Just 30 miles from the state capital of Des Moines, the bicycle friendly city of Ames attracts discerning travelers who appreciate small-town charm and comfy house rentals. There's much to do from soaking in the old Downtown District to chatting with friendly students at the Iowa State University. A four-season destination, Ames is young at heart yet retains a nostalgic air - you'll see. Discover this progressive community with a vacation rental or house rental as your base.

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Apartments and vacation rentals with a kitchen
Cook up a feast on your next vacation and book a Ames rental with full kitchen.
Vacation rentals and apartments with air conditioning
Keep cool during your trip to Ames and book a vacation rental with air conditioning.
Vacation rentals with Wi-Fi
Stay connected while traveling and book a Ames accommodation with high-speed internet.

Popular Rental Amenities in Ames
You will have a large selection of accommodations to compare and choose from if you are looking for a rental offering a pool in Ames. Hotel room with pools in Ames are a fantastic option for groups of 10 and cost, on average, $179 a night. In Ames, most of the accommodations offering a pool are situated close to the water.
The Weather in Ames
The above is a climate diagram for Ames. During July, maximum temperatures go up to more than 84° However, temperatures can go lower than 12° in Ames in January. May is the wettest month.
7-Day Weather Forecast in Ames
A Tried-and-tested Dining Scene
An Ames tradition since 1970, the Hickory Park Restaurant boasts a choice collection of hickory-smoked meats and parlor sundaes, all served in large portions. Another 1970s fixture, Great Plains Sauce & Dough proposes different styles of pizzas (New Orleans style, Denver style and Oat Style).
Aunt Maude's has been serving piping hot local food since 1975. Choose from their legendary black bean burgers, shrimp scampi and roasted salmon among other delights. Another Ames favorite is The Spice Thai Cuisine Restaurant where an explosion of flavors - chili, cilantro, lemongrass, galangal, and basil await.
For a night out Ames-style, Dublin Bay Irish Pub won't disappoint - the libations are delicious, the service genuine and warm. Come home to your house rental after a night of raucous laughter and fun.
Party at Night
Ames has a plethora of night out escapades to tempt guests from the comfort of their house rentals. If you want to enjoy your meal accompanied by great entertainment, try out Whiskey River. You will appreciate their British grub and English style old ale. The bartenders will further enhance your experience with their friendly and prompt service.
Blue Owl is a college bar that offers incredible fun. You will enjoy the topmost service and drinks from the exemplary friendliness of the attendants. Even better, the five massive television sets ensure that visitors do not crowd in one place as they enjoy hours of music and gameing entertainment.
If you like parting hard and long into the night, why not try Mickey's Irish Pub. The pub’s friendly staff and ambiance give you a great opportunity to enjoy drinks, music, and fun. Also, there are multiple generously sized televisions and a great stereo system.
Local Attractions
If you want to make the most of your vacation, you have to get out of the comfort of the house rentals. Visit Iowa State University and stand in awe of Elwood, the tallest garden concrete genome there has ever been.
Taking a tour of the great Iowa State University is a holistic adventure experience for you and your family. Here stands a world-class university, housing historic sites, Brunnier Art Museum, and Elwood, the world's tallest garden genome.
To learn more about the culture of Ames visit the Octagon Center For the Arts. The center has complemented Ames' rich culture since 1966. It has an incredible of changing exhibits, and you can be sure to spot drawings from world-famous artists.
A Fun Festival City
Ames Pridefest is the town's signature event that supports the LGBTQI community. The family-friendly festival is open to those of all ages. Best to book house rentals in advance.
Generally held in September, Far Progress Show is America's biggest outdoor farm event with over 600 exhibitors showcasing the latest seeds, crops and farm equipment.
Another September time affair is the Octagon Art Festival which brings in hundreds of artists from across the state. Food trucks, live music and dance make it an entertaining event.
Local Convenience in Ames
One thing that stands out about house rentals is that you can cook some of your favorite meals in the comfort of your own kitchen. Casey's General Store is your one-stop solution for all your vacation rental needs, including grocery retail. Here, you can also get some delicious pizzas and sandwiches.
Drop by Kum & Go for a great breakfast meal or fresh food. There's a wide choice of drinks, including soft, energy, and frozen drinks. Don't forget to pick up some doughnuts, sandwiches, or a hot slice of pizza!
If you are in for a really good time, make a stop at Cyclone Liquors for your beer and wine needs. From wines and spirits to your favorite liquor, this store will make your vacation fun and entertaining.
Old Districts, Museums and Culture
Ames History Museum
An excellent starting point to exploring Ames, the museum holds interesting exhibits that retell the tale of the town's past. Changing exhibits, lectures and a well-stocked gift shop are other highlights.
Main Street Cultural District
This atmospheric district is worth a stroll for its old shops, specialty stores, boutiques and restaurants. Annual events such as Oktoberfest are held here. Consider a house rental or vacation rental around the area as you'll have much to see and do.
Hoggatt School
Open to the public, the Hoggatt School is a fascinating one-room schoolhouse located in a gorgeous Downtown neighborhood of Ames.
Iowa State University
A top-rated Ames attraction, the picturesque university campus is dotted with architecturally stunning buildings and is interspersed with public art and wall murals. The campus is also home to the award-winning Reiman Gardens and Farm House Museum.
Octagon Center for the Arts
An Ames institution since 1966, the center boasts a high-quality cultural program that includes locally produced plays, performances, rotating exhibits, and lectures.
Information about vacation rentals in Ames
🏡 Vacation rentals available | 523 homes |
---|---|
💳 Possible discounts | up to 80% |
🌙 Nightly prices starting at | $53 |
⭐ Popular amenities | Pets allowed, Internet and Kitchen |
🐾 Pet friendly homes | 45 homes |
🏊 Vacation rentals with pools | 332 homes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average nightly price for a vacation home in Ames?
The price of a night's stay in Ames starts at $53. If you are looking for a house rental, the nightly price is $325 on average. A bed and breakfast rental Ames will cost $182 per night on average.
How many vacation homes are available to book in Ames?
There are 523 vacation homes from 7 different providers in Ames.
What amenities are most popular for vacation rentals in Ames?
The most popular amenities for vacation home rentals in Ames include accommodations that have: Internet, Pets allowed, and Kitchen.
How many vacation homes with pools are there in Ames?
There are 332 rentals across 7 providers in Ames.
Are dogs allowed in vacation homes in Ames?
Finding a rental in Ames that allows dogs is possible, with 45 pet-friendly available.
What's the best time of year to travel to Ames?
Ames has its warmest time of year around July and June, with average prices of $53 per night.
Find the perfect Ames home to match your style
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