How to spend a rainy day in Ames

Rainy days are on their way! Get ready for April showers with these indoor activities to spend the perfect rainy day in Ames.

Curl up with a new book.

Head to the Ames Public Library to find the perfect read, then curl up and dive in while the rain hits the window next to you. Sounds perfect, right?

Explore art.

Visit Iowa State University’s campus for a tour of Christian Petersen Art Museum, located in the heart of central campus. Its exhibitions rotate between contemporary art, public art, and exhibitions that engage groups across campus, so be sure to check out their website to see what the current exhibition is. Take a stroll around Brunnier Art Museum and admire its iconic decorative arts collection. 

Have a drink.

What better way to warm up than with a drink? Try one of Ames’ local breweries, Torrent Brewing or Alluvial Brewing, for a delicious Ames-brewed beer. Or head downtown for a glass (or more, we don’t judge) of wine at Della Viti. Need a suggestion on where to go? Check out our local brew crawl. 

Catch a flick. 

Cinemark Movies 12 and North Grand Cinema always have movies showing, rain or shine. Take time on a rainy day to finally see that new movie your friends have been raving about, and don’t forget the buttery popcorn!

Get competitive.

Play a round at Perfect Games, located in west Ames. With a wide variety of arcade games, a 24-lane bowling alley, and a two-story laser tag arena, there’s fun to be had for everyone. 

Try new flavors. 

There are so many unique, local restaurants to try in Ames! Pick one that you’ve never tried, and test it out! You might just find your new go-to spot. Want to up your Instagram game? Try snapping a photo from one of these photogenic eateries. 

Enjoy nature.

Indoors, of course! Reiman Gardens has, unexpectedly, lots of activities to do indoors. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon among beautiful butterflies in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing or surround yourself with tropical plants in the Hughes Conservatory. 

Cozy up with a local brew. 

Ames’ coziest spot might be next to the fireplace at Burgie’s Coffee. Take a seat and enjoy a warm latte infused with house-made syrups while you watch the rain come down.

@discoverames Hey, it’s me. Burgie’s date tomorrow? #discoverames #amesiowa #coffee #coffeeshop #fyp ♬ Hey It’s Me – Official Sound Studio

Written by Marissa Smith, Marketing Communications Intern