Discover things to do near our hotel like touring Iowa State University

Whether you’re traveling for business or for an Iowa State Cyclones game, the Country Inn & Suites, Ames, IA puts you close to the area’s best things to do. For some fresh air, you can tour the Iowa State University campus or the beautiful 17-acre Reiman Gardens, both roughly three miles away. Here with the family? Your kids are sure to sleep well in your room or suite after a day filled with roller coaster fun at Adventureland Park or meeting the animals at Blank Park Zoo. For quieter adventures, head to downtown Ames, about 10 minutes from the hotel, to enjoy a show at Stephens Auditorium or to browse the Brunnier Art Museum’s impressive and wide-ranging collection.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Shopping

Adventureland Park

24.67 mi / 39.7 km from the hotel
Board a roller coaster or a fun family ride at this seasonal amusement park. During the summer, don’t miss Breaker Beach Wavepool and the Caribbean Cruiser lazy river at Adventure Bay water park.

Ames Community Theater (ACTORS, Inc.)

5.07 mi / 8.16 km from the hotel
Catch a play or a musical at this theater that’s been a part of the community since the 1950s.

Blank Park Zoo

33.84 mi / 54.47 km from the hotel
Meet giraffes, African lions, red pandas, sea lions, and more at this 22-acre Des Moines zoological park, home to more than 1,400 inhabitants from over 100 animal species.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

16.59 mi / 26.7 km from the hotel
For a fun family outing, get your tickets for a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, which offers seasonal kid-friendly themes as well as romantic dinner rides and picnic excursions.

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

15.28 mi / 24.6 km from the hotel
Discover the beauty of the Des Moines River Valley at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, where you can hike woodland and prairie trails and wander through themed areas like the butterfly garden.

Iowa State University

3.82 mi / 6.15 km from the hotel
Get your cardinal-and-gold gear on before heading to the campus of Iowa State University to cheer on the Cyclones. Tour the gardens and museums while enjoying one of the most beautifully landscaped campuses in the country.

Jack Trice Stadium

3.01 mi / 4.84 km from the hotel
Cheer with up to 61,500 Cyclones fans as you watch ISU take on a Big 12 rival at Jack Trice Stadium.

Main Street Cultural District

2.16 mi / 3.47 km from the hotel
Spend an afternoon strolling downtown Ames, where you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Throughout the week, look for special events ranging from live music to craft beer sampling or the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market, open Saturdays.

North Grand Mall

3.62 mi / 5.82 km from the hotel
Hunt for bargains or stock up on ISU gear at North Grand Mall. After shopping, you can let the kids have fun in the play area as you enjoy a pick-me-up from Starbucks.

Octagon Center for the Arts

2.12 mi / 3.4 km from the hotel
From mixed-media work to contemporary photography, the Octagon Center for the Arts offers a spectrum of fascinating exhibitions. You can also sign up for an art class or purchase something unique from the gallery shop.

Stephens Auditorium

3.18 mi / 5.12 km from the hotel
One of the area’s premier performing arts centers, this venue on the ISU campus hosts concerts, symphonies, ballets, Broadway musicals, and dance performances.

Veenker Memorial Golf Course

4.34 mi / 6.98 km from the hotel
Owned by Iowa State University, this 18-hole course welcomes guests as well as the university golf teams. Golf lovers can attend the Iowa Masters each summer.