This is a guest post by Rachel Foxwell, a student at Iowa State University majoring in Hospitality Management, emphasizing on Travel and Tourism.
Have you thought about visiting or going to college in Iowa? You’ll want to be sure to visit Ames, the home of Iowa State University.
Ames, Iowa is Rachel’s current residence. Knowing that college students make up over half of the population of Ames, Rachel also is an expert on how to work with the idiosyncrasies to transform them into fun and cheap weekend activities. No matter your interests or available time or money, Ames has something to offer every current and prospective students as well as visitors.
Main Street in downtown Ames, Iowa. Photo by Tim Kiser
8 Fun (and Cheap) Weekend Activities to do in Ames, Iowa
1. Take a stroll down Welch Avenue. Whether you’re going out to the bars or just hanging out with a group of friends, Welch Avenue is bustling with college students every weekend. It is a fun party atmosphere as well as an interesting place to simply people watch. While you’re there, it’s a necessity to grab the ultimate Iowan delicacy – a Superdog. A hotdog covered with a variety of sauces, bacon, chips, cheese, and pineapple”;it’s every college student’s dream.
2. Watch a movie at the dollar theater. This is Iowa, and we are one of the few states fortunate to have things such as dollar theaters. If you’re willing to wait a few weeks to see a movie, this is the place for you. Located in North Grand Mall, the theater supplies a comfortable and clean atmosphere, fairly priced concessions, and a wide variety of movies.
Rachel and her friend Rebecca at the Honors Program Fall Ball
3. Discover various activities on campus. Iowa State sponsors a wide variety of alcohol and drug-free events on campus. And the bonus is that most of them are for free! ISU After Dark is one of the biggest events, which takes place one Friday a month. They have crafts, games, bingo, karaoke, comedians, concerts, bowling, and much, much more, all for free. Other activities offered through Iowa State include lectures, plays, concerts, dances, cultural festivals, and much more!
4. Eat out at a local restaurant. Ames offers a plethora of local, privately owned restaurants with each having its own flair and theme. No matter your cravings, I would suggest getting off the main roads and finding a new restaurant. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised. From Thai to pizza to organic café’s, Ames has it all.
5. Create your own game on campus. Visitors commonly refer to Iowa State’s campus as a park and I would confirm. Unlike many campuses, Iowa State has endless areas of grass, trees, and vacant space, making it the perfect place for recreational activities. On the weekends, it is almost guaranteed you’ll see a group playing Frisbee or soccer, and you can feel free to join! Students are even known to play capture the flag, hide and seek, or climb trees. Of course, Iowa does have quite the winter season, but have no fear. Some of my favorite outdoor activities during winter include snowball fights, snowman building, and sledding on the President’s lawn (his wife occasionally brings out hot chocolate!)
6. Cheer on at an athletic event. Let’s be honest here. As much as I love my Cyclones, we have not had the best athletic records for any sports. But throughout the years, Iowa State has stepped it up in almost every sport and is known for causing major upsets. Whether you’re a football, soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, or track fan, you’ll find that sporting events are a fun and cheap way to spend a Friday or Saturday. Furthermore, the best part of Cyclone athletics is the spirited student section. Whether you’re a true Iowa Stater or not, you’ll feel a part of the school at athletic events.
Hiking at Ledges State Park
7. Take a trip out of town. Ames is a relatively small city and, admittedly, sometimes you just need to visit somewhere more exciting. Fortunately, the area surrounding Ames provides even more options, no matter your hobbies. The state capitol of Des Moines is a convenient 30 minute drive away and is the perfect place for shopping, theater productions, or a trip to the farmers’ market. If you’re looking to get away from the city and connect with nature, you must visit the nearby town of Boone houses the infamous Ledges State Park. The park is an ideal place for camping, hiking, geocaching, repelling, mushroom hunting, and rock climbing.
8. Get creative according to the seasons. No matter the season, you can find something to do in Ames. In the summer, a common pastime is tubing down the Skunk River or going to nearby lakes. For the fall, a trip to the apple orchard, corn maze, or haunted house is always never-fail option. Ice-skating is a popular choice in the winter as is trips to the parks in the spring.
Have you been to Ames, Iowa? What is your favorite fun and cheap weekend activity? Please share your response in the comments section below.
Rachel is completing a social media internship for VentureTime Travel. Read more about her travel adventures — including her summer study in Europe — in her Rachel’s Realities blog.
Want to learn more about places to explore in Iowa? check out these books:
Other posts on Iowa that you might want to check out:Campustown: A Brief History of the First West Ames
- A Quick Detour Off I-35 to Explore the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne’s Birthplace
- 5 Must-See Places in Iowa
- Destination Discovery: Kimballton, Iowa is home for this “Little Mermaid”
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