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Ames, IA

Frequently asked questions

Ames, IA

Ames is a city in Story County, Iowa, United States, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is best known as the home of Iowa State University (ISU), with leading agriculture, design, engineering, and veterinary medicine colleges. A United States Department of Energy national laboratory, Ames Laboratory, is located on the ISU campus.

According to the 2020 census, Ames had a population of 66,427, making it the state's ninth most populous city. Iowa State University was home to 30,177 students as of Fall 2023, which make up approximately one-half of the city's population. 

Ames also hosts United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sites: the largest federal animal disease center in the United States, the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center (NADC), as well as one of two national USDA sites for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which comprises the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Center for Veterinary Biologics. Ames also hosts the headquarters of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The city was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad and was named after 19th-century U.S. Congressman Oakes Ames of Massachusetts, who was influential in the building of the transcontinental railroad. Ames was founded by resident Cynthia Olive Duff (née Kellogg) and railroad magnate John Insley Blair, near a location that was deemed favorable for a railroad crossing of the Skunk River.

Ames is located along the western edge of Story County, roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of the state capital, Des Moines, near the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 30. A smaller highway, U.S. Route 69, passes through the town. Also passing through Ames is the cross-country line of the Union Pacific Railroad and two small streams (the South Skunk River and Ioway Creek). 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.27 square miles (62.86 km²), of which 24.21 square miles (62.70 km²) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km²) is water.

Ames, IA, offers a variety of health and wellness options for its residents. Mary Greeley Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Ames Fitness Center offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Butterfly Day Spa offers a range of spa services including massages, facials, and holistic treatments in a serene environment. The Iowa State University Recreation Services features state-of-the-art facilities, including a climbing wall, racquetball courts, and diverse fitness programs for students and the community. Yoga enthusiasts can join classes at Ignite Yoga or Ames Yoga Center to enhance flexibility and mental well-being. Additionally, the extensive network of trails and parks in Ames, including Ada Hayden Heritage Park, provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Together, these facilities and programs contribute to a vibrant health and wellness culture in Ames, enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.

Top sites in Ames, IA are Farm House Museum, Reiman Gardens, and Octagon Center for the Arts.

Population: 65,686 (2023). ZIP codes: 50010, 50011-50013. Area code: 515. Elevation: 942 ft (287 m). Area: 27.92 sq mi (72.32 km²).

FAQs

What is Ames, IA is known for?

It is best known as the home of Iowa State University (ISU), with leading agriculture, design, engineering, and veterinary medicine colleges. A United States Department of Energy national laboratory, Ames Laboratory, is located on the ISU campus. Ames also hosts United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sites: the largest federal animal disease center in the United States, the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center (NADC),[as well as one of two national USDA sites for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which comprises the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Center for Veterinary Biologics.

How did Ames, IA get its name?

The railroad president, John Blair, named the town after his friend Oakes Ames, a railroad promoter and congressman from Massachusetts, who never lived in Ames. In 1870, the town was incorporated with a population of 844. It was platted by Charles Irish, a railroad engineer. Ames consisted of 12 blocks and extended from the railroad right-of-way north to Ninth Street and was bounded on the east by Duff Avenue and on the west by Burnett Avenue.

What is the crime rate in Ames, IA?

The crime rate in Ames is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 17 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Ames is 1 in 58. Based on FBI crime data, Ames is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Iowa, Ames has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Ames

Neighborhood Scout

Farm House Museum

Reiman Gardens

Octagon Center for the Arts

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Ames Fitness Center

Butterfly Day Spa

Iowa State University Recreation Services

Ignite Yoga

Ames Yoga Center

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

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