Ames serves as a vibrant and welcoming university community
nestled in the heart of Iowa, straddling the South Skunk River
and positioned about 30 miles north of the state capital, Des
Moines. With a population of around 66,427 as of the 2020
census, the city's daily rhythm is heavily influenced by the
academic cycles of Iowa State University (ISU), a major public
research institution that enrolls over 30,000 students and acts
as the primary magnet for residents, visitors, and economic
activity—employing more than 18,000 people and driving sectors
like education, scientific research, and innovation.
Established in 1864 as a key station along the Cedar Rapids and
Missouri Railroad, Ames was named in honor of Oakes Ames, a
19th-century Massachusetts congressman known for his pivotal
support of the transcontinental railroad project. The site was
strategically chosen by local resident Cynthia Olive Duff and
railroad developer John Insley Blair for its advantageous
crossing of the Skunk River and nearby Ioway Creek, facilitating
early growth tied to rail transport. Even today, the railroad
remains a lively fixture in Ames' routine, where approximately
70 Union Pacific long-haul freight trains rumble through the
city each day, blending historical legacy with modern logistics.
Beyond its rail roots, Ames thrives as a hub for cutting-edge
research, hosting facilities like the U.S. Department of
Energy's Ames Laboratory and USDA sites focused on animal health
and veterinary services. The local economy boasts low
unemployment rates, around 1.5% in recent years, and includes
the Iowa Department of Transportation headquarters.
Neighborhoods like Campustown buzz with student life, offering a
mix of apartments, eateries, nightlife spots, and entertainment
venues that ebb and flow with the school year. Residents and
visitors can enjoy attractions such as the expansive Ada Hayden
Heritage Park with its trails and wetlands, the botanical
wonders of Reiman Gardens, or cultural spots like the Ames
History Museum and Octagon Center for the Arts. The city's humid
continental climate brings warm summers averaging highs in the
low 80s°F and cold winters dipping to the upper 20s°F, making
outdoor activities seasonal but abundant in green spaces.
Ames, Iowa, a college town anchored by Iowa State University (ISU),
is steeped in eerie folklore and paranormal tales that have persisted
for decades. Often dubbed one of the most haunted small towns in the
state, its legends largely revolve around the university campus, where
historical buildings and tragic events are said to fuel ghostly
activity. Beyond the campus, local shrines, farms, and urban myths add
to the mystique. Meanwhile, abandoned sites in and around Ames attract
urban explorers drawn to decaying structures with their own whispers of
the past. Below, I'll delve into these in-depth, drawing from local
reports, student anecdotes, and historical accounts.
Haunted
Legends on the Iowa State University Campus
Iowa State University's
sprawling campus in Ames is frequently cited as one of the most haunted
in the country, with numerous buildings tied to unexplained phenomena.
Many stories stem from the institution's long history, dating back to
1858, including tales of lost students, wartime tragedies, and restless
spirits. Students and staff have reported cold spots, apparitions, and
auditory hallucinations, often attributing them to unresolved deaths or
emotional traumas.
Friley Hall: This massive residence hall, one
of the largest on campus, harbors perhaps the most infamous legend. A
specific basement room, ominously dubbed "Satan's Legion" or "The
Devil’s Legion Room," is rumored to be cursed after a student allegedly
committed suicide there. According to folklore, anyone assigned to the
room either dies mysteriously or vanishes, leading the university to
reportedly cease assigning it—though some claim this is due to fire code
violations rather than the supernatural. Residents have described vivid
nightmares of being trapped inside with walls oozing red blood, and one
account mentions the ghost of Abraham Lincoln (yes, the president)
materializing and walking through a closed door. Other reports include
loud slamming sounds from within the empty room, as if someone is
desperately trying to escape, and a 1989 incident where a student heard
a voice repeatedly whispering "Peaches" accompanied by scratching noises
from above. The room remains locked behind heavy doors, adding to its
forbidden allure.
Memorial Union: Overlooking scenic Lake Laverne,
this central hub is dedicated to ISU graduates who perished in wars.
It's said to be haunted by the spirit of Hortense Wind, the only female
graduate to die in World War I, whose low moans and groans echo through
the empty halls at night. Witnesses describe a pervasive sense of
sorrow, with cold drafts and faint whispers evoking the grief of lost
soldiers. Some believe her presence lingers as a guardian, watching over
the building's events.
Stephens Auditorium (C.Y. Stephens
Auditorium): Named after its benefactor, this performing arts venue is
plagued by the ghost of C.Y. Stephens himself, who reportedly haunts the
basement tunnels and the back right corner of the third balcony.
