The City of Ames, Iowa, is located in Story County, Iowa. The city got its name from Oakes Ames, a United States Congressman and railroad tycoon. He helped establish the city's foundation in 1864 as a stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad. John Insley Blair, who was also responsible for developing the adjacent town of Boone, Iowa, plotted the area.
Ames was incorporated as a city in 1866, and its first mayor was John G. Gilchrist. The population of Ames in 1870 was about 700 people. By then, it was a rural community until the arrival of the railroad. The first school in Ames opened in 1866. In 1869, Iowa State University was established in Ames as the state's land-grant university. The university helped to transform Ames from a rural community into a thriving city. The population of Ames multiplied during the early years of the university. The town became known as the "Campus City."
The city of Ames continued to grow from the second half of the 20th century to date. The population of Ames more than doubled between 1960 and 2000. Today, Ames sprawls over 28 square miles with a population of 66,300. It is home to many high-tech companies and a regional center for healthcare and retail. While in the metropolitan area, visit Reiman Gardens and Ames History Museum. Brookside Park, Moore Memorial Park, and Inis Grove Park are lovely places for outdoor recreation.
Des Moines Art Festival – Experience great fun and entertainment at this three-day occasion in Des Moines. This June event is free.
Iowa State Fair – Attend this long event that takes about 10 days in August. You will enjoy various entertainment acts and exhibits.
Hinterland Music Festival – Sing your lungs out at this upcoming, multi-day music festival. This August affair is the largest music event in Iowa.
Rest Area I-35 NB/SB Northwood is a free facility for all users. It has Wi-Fi and vending machines.
Another free facility open to the public is Rest Stop I-80 EB Tiffin. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi while at this spot.
Haven Hickory opens Monday through Sunday. It is free for registered users while unregistered guests have to pay a small fee.
Ledges State Park is along the eastern banks of the Des Moines River. You can go fishing or boating on the river. Rock collecting and picnicking in the field are other everyday activities you can conduct in this park. You can also try hiking the four miles of trails traversing the park. Drive along Canyon Drive on your way out to get incredible vistas of the park.
You will adore exploring the hardwood forest in Walnut Woods State Park, which is full of massive black walnut trees. The nearby Raccoon River is an ideal spot for boating, canoeing, fishing, and other water-based activities. This park has an on-site lodge where guests can conduct graduation, birthday, and other parties.
Rock Creek State Park is a few miles north of Kellogg. Guests can boat or fish on the 602-acre Rock Creek Lake. Swimming enthusiasts can also jump into the lake, although there are no on-site lifeguards. There are nine miles of trails for bikers, hikers, and equestrians. The paved courses make superb cross-country skiing paths during winter.
You will appreciate touring the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. This landmark preserves the two-room house the 31st president of America lived with his Quaker family. Also, explore the site’s schoolhouse and blacksmith shop.
Take a stroll along Lewis Clark National Historic Trail. This historic landmark snakes through 14 states, including Illinois, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
Find your way to Effigy Mounds National Monument, which is considered a sacred place by 20 Native American tribes. Take a guided tour of the area to see the numerous mounds created by the tribes to represent bears, panthers, turtles, and other things cherished in their culture.
Whispering Oak Campground has 45 RV sites and charges $28 to $32 daily. The campground boasts modern restrooms, shower facilities, and grassy trails.
For $15 to $25 per day, you can enjoy staying at Love Ledges State Park. This facility comes with vast pull-through sites comprising full hook-ups and showers.
Hickory Grove Breezy Bay is a family- and pet-friendly area that opens from April through October. It boasts a swimming pool, showers, and free Wi-Fi.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ames, IA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ames?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ames from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ames?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
