Smart Choice

Experience Ames and Iowa State University through your customized

Agriculture and Arts Tour

Known for its groundbreaking research and impressive collection of public artwork created by renowned artists,
Iowa State University continues to be a proud leader in art, agriculture and animal science.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
9:00 a.m.

Iowa State University Dairy*: Experience firsthand how milk goes from the farm to your table.
Iowa State University Compost Facility: As part of Iowa States Live Green! Initiative, the animal farms, ISU

Dining and BioCentury Research Farm provide organic materials for the Iowa State Compost Facility which generates
approximately 2,000 tons of finished compost per year.
10:30 a.m.

Iowa State University Ag Engineering and Agronomy (AEA) Research Farms: The AEA Research Farm hosts
demonstrations focused on a variety of perennial crops.

Iowa State University BioCentury Research Farm: Learn about these unique facilities that enable the integration
of biomass production, harvest, storage and conversion into one complete system.
1:00 p.m.

Reiman Gardens Tour with Catered Lunch by Hickory Park: Celebrate Reiman Gardens 20th anniversary and relive
your childhood while viewing the InTREEguing TREEhouse display, coming in 2015. Enjoy a catered lunch by Hickory Park,
known for its mouthwatering hickory smoked meats.

3:30 p.m.

Iowa State University Horticulture Station: The horticulture station is home to extensive apple orchards,

7:30 p.m.

Catch a show at Stephens Auditorium: Join us for a great performance in this unique auditorium that was named the

vineyards, fruit and vegetable plantings, turf grass research, ornamental plantings and a 15-acre lake.

building of the century by the Association of Iowa Architects. The auditorium seats 2,747 people and hosts a variety of
shows from contemporary concerts to broadway musicals.

Day 2
9:00 a.m.

Morning on Main Street - Shopping included!

Chocolaterie Stam - Enjoy a hands-on lesson about Stam history while sampling signature chocolates.
Cooks Emporium - A private cooking demonstration on how to make your everyday cooking spectacular.
Gilger Designs - Experience the jewelry making process from a drawing to the finished designs.
Everts Flowers, Home & Gifts - View demonstrations of floral designs that are sure to inspire and impress!

12:00 p.m.

Lunch on the Iowa State University Campus - Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom: A restaurant and classroom

1:00 p.m.

Walking Tour of the Art on Campus Collection: Iowa State University, home to the largest campus public art

teaching operation within Iowa States world-renowned hospitality management program. Students take responsibility
for planning, preparing and serving each meal.
program in the United States, has over 2,000 major public works of art. Designed by significant artists from Iowa and
around the world, the artwork is located across campus in buildings, courtyards and open spaces.

Octagon Center for the Arts

Swap out any of your tour stops with these

additional destinations! We look forward to
welcoming you to our community.
For help planning your trip to Ames,
please contact:
Allyson Walter
Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau
allysonw@amescvb.com
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

Experience a beautiful and exciting

trip across the scenic Des Moines
River Valley. Enjoy excursion rides,
a dinner train, charters or a dessert
train. Tour the 9,000-square foot
James H. Andrew Railroad Museum
& History Center.

Iowa State University Animal Science Teaching Farms*

The Animal Science Teaching Farms tour includes several
farm sites used for hands-on classes and demonstrations of
the production systems with livestock including beef cattle,
sheep and swine. See modern swine production (farrowing,
gestation and growing) at the teaching farms. Beef cattle
and sheep are located in the feedlots and pastures.

Della Viti

Della Viti is Iowas first and only

self-serve wine bar, utilizing Napa
Technology WineStations to offer
a large variety of wine to patrons.
You can choose between a taste,
a half glass, or a full (5-ounce)
pour. Della Viti has 48 different
varieties of wine available and a
full service bar with craft beers.

Experience original works of art

on display at the Octagon Center
for the Arts in downtown Ames.
The Octagon features a variety
of artwork created by local and
regional artists in three exhibit
galleries and includes a gallery
shop where you can purchase a
great gift. Tours and hands-on activities can be arranged to
accommodate groups up to 130 people.

Iowa State University Meats Laboratory*

Tour the Iowa State Meats Laboratory, a federally inspected

facility where you can see the latest design in thermal process
equipment. Visit the chemistry laboratories to view an
analysis of the physical and chemical properties of meat. Also
observe the slaughter house floor where beef, pork, lamb and
veal are all processed.

Iowa Arboretum

A visit to the Iowa Arboretums

378-acre facility is an experience
you should add to your list. Take
a stroll down the Library Trail or
enjoy the colors of the daylilies. The
Arboretums self guided hikes allow
you to witness scenic overlooks
and deep ravines, leaving you with a
greater appreciation for nature. The grounds are open all year,
allowing you to enjoy each of Iowas four seasons.

Old Town Historic District

The Old Town Historic District, located north of downtown

Ames, includes a unique collection of homes which illustrate
the history of domestic architecture in Ames from the 1870s
to the mid-1920s. Perfect for a walking tour.

Ciccotti Art Glass

Ciccotti Art Glass offers free

glassblowing demonstrations from
October through late April. The
demonstrations last approximately
one hour and can accomodate up to
30 people. The gallery and gift shop
are open during demonstrations.

Creative Spirits

Drink a glass of wine, visit with friends and let a Creative

Spirits art instructor guide you through the step-by-step
process of creating a canvas painting. The best part?
Making fun memories and a completed piece of art to hang
in your home!

Story City Antique Carousel

Enjoy a ride on the Story City

Antique Carousel! Built in 1913
by Herschel-Spillman Co., the
carousel consists of horses, pigs,
roosters, dogs, chariots, a spinning
tub and an original Wurlitzer
Military Band organ.

Snus Hill Vineyard & Winery

With award-winning wines, this family owned winery located

outside of Madrid, Iowa, is sure to please your palette. This
countryside vineyard offers tours explaining the process of
wine making. Enjoy a delicious Snus Hill wine as you take in
the scenic views from their spacious deck. If you are here for a
Friday or Sunday during the spring, summer or fall, join us for
live music outdoors with great wine, food and entertainment.

Ames History Center

Take a historical tour of downtown and learn about the

interesting personalities who pioneered Ames and molded it
into a growing community. Stop at the gift shop to find books
on the history of Ames, apparel and much more!

*Please note, USDA Regulations require visitors to be in the U.S. for at least five days prior to going on these tours.