Performers and staff have heard bizarre, childlike giggling during
rehearsals, seen a solitary figure in the balcony that vanishes upon
approach, and felt sudden cold spots or heard disembodied footsteps.
Some tie this to Stephens' passion for the arts, suggesting his spirit
attends shows posthumously. A similar ghostly audience member is
mentioned in connection with the adjacent Fisher Theater, possibly the
same entity.
Stephens Auditorium - Iowa State University
Beardshear Hall: As the administrative heart of campus, this building is
haunted by the ghost of a disgruntled former janitor, seen floating
ethereally through the corridors. Reports include objects moving on
their own and a lingering sense of unrest, perhaps tied to the janitor's
untimely death or dissatisfaction in life.
Library (Parks Library):
Students avoid certain sections due to books inexplicably tumbling from
shelves, shadowy figures materializing in aisles, and abrupt cold spots.
These occurrences are often linked to overworked scholars or historical
figures tied to the university's agricultural roots.
Lake Laverne:
This tranquil campus pond belies its eerie reputation, with mists giving
rise to ethereal figures and sudden chills disrupting peaceful outings.
Some speculate these are spirits of drowned individuals or lost souls
drawn to the water.
Birch-Welch-Roberts Hall: A chilling tale
involves Department of Public Safety officers spotting a man on a
restricted balcony. He leaped to the roof and entered the attic, where
he was found hanging—revealed to be a student missing for two weeks.
This suicide apparition continues to unsettle the residence hall.
Iowa State Cemetery: On the campus edge, a maternal ghost comforts
distraught students with gentle embraces, stemming from her own child's
loss. Additionally, the spirit of a former groundskeeper roams with his
spectral dog, whose playful barks lead visitors to his grave.
Other Haunted Legends in Ames
Beyond the university, Ames has its
share of off-campus lore, often rooted in rural tragedies and mysterious
structures.
The Shrine (Cameron School Road Shrine): Located just
west of Ames on gravel roads past the county line, this elaborate wooden
tower and playground was built by a reclusive man as a memorial to his
deceased daughter (or wife, per variations). Legends claim he murdered
them or they died of illness, and he constructed the shrine so her
spirit could play eternally. Trespassers report being chased or shot at
by the owner, and some believe the site is haunted by the family's
restless ghosts. Skulls have been spotted atop the structure (possibly
decorations), heightening its creepy factor. It's a drive-by curiosity,
but locals warn against stopping.
Northwest Farm (Playground Farm): A
farm northwest of Ames features a park built by a grieving father after
his daughter's death, intended for her spirit to frolic. Paranormal
enthusiasts report childlike laughter and apparitions near the
playground, blending heartbreak with the supernatural.
Post Office
and Farm House Museum: Local rumors mention generic ghostly presences at
an Ames post office and the Farm House Museum, with cold spots and
apparitions tied to historical occupants.
Pammel Court: This
residential area gained dark notoriety as the childhood home of serial
killer Jeffrey Dahmer while his father attended ISU. During renovations,
small animal carcasses were discovered in the walls, fueling tales of
malevolent energy or cursed ground.
Ames Haunted Forest: Though a
now-closed Halloween attraction (permanently shuttered in 2024 after 26
years), it drew from local woods' eerie reputation, with some claiming
real spirits enhanced the scares.
Abandoned Places in and Near
Ames
Ames isn't overflowing with grand ruins, but nearby sites appeal
to urban explorers (urbex) seeking decayed history. Always respect
private property and safety when visiting.
Abandoned Pig Farm
Buildings: About 15-20 minutes outside Ames in the countryside, these
derelict structures from an old swine operation feature crumbling barns
and silos. Explorers describe them as atmospheric, with rusted equipment
and overgrown fields evoking a sense of forgotten rural life. Some
report eerie silence or unexplained noises, tying into broader Iowa farm
hauntings.
Old Post Office (Behind 215 Stanton): This unused building
in central Ames was purchased by a union but left standing. It's
occasionally visited by transients, with broken windows and faded
signage hinting at its past. Urbex fans note its urban decay vibe amid
the town's vibrancy.
Old Brick Factory in Lehigh: Near Ames (about a
30-minute drive), this abandoned industrial site features remnants of
kilns and brickworks, overgrown with vegetation. It's a classic urbex
spot for photographing industrial relics, though access may be
restricted.
Old Ames High School Elements: While not fully abandoned,
artifacts like a "haunted" grandfather clock from the former high school
have surfaced in stories, suggesting remnants of the old building carry
a spectral aura.
