Events and things to do in and around Ames during spring break

Cristina+Cuhel%2C+sophomore+in+animal+science+poses+with+a+dolphin+in+the+Roatan+Island+of+Honduras+during+a+spring+break+abroad+program.

Courtesy of Cristina Cuhel

Cristina Cuhel, sophomore in animal science poses with a dolphin in the Roatan Island of Honduras during a spring break abroad program.

Alisha James

There are lots of people who decide to stay in Ames during spring break for many reasons, rather it be to save money, work or because you’re broke. If you do stay, there is still plenty to do around the area to keep you entertained.

To kick of spring break there is going to be a high school track and field meet at Lied Recreation Athletic Facility. The day will be filled with a variety of track and field activities such as the long jump, shot out, high jump and medley relay along with many more. This will be Monday and Tuesday starting both days at 3 p.m. The girls meet will be on Monday and the boys on Tuesday. For more information, you can go to cyclones.com/sports.

There is going to be a planning and zoning commission at City Hall at 7 p.m. on March 15. The following day, on March 16, there will be a parks and recreation commission at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

If you don’t mind a drive, there are a couple of places in Des Moines to visit to keep you busy and for entertainment.

The Des Moines Art Center is a good place to go. It has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, modern art and mixed media.

There is the Jordan House, it is a museum filled with Underground Railroad exhibits and history. The landmark Victorian home features guided tours and different artifacts throughout the house.

Terrace Hill is a historic mansion that has been the residence of Iowa’s governors since 1917. They offer guided tours through the mansion and give a lot of history about it’s past.

If you haven’t visited yet, the Capitol building is a good place to go to fill your time and learn about all of Iowa’s history. The halls are filled with artifacts and art from the past. Guided tours are offered as well; the guides tell you about the history hiding behind the walls. This one will keep you busy for a while and you will learn a lot about Iowa and how it became.