What was once a rock quarry in northwest Ames is now a park with hiking trails and two lakes, spanning across 430 acres. 

Located at 5205 Grand Ave., Ada Hayden Heritage Park opened in July 2004 and is home to three miles of hard surface paths, two miles of crushed rock paths, a parking lot, two lakes, restrooms and a pedestrian bridge, according to the City of Ames. 

The park was named for botanist Ada Hayden, the first woman to receive a doctorate from Iowa State. Part of the park was owned by Hayden’s parents during her childhood, as well as an outdoor lab for her courses in ecology and botany while attending the university, according to unitedstateshistory.com

The park’s two lakes can also be used for boating and fishing, and the park is home to multiple species of birds such as loons, bald eagles, sand hill cranes and white pelicans.