About Ames

Getting around

The city-wide bus system CyRide offers reliable, inexpensive transport.

Getting here

Ames is 30 minutes from Des Moines, and 3 hours from Kansas City, Minneapolis and Omaha.

SMALL TOWN WARMTH.

Big city amenities.

Ames, Iowa

Beneath the small town charm of Ames, Iowa, beats the heart of a much larger city. A city that has become a player in developing the world's bio-economic future. A city with top-quality education, from kindergarten to grad school. A city that regularly draws performers like Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews and Widespread Panic, along with international symphonies and Broadway musicals. A city with hundreds of acres of parks, numerous bike paths, and cultural festivals and celebrations. A city that's been ranked the 2nd most liveable small city in the nation.

Ames and Iowa links

Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau | Ames government

iowalifechanging.com

The climate

Avg. summer temp: 72 °
Avg. winter temp: 21°
Avg. annual rain: 32 in.
Avg. annual snow: 32 in.

How Ames ranks

Third best college town.

American Institute for Economic Research, 2009

2nd most liveable small city in the nation.

New Rating Guide to Life in American's Small Cities, 2002

Among 10 best places to retire young.

Money, Magazine, CNNMoney.com, 2007

6th best small city in America in which to do business.

Bizjournals.com, 2002

Among "9 great places you've never heard of."

Mother Earth News, 2008

20th best place to live in America.

Men's Journal, 2002

Among 20 best places in America to live and work.

BestJobsUSA.com, 2002

30th in "Best Small Places for Business and Careers."

Forbes magazine, 2008

Ames Community Schools typically produce the state's most National Merit Scholars.

"Community of the Year" (population more than 10,000) at the 2008 Iowa Tourism Conference.

Iowa Tourism Conference, 2008