Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Ames Located? - Ames is a city located in the Story County of Iowa, United States. Ames lies between 38.0526 Degrees North latitudes and 84.7299 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Ames, Iowa
Ames Map, Iowa, USA
Where is Ames?: The Google Map showing the location of Ames in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Where is Ames Located?
Ames is a city located in the Story County of Iowa, United States. Ames lies between 38.0526 Degrees North latitudes and 84.7299 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Ames city is 66427 people and the city has a total area of 27.34 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Interstate 35 provides direct access to Des Moines, Minneapolis and Kansas City.
US Highway 30 serves as a major east-west route through central Iowa.
CyRide is one of the largest and most-used public transit systems in Iowa.
Ames is home to Iowa State University, one of the state's leading research institutions.
The city is recognized as a center for education, research, technology and agriculture.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Ames, Iowa
Landmark Name
Type
Iowa State University
University Campus
Reiman Gardens
Botanical Garden
Jack Trice Stadium
Sports Venue
Stephens Auditorium
Performing Arts Center
Brunnier Art Museum
Art Museum
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Nature Park
Furman Aquatic Center
Recreation Facility
Main Street Cultural District
Historic Area
McFarland Park
Outdoor Recreation Area
Iowa Arboretum Region
Nearby Attraction
Colleges and Universities Near Ames, Iowa
Institution Name
Type
Distance
Notable For
Iowa State University
Public University
Within City
Engineering, agriculture and research
Des Moines Area Community College - Boone Campus
Community College
15 mi
Career and transfer programs
Grand View University
Private University
36 mi
Business and liberal arts
Drake University
Private University
38 mi
Law and professional studies
University of Iowa Des Moines Programs
Public University
35 mi
Professional education
Waterbodies in and Near Ames, Iowa
South Skunk River, Squaw Creek, Ada Hayden Lake, Peterson Pits, Lake LaVerne, Keigley Branch, Walnut Creek, Saylorville Lake, Onion Creek, Indian Creek
Golf Courses in and Near Ames, Iowa
Veenker Memorial Golf Course, Ames Golf and Country Club, Coldwater Golf Links, Jester Park Golf Course, River Valley Golf Course, Honey Creek Golf Club, Cedar Pointe Golf Course, Briarwood Golf Club
Ames, Iowa - Key Historical Facts
Ames was founded in 1864 and named after Oakes Ames, a prominent railroad supporter.
The city grew rapidly following the establishment of Iowa State Agricultural College in 1858, now Iowa State University.
Ames became a national center for agricultural research, engineering and scientific innovation.
Many important technological and agricultural advancements originated from Iowa State University.
The city's economy is driven by education, research, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Today, Ames is known for its university culture, research institutions, high quality of life and strong technology sector.
