# Anything fun to do in Ames, Iowa? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 23, 2002, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576 "2002-05-23T23:12:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2002, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/21 "2002-05-26T02:20:49Z")
I think I’ve agreed to take some of my “eclectic insane” wardrobe down, so, **fluidruid** , if you see a short Asian/confusing-unidentifiable-race girl wearing all black and fishnets or a ball gown in the company of a tall blond gorgeous girl wearing all bright pink and orange (no, not me. My friend), come up and introduce yourself. I’m from Canada. Everything is far away, except maybe in innercity Toronto. Thanks, everyone- this has been very helpful. I am prepared now for the exciting and fun-filled experience that is Iowa!.. alright, I won’t do big-city snobbery, or some Canadian who’s not from Toronto will cuss me out. Everyone in Canada hates Toronto, except for Torontonians. I think I’ll give the Mall of America a miss, really. By the way, what is the population of Ames? Just wondering. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2002, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/22 "2002-05-26T02:21:29Z")
I think I’ve agreed to take some of my “eclectic insane” wardrobe down, so, **fluidruid** , if you see a short Asian/confusing-unidentifiable-race girl wearing all black and fishnets or a ball gown in the company of a tall blond gorgeous girl wearing all bright pink and orange (no, not me. My friend), come up and introduce yourself. I’m from Canada. Everything is far away, except maybe in innercity Toronto. Thanks, everyone- this has been very helpful. I am prepared now for the exciting and fun-filled experience that is Iowa!.. alright, I won’t do big-city snobbery, or some Canadian who’s not from Toronto will cuss me out. Everyone in Canada hates Toronto, except for Torontonians. I think I’ll give the Mall of America a miss, really. By the way, what is the population of Ames? Just wondering. Must go iron wedding dress, so it’ll be ready to take down. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2002, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/23 "2002-05-26T03:11:39Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by fluiddruid \* > \*\* > If you could give us a better idea of when exactly you’ll be around, I could get you some more info. I’ve never been to Amana, but it is a pretty decent drive from Ames, too. Doable, of course._\* If the Amanas aren’t too far to drive from Ames, then Winterset ought to be a cinch. It is southwest of Des Moines in Madison County and the country around there with its covered bridges was the scene of the movie, _The Bridges of Madison County_. I’ve never been there so I can’t tell you about it, but this site is informative [http://www.madisoncounty.com/](http://www.madisoncounty.com/) ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2002, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/24 "2002-05-26T10:41:47Z")
D’oh! I screwed up on the Worlds of Fun thing. All of the damn commercials around here – I thought it had to be close. I don’t blame you for missing the Mall of America. I’ve been there twice; I used to host German exchange students and they always wanted to go. It’s expensive, crowded, and generally horrible (I don’t like malls as it is). One thing you might want to see that I forgot to mention is the Reiman Gardens in Ames. It’s by the stadium. It’s a neat little place that you can walk through. Last I checked, they had things like a ‘smell garden’ (lots of different smelly plants like mints) and a kids garden. Have fun at the wedding! ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2002, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/25 "2002-05-26T21:31:50Z")
> [@](#): > > There are also the Living History Farms in Des Moines, a reproduction of a turn of the century farm, complete with craftspeople doing authentic tasks, but that doesnt sound like Lissla Lissar’s thing either. Actually, **Etherman** , that sounds like fun. I’m one of the most fashion-history-oriented people I know (along with Guin, Octavia, and Mademoiselle, of course) and it would be interesting. At the very least, if they’re dressed wrong I can stand around and criticise! Everyone loves that!😃 I won’t ask if there are any good bookstores. The last thing I need is to carry 50lbs of extra books home with me… ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2002, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/26 "2002-05-26T23:27:37Z")
(Psst, I did mention a couple of good bookstores earlier!) Living History Farms is very cool and easy to get to from Ames. Just hop over to I-35 and take it almost all of the way (you’ll see Living History Farms on the right). North of Des Moines it will split off into 235 and 35/80, you take 35/80. I pass it every day on the way to work. ---
**Author:** ![Wikkit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c0e974/32.png) [@Wikkit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wikkit)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2002, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/27 "2002-05-27T02:40:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lissla Lissar \* > **By the way, what is the population of Ames? Just wondering.** Just over fifty thousand when school is in. Somewhat less when it isn’t, but I don’t know by how much. Have fun. It’s a nice little city. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2002, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/28 "2002-05-27T15:46:08Z")
Ah yes, **fluidruid** , you did mention bookstores, but you didn’t give me names. This is good- I WILL buy books if I’m near a bookstore. It’s an evil, evil addiction. I firmly believe that all I really need is a whole lot of books, and two tarps- one for the ground, and one for the roof. Unfortunately (for financial and comfort reasons) my SO agrees with me. So we’re going to have lots of books, and no house. It should be exciting!:rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2002, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/29 "2002-05-27T22:35:25Z")
Build your house out of books! ---
**Author:** ![Wikkit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c0e974/32.png) [@Wikkit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wikkit)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/30 "2002-05-28T02:45:36Z")
The one I went to is called Firehouse Books, and is at 405 Kellogg Ave. That’s the ‘downtown’ area of Ames, on the east side. Iowa State and Campustown are on the west side. ---
