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It was created to provide staff and students of the university a place to relax and enjoy nature. It is a large botanical garden with indoor and outdoor displays. Among the highlights are a lovely rose garden, a conservatory, and a popular butterfly garden.
Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre (6.9 ha) university-owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus in Ames, Iowa. Reiman Gardens is a year-round garden with events, programs, lectures, and tours that has consistently been one of the top visited attractions in Central Iowa. In 2023, Reiman Gardens was named a “Top 10 Garden worth traveling for” in North America at the International Garden Tourism Conference.
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Holding fine and decorative art items from around the world, including European decorative arts and American prints, paintings and sculpture, with an emphasis on Iowan artists.
Overlooking the central lawn is this classically-designed clock and bell tower, frequently used as an icon for the university.
The oldest building on campus, the Farm House was the center of life for the model farm that was the entirety of the university during its founding years. Today it is operated as a historical museum with period furnishings.
Located in one of the oldest buildings on campus, this museum holds a series of changing contemporary art exhibitions. A small sculpture garden with changing exhibits is located behind the building.
A small museum run by the local historical society with exhibits and displays on Ames history. Books, historic postcards, and self-guided walking tour brochures are available for purchase here.
Just north of town is this small lake that makes for a pleasant fishing and picnicking spot. A biking/hiking trail circles the lake, and a ramp for small boats is also available.