Best walking trails and parks in Ames
The morning sun rises onto the trail near Stuart Smith Park on April 18, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.
Hiking season is upon us, and the City of Ames is preparing parks for the summer season.
“As warmer weather arrives, we know everyone is excited to get out and be more active in the parks,” stated Joshua Thompson, Parks and Facilities Superintendent, in a press release. “Opening the restrooms is a service that patrons look forward to every spring.”
Park restrooms were reopened Saturday and will now be cleaned once a day. Drinking fountains will remain unavailable until May 5 due to possible damage from freezing weather.
According to AllTrails, Ames has several walking paths in city parks that are easy hikes.
Ann Munn Woods
Ann Munn Woods was purchased by Hiram Munn in the 1930s, according to the Ames History Museum, as a gift for his wife. The 40-acre woods, which are home to Munn Woods Trail, is located in west Ames.
The trail has access points on Phoenix Street and Hickory Drive.
Distance: 2.1 miles
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Stuart Smith Park
Named after the former mayor of Ames and Iowa State researcher, this trail is the result of the plant geneticist’s passion for landscaping. According to the Ames History Museum, Smith planted 100 evergreen seedlings once a year for 35 years. From 1985 to 2015, the City of Ames leased the land to Iowa State for $1 a year, and is now owned by the city.
The park includes a picnic area, playground and paved bike path. In the park is the Stuart Smith Trail, which can be accessed through the park.
Distance: 3.6 miles
Travel Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Brookside Park
Brookside Park offers basketball courts, rental shelters, sand volleyball, tennis courts, a wading pool, a playground, a pickleball court, ballfields, grills and picnic tables, according to the City of Ames website.
The most popular trail in Brookside Park is Audubon Trail.
Distance: One mile
Travel Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
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