**Author:** ![Lipid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/43a26b/32.png) [@Lipid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lipid)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/31 "2002-05-28T06:13:58Z")
You could drive about 25 minutes and go to Boone, IA. They have this old school train ride. Most of the scenery is pretty boring but theres a huge bridge you go over that looks like those bridges in the movies (think Lean On Me). The view kicks ass, plus, you get to go over it twice. Or you could drive about 45 minutes and come to Jefferson, IA and see the bell tower or come into the famous video store (where I work) in the basement of a theatre! ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/32 "2002-05-28T21:06:52Z")
The Boone Scenic Railroad that Lipid mentioned is actually pretty fun. I took a friend of mine from out of state there and there were all these Civil War re-enactors hanging around. They handed out certificates to people who talked too much to the people playing whores (I didn’t read them, but they presented them proudly while telling them what disease they got, like siphylis), and then some Confederates came and ‘robbed’ the train. It was kind of a weird re-enactment, but I guess it was just for that weekend. Anyhow, the train ride is actually very striking – there’s some beautiful scenery even here in Iowa. Firehouse Books is the new one – it’s off Main Street. Right nearby is Big Table, which is the other used bookstore. Both of them are worth a trip. They’re not super-huge, though, so don’t be afraid of taking home the whole store. I’d also recommend Worldly Goods on Main St – it’s a fair trade store with very fair (and sometimes obscenely low – like $2.95 for bamboo wind chimes I bought) prices. There’s also a big building that houses antique dealers on Main, and they have some neat stuff there, too, but it’s a crapshoot. ---
**Author:** ![evilskippy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ab992/32.png) [@evilskippy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilskippy)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/33 "2002-05-28T21:23:11Z")
Perhaps we should consider an IowaDope? ---
**Author:** ![Kricket](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f14d63/32.png) [@Kricket](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kricket)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2002, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/34 "2002-05-29T13:32:44Z")
I don’t think we have ever actually been able to pull off an Iowa dope. We had a very small one once. Three people meet up here in the Quad Cities and like most other get togethers within my area (Chicago and Springfield) I was unable to attend and this one was darn near in my back yard. Someone come up with details and sick children and cranky husbands permitting I will try my hardest to make it. As for things to do and see in Ames I wouldn’t have a clue. I live in a box around here. ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2002, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/35 "2002-05-29T15:27:12Z")
Des Moines’ art museum is really worth a look. It’s one of the most visitor-friendly art museums I’ve ever been to, with explanations of WHY they have certain policies, and good handouts. It’s also an interesting amalgamation of architectural styles, with several world-famous architects having contributed. Now, any Iowa City Iowans who are reading this, you must simply drop everything and email me NOW to tell me about the U of Iowa president. Or should I saw former president. She’s about to become my president. ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2002, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/36 "2002-05-30T07:41:46Z")
Well, if you’re willing to drive, Chicago’s not all _that_ far away. 😉 I spent an eternity in Ames one week, but then I was there for a Destination Imagination tournament and didn’t have anyone to show me around. It was my general impression that the sidewalks rolled up around 10 p.m. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2002, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/37 "2002-05-31T03:12:15Z")
Yo. I’m here! In Ames! It’s really hot. I think I want to return to my nice igloo in Toronto. My friend Erika keeps threatening to take me to a hog confinement. I have been fabric shopping in Des Moines, and am expecting to eat barbeque at the above recommended restaurant tomorrow (Friday). There’s an arts thing in some park tomorrow, and ther’ll be bellydancing, so I’m going to go and criticise. Must go eat dinner, but thanks for your help, everyone. So far, I’m having a great time, minus the blasted heat. I tried to convince a waitress to\day that Canada has only five miles of paved road. It didn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2002, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/38 "2002-05-31T04:49:13Z")
Oh, by the way – Hickory Park has big lines. If possible, call for a reservation, or expect a wait – especially at Friday lunchtime. People drive for miles around to visit this restaurant. In fact, I work in the DM metro area and the only thing that people know about Ames is Hickory Park. Arts thing? Hunh. I don’t really keep up with the local stuff! I’m planning to go to Episode II again tomorrow, anyway. Watch out, we Iowans like to make fun of Canadians, just as Wisconsinites make fun of us. “I’m from Canadaaaaaaa, and they think I’m sloooooow, ehhhhhh?” ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2002, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/39 "2002-05-31T23:19:59Z")
Yes, well, making fun of Americans is kind of a Canadian national pastime- like whining, or being offended. Practically a national sport sometime. I believe we’re eating dinner late, at 8 or so, so hopefully the lines won’t be too bad. I’ve been to a grocery store and seen beer in it, I’ve eaten a Krispy Kreme doughnut, and Erika and I have visited the pork section in the local Fareway. The first thing I saw when I got off the plane was a sign that said, “You scream, I scream, we all scream for pork loin!” Aaagh. We visited about four bookstores today, and I got an illustrated copy of A Child’s Christmas In Wales (Dylan Thomas), and I narrowly avoided buying a bunch of other books as well. Of to the thing in the park! ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2002, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576/40 "2002-05-31T23:23:13Z")
That sounds like a horror novel- “The Thing In The Park”. Okay, so it’s not scary at all. I didn’t say it sounded like a _good_ horror novel. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-fun-to-do-in-ames-iowa/110576.md?page=3)