Area Attractions
Ames Community Arts Council: Non-profit entity dedicated to promoting the arts in Ames, proving information on local theater, music concerts, dance, comedy and art shows.
(515) 233-6110 www.amesart.org• Ames Community Theater ACTORS, Inc: A variety of live theatrical presentations and educational opportunities for all ages
(515) 292-2073 www.artorsinc.org• Ames Historical Society: Contact for information regarding Hoggatt School and the Story Center
(515)232-2148.
(515)232-2148.
• Ames Parks and Recreation: Facilities include the community center, ice arena, 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, and parks throughout the city
(515) 239-5350 www.city.ames.ia.us/parkrecweb.• Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad: 225 10th St., Boone. Travel in vintage 1920s passenger cars on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Steam or diesel locomotive will take you across the 156-foot trestle overlooking Des Moines River Valley. Museum, gift shop and snack bar, ride will last 2 hours and 20 minutes Memorial Day weekend through October 31.
(515) 432-4249 www.scenic-valleyrr.com • Brunnier Art Museum: The Brunner Art Museum is the state’s only accredited museum emphasizing a decorative arts collection, group tours welcome.
(515)294-3342 www.museums.iastate.edu• Camp Hantesa: Year round camp and conference center. Program, activities, team building and leadership opportunities available.
(515) 432-1417 www.hantesa.com• Ciccotti Art Glass: Produces one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass pieces. The gallery has work for sale, and demonstrations for the public can be arranged.
(515)232-3385• Country Relics Village: N. of Stanhope on Hwy. 17. “Down on the Farm” where visitor participations brings life to the 16 building village complex 7 days a week, May-mid-Oct., 10:00-5:00 form the Friday before Thanksgiving through the last Sunday in Dec. Conveniently located north of Standhop on Hwy 17.
(515) 826-4FUN(386) www.countryrelicsvillage.com• Farm House Museum: National Historic Landmark reflects life between 1860 and 1910.
(515) 294-7426 www.museums.iastate.edu
• Iowa 4-H Conference Center: 1,100 acres of wooded bluff and native prairie, the Iowa 4-H Center offers a variety of year-round conference facilities and retreat lodging to meet the needs of any group.
(515) 795-3338 www.extension.iastate.edu/4hcenter• Iowa Games: A multi-sport festival of Olympic-style competition for Iowa’s amateur athletes of all ages, abilities and gender
(515) 292-3254 www.iowagames.org• First Lady Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace: A restored Victorian home. Original family furniture, museum, and library. Guided tours. Hours: 1:00-5:00, Tues.-Sun., April & May 10:00-5:00 daily June-October
(515) 432-1896 http://www.mamiesbirthplace.homestead.com/• Octagon Center for the Arts: A major art center featuring local, regional and national art exhibitions. Offers dynamic programming that includes challenging visual exhibits and memorable public programs.
(515) 232-5088 www.octagonarts.org• Reiman Gardens: Visit one of the finest university gardens in the nation. Known for its roses, unique collection of specialty gardens and educational programming. Also visit the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing and Conservatory Complex.
(515) 294-4817 www.reimangardens.iastate.edu• Story City Antique Carousel: Built in 1913 by Herschel/Spillman, a hard carved carousel including horses, pigs, roosters, dogs, chariots and a spinning tub.
(515) 733-4214 www.storycity.net• Iowa State Memorial Union Bowling/Billiards: Newly remodeled Recreation Center provides relaxation and entertainment for students and the local community alike. Includes: pool tables, bowling, cd jukebox, darts, air hockey, foosball and over 25 arcade games.
(515) 292-1111 www.mu.iastate.edu• Seven Oaks Recreation, Inc: Recreation opportunities include snow skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobile drag races, full-service canoe rentals, RV and tent camping and motocross races.
(515) 432-9457 www.sevenoaksrec.com• Boone Municipal Pool: 1000 Frances Mason Dr. This pool was built in 1993, sits in McHose Park and features a 108 foot waterslide.
(515) 432-8650• Ledges State Park: 1519 250th Street, Boone. Ledges is one of Iowa’s oldest parks. Dedicated in 1924, the park is best known for the sandstone bluffs that run from the upper portion down to the Des Moines River Valley. It has more than 1,200 acres of camping, picnicking and hiking.
(515) 432-1852 Click here for more information.
• Boone Speedway: 1481 223 Place, Boone. Exciting racing action speaks louder than words
every Saturday night April-August. Long considered “Iowa’s Action Track” the Boone Speedway hosts the IMCA Super Nationals every September.• Boone Speedway: 1481 223 Place, Boone. Exciting racing action speaks louder than words
515-987-1220 Boone Speedway
• Don Williams Lake & Golf Course: 6 Miles N. of Ogden on P70. Don Williams Recreational Area features a 160 acre lake for fishing, swimming and boating. It also has a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, camping, and picnic grounds. Cabins are available.
(515) 353-4237• Kate Shelly Memorial High Bridge: 3 Miles W. of Boone on J Ave. The Kate Shelley High Bridge is the longest, highest, double-track railroad bridge in the United States. It stands 185 feet above the Des Moines River at a length of 2,685 feet. It was renamed in 1982 to honor Kate Shelley.
• Kate Shelley Railroad Museum. Moingona: This restored depot is where visitors can learn the dramatic story of 15 year-old Kate Shelley’s warning of oncoming danger to a passenger train. Working telegraph, railroad memorabilia, and artifacts relating to Kate Shelley’s like.
(515) 432-1907• Pufferbilly Days: Boone. Every 2nd weekend in September.
• Boone County Fairgrounds: Industrial Park Rd., Boone. The Fairgrounds is home to one of Iowa’s best county fairs featuring top entertainment. The newly remodeled community building provides a home for social, commercial and civic activities.
(515) 432-5899• East Side Electric Trolley Company: 11th & Division St., Boone. Relive riding on a 1915 Iowa interurban trolley. Rides depart weekends from the depot at 11th & division Street. Runs Memorial Day weekend through October 31.
1-800-626-0319• Clay Castle Museum: Madrid. You will experience hand made dolls, doll houses and other toy items. Truly a museum for children of all ages. Also visit the Coal Mine Museum.
(515) 795-3249• Boone County Historical Center: 602 Story St., Boone. This former Masonic Temple, built in 1907 houses extensive exhibits on the natural, geological, Native American, military, and local history of this area. Special and traveling exhibits featured throughout the year.
(515) 432-1907• Iowa Arboretum: 1875 Peach Ave., Madrid. Located on 378 acres in the heart of Boone County, containing hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and flowers in a tranquil scenic setting. Grounds open daily sunrise to sunset. Guided tours by appointment.
(515) 795-3216 www.iowaarboretum.com• Stage Coach Stables: Indoor/Outdoor riding arenas, riding trails, horse rentals, lessons, camps and shows.
(515) 232-0999
