PM Pizzas is hearty, but popular because of the crust. Has honey as a dipping Sauces.

• Hickory Park - 1404 South Duff Ave 42.0100,-93.6095 ☎ +1 515 232-8940 Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:30AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 10:30AM Monday - 10PM $10 with dessert A huge and very popular Western-themed restaurant that has long been an Ames staple and is great for kids, parties and large groups. American and Iowan fare, featuring pulled Beef/[ beef sandwiches and a dessert menu boasting over 50 selections. Huge seating area, though there is often a wait to get a table on the weekends; however and the wait passes quickly and the waiting area has enough interesting decor and distractions like a TV and affordable Candies to keep you occupied. Very popular with families. Diabetics beware.

• Jeff's Pizzas 2402 Lincoln Way 42.0226,-93.6487 ☎ +1 515 292-2321 Opening Hours: Sunday - Tuesday 10:30AM Monday - 1AM, W-Thursday10:30AM Monday - 2:30AM, F-Sa 10:30AM Monday - 3:30AM Pizzas place offering some unusual toppings, Iowa State student favorite. Eat in or delivery.

• The Spice - 402 Main Street 42.0249,-93.6156 ☎ +1 515 232-0200 Opening Hours: from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 2:30PM, 5PM Monday - 9PM (Thai) cuisine with a nice ambiance.

• Stomping Grounds - 303 Welch Ave 42.0201,-93.6503 ☎ +1 515 292-5258 Opening Hours: 7AM Monday - midnight, Saturday - Sunday 8AM Monday - midnight A coffee shop/art gallery that is a popular student hangout and serves good cappuccinos and mochas, along with nice sandwiches and teas. Service takes a while, though.

• (Thai) Kitchen - 2410 Chamberlain Street 42.0212,-93.6492 just off Welch Ave ☎ +1 515 292-4788 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11AM Monday - 8:30PM, Saturday - Sunday noon-8:30PM A small (Thai) restaurant with friendly atmosphere.

• West Street Deli 2810 West Street 42.0252,-93.6562 ☎ +1 515 268-4605 Opening Hours: from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 8PM A friendly and rather unassuming deli on a quiet side of campus. Excellent sandwiches.

Iowa state beardshear hall - Beardshear Hall, Iowa State University campus

Alcohol purchases end at 2AM.

• Cy's Roost | 121 Welch Ave 42.0220,-93.6504 ☎ +1 515 268-9199 For the big game.

• Mickey's Irish Pub | 109 Welch Ave 42.0224,-93.6503 ☎ +1 515 292-7378 Frat-bar with dance floor in the basement but not considered a club.

• Paddy's Irish Pub | 124 Welch Ave 42.0217,-93.6499 - Relaxed dive café with mostly standing room only (on the weekends) and overly loud music for dancing. Two-Fer-Tuesdays and dollar Burgers on Wednesdays.

• Sips | 124 Welch Ave 42.0219,-93.6499 ☎ +1 515 292-6887 Dance club.

• Welch Avenue Station 207 Welch Ave 42.0211,-93.6503 ☎ +1 515 292-2334 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 4PM Monday - 2AM, Friday 1PM Monday - 2AM, Saturday - Sunday 11AM Monday - 2AM One of the longest-standing bars in town. The atmosphere is more traditional than the more "hip" and "modern" bars around town.Has regular café food as well as Pizzas from the Pizzas Pit upstairs.

• Whiskey River - 132 Main Street 42.0250,-93.6118 ☎ +1 515 612-4949 Opening Hours: from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 2AM, Sunday 10AM Monday - 2AM Dive café on Main Street in downtown, three miles from campus.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ames

Ames July 29, 2023 - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ames, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ames. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ames and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ames. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ames. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Ames: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ames.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ames: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ames, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ames.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ames, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ames, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ames and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ames, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ames, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ames without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ames is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ames.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ames is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ames, please contact:

Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah

Chief Technology Officer

eHalal Travel Group Ames

info@ehalal.io

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Ames

eHalal Group Ames is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ames. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ames.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ames ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ames. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and facilities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ames, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Ames are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private facilities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Ames

Ramadan 2025 in Ames

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most hotels and resorts in Ames do not offer Halal food, however you can order Halal groceries from eHalal Group if you are booking your stay with eHalal Hotels and we will deliver your halal food to the property you will be staying in Ames.

Most lodging in Ames is of the chain variety and is generally located either along I-35 or US Highway 30. A collection of motels is located at the southeast corner of town off the Dayton Ave/US Highway 30 interchange. There's also a couple of motels off the 13th St/I-35 interchange (exit 113) on the east side of town and south of the University Blvd/US 30 interchange on the south side of town.

• Gateway Hotel 2100 Green Hills Dr 42.0011,-93.6428 off University Blvd, south of US 30 ☎ +1 515 292-8600 $100-$200 One of the more reputed hotels in Ames. Heated indoor pool, fitness center, whirlpool and sauna, free parking, free wireless internet, room service, on-site restaurant, meeting/conference space.

• Iowa House 405 Hayward Ave 42.0189,-93.6520 ☎ +1 515 292-2474 $95-$235 | checkin=3PM / Check-out: 11AM A small bed and breakfast in an old fraternity house that's well furnished with friendly service. In a nice neighborhood and very convenient to Campustown.

Internet & Phones

Free wi-fi is available for guests on the ISU campus, although it requires you to register with the server when you open your internet browser.

• Ames Public Library 515 Douglas Avenue 42.0265,-93.6125 ☎ +1 515 239-5646 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday 1-5PM Free wi-fi for anyone with their own device and computers available for guest use.

Where to go next

• Story City is about a 15 minutes drive north on I-35 or US Highway 69 and has an antique carousel.
• Boone (Iowa) | Boone, about 20 miles to the West on US Highway 30, is home to a scenic railroad. South of Boone is Ledges State Park, a scenic area with cliffs and bluffs along the Des Moines River.
• Des Moines the capitol and largest city of Iowa, is 30 miles to the south on I-35 and has a number of attractions.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.|