An Unlikely Midwest Destination Is Home To One Of America's Best-Ranked College Towns

The term "college town" is common throughout the United States and even sometimes in other countries. While the term has fairly neutral connotations, it can sound exclusionary. The culture of a college town is of course heavily influenced by the school that calls it home, but people other than prospective students should consider checking out these corners of the country. While there is lots of fun to be had in these destinations branded as college towns, some stand out more than others.

Ames, Iowa, ranks within the top 10 best college towns of 2024, according to a list published by College Transitions. This publication believes that what makes Ames one of the best college towns in the U.S. is its variety of activities relative to its size. When combining the student body of Iowa State University and other residents of Ames, there are still under 100,000 people in the city. However, there is plenty to do and see whether you are an Iowa State student or not. Perhaps add Ames to an adventure-packed Midwest road trip or take the town's activities into account when deciding where to go for your own university studies.

Just over 1 mile from Iowa State University is the vibrant downtown part of Ames. Head here for museums, restaurants, and boutiques among historic buildings. The Ames History Museum (reopening at the end of October 2024) has a collection of archives relating to the town's history along with rotating exhibits. Check the website beforehand not just to find out what is currently on display, but also to browse the historic photos available online. This can help you figure out what you want to see on your visit.

Also on downtown is the Octagon Center for the Arts. Visit the Octagon for art exhibits in the free Community Gallery and the Octagon's store, where you can find handmade crafts like jewelry and ceramics for sale. Find restaurants and bars around the corner on Main Street. Take your pick from a variety of drinks and pub grub at The Angry Irishmen, Sportsman Lounge, or Sam's Place. If you're not heading to the university grounds for some Iowa State sports, you can join the fans at these bars. All are close to more places to shop, too. One of the town's most intriguing stores nearby is Worldly Goods, a nonprofit selling gift items made by people all over the world who are looking to improve their home communities through the sales from this store.

The Midwest is of course known for its farmland and agriculture. If you are visiting Ames in the fall or simply looking for a break from your Iowa State midterms, head less than 30 minutes south to the Center Grove Orchard. This is a must-visit family vacation destination that both kids and parents will love. In September and October, guests at the orchard can go apple picking or wander through rows upon rows of pumpkins in search of the perfect one to take home. Have more quintessential fall fun in Center Grove's corn maze or on a hayride. You can even feed goats or watch pigs race here.

There are still plenty of things to do outside even if you're not in Ames during the fall. Do some fishing and bird-watching in the wetlands of Ada Hayden Heritage Park, an urban green space with all the usual picnic and park amenities. A popular outdoor spot within Iowa State University are the Reiman Gardens. These acres of cultivated gardens have gained international recognition and are as beautiful as they are educational, displaying thousands of plants from common to rare. Students will enjoy hanging out here, as will other Ames visitors.