Ames, Iowa

Getting Here

Centrally positioned along the I-35 and I-80 corridor, Ames can be reached easily from all points north, south, east, and west.

Arrive by air

Commercial air transportation is just 45 minutes away at the Des Moines International Airport. The airport provides non-stop service to many major cities around the United States. The Ames Municipal Airport, operated by Central Iowa Air Service, is designed to serve corporate fleets, charters and small private aircraft.

Car rental service is available at Des Moines International. Taxi and rideshare opportunities are available in Ames. Discover Ames is offering round trip shuttle service for Odyssey of the Mind teams from the Des Moines International Airport only. Cost is $75 for a round trip and the deadline to register is May 3. To reserve your shuttle click here: Team Shuttle Reservation. You will need flight arrival and departure information to reserve your shuttle.

If you do not want to reserve a shuttle through Discover Ames, you can reach out to Executive Express: Executive Express Shuttle Request.

Arrive by ground

Ames, at the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 30, can be located by traveling on north-south Interstate 35 and using exits 111B and 113. Interstate 35 also intersects with east-west Interstate 80 approximately 30 miles south of Ames, at the north edge of the Des Moines Metro area.

Ames Maps

Once you arrive in Ames, our Ames Map is a “must have” sight-seeing accessory.

Release your inner Cyclone and meet all the Cys in town.

27 statues of Iowa State’s mascot Cy can be found throughout Ames, and a visit isn’t complete without taking pictures with them!

Tee off

On stage

Sweets & treats

Finger-lickin’ good

Historic downtown shopping

Uncover hidden gems