Founding and Early Settlement
The area that would become Ames,
Iowa, has evidence of human activity dating back to the Middle Archaic
Period (6,000-500 B.C.), with more artifacts from the Middle Woodland
Period. Euro-American settlement in Story County began in 1848 with
families like the Ballards settling northeast of Huxley. Story County
was officially organized in 1853, following land sales by the U.S.
government to early settlers such as John Jennings.
Ames itself was
founded in 1864 as a station stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River
Railroad (later the Chicago and North Western Railway). The city was
platted by the John I. Blair Land Company and named after Oakes Ames, a
19th-century U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts who was involved in
railroad construction, including the transcontinental railroad. Notably,
Oakes Ames never set foot in the completed town; he only surveyed the
area during an inspection tour in 1863 with railroad magnate John Insley
Blair. The site's selection was strategic, located near a railroad
crossing of the Skunk River and Ioway Creek, on land that was originally
swampy and challenging to traverse.
The founding involved some
deceitful tactics by Blair. Local landowners Isaac Black, Samuel
Hiestand, and L.Q. Hoggatt refused to sell their land directly to Blair,
preferring to maintain the rural countryside without a town. Blair
enlisted Cynthia Olive Duff (née Kellogg), an early settler and
landowner, to act as an intermediary. Duff posed as buying 320 acres for
her "uncle back east" and acquired the land for $3,775, which she
immediately transferred to Blair at the same price. This allowed the
railroad to proceed, with tracks arriving in October 1864 and the town
officially platted on December 17, 1864. The original town layout
consisted of twelve blocks, bounded by the railroad to the south, Duff
Avenue to the east, 8th Street to the north, and Burnett Avenue to the
west.
In 1865, the first business—a general store—opened, and the
Ames Depot was built, marking the arrival of the railroad. The first
home was also constructed that year. Population growth accelerated
post-Civil War, with many families tracing their roots to the 1865–1870
period. Ames was incorporated as a village in 1870 with fewer than 700
residents, and William West became its first mayor. He and his wife
Harriet operated the city's first hotel, West House, from 1869 to 1892.
It became a city of the second class in 1893.
Early infrastructure
included the first church (Congregational) dedicated in 1866, which
received a bell from Oakes Ames in 1867—a bell that still rings today.
In 1866, Ames competed with nearby Nevada for developments: Ames secured
a narrow-gauge railway to Des Moines (the Iowa and Minnesota Railroad,
completed in 1874), while Nevada became the county seat. Ames also
established Iowa’s first public library in 1870 as a small community
initiative, which has since evolved into the modern Ames Public Library,
a Carnegie library founded in 1904.
Role of Iowa State University
and 19th-Century Growth
A pivotal factor in Ames' development was the
establishment of the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm (now Iowa
State University, or ISU) in 1858, though it officially opened in 1869
on land secured by Story County citizens in 1859. As the nation's first
land-grant institution, ISU has profoundly shaped Ames' economy,
culture, and population. The university's presence drove early growth,
attracting students, faculty, and related industries. By the late 19th
century, Ames had become a railroad hub, fostering commerce and
settlement.
Population figures reflect this expansion:
1870:
636
1880: 1,153 (81.3% increase)
1890: 1,276 (10.7% increase)
1900: 2,422 (89.8% increase)
1910: 4,223 (74.4% increase)
1920:
6,270 (48.5% increase)
1930: 10,261 (63.7% increase)
These
increases were fueled by post-war immigration, railroad connectivity,
and ISU's growth.
20th-Century Development and Key Events
The
20th century saw Ames transform from a small railroad town into a
university-centered city. Population continued to surge:
1940:
12,555 (22.4% increase)
1950: 22,898 (82.4% increase)
1960: 27,003
(17.9% increase)
1970: 39,505 (46.3% increase)
1980: 45,775 (15.9%
increase)
1990: 47,198 (3.1% increase)
2000: 50,731 (7.5%
increase)
2010: 58,965 (16.2% increase)
2020: 66,427 (12.7%
increase)
By 2020, Ames had 66,427 residents, with a median age
of 23.6 years, reflecting the youthful influence of ISU's 30,177
students (as of fall 2023), who make up about half the population. The
racial makeup includes 77.5% White, 7.9% Asian, 4.2% Black or African
American, and 5.9% Hispanic or Latino.
Significant events include the
Flood of 1944, which impacted local infrastructure and is commemorated
in historical exhibits. In the late 1930s, ISU professor John Atanasoff
and student Clifford Berry invented the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC),
the world's first electronic digital computer, revolutionizing
technology and establishing Ames as a hub for innovation. A replica is
displayed at ISU's Durham Center.
From 1979 to 2011, Ames hosted the
Ames Straw Poll, a key Republican presidential fundraising event and
early indicator of candidate viability in Iowa. It was held in August
before election years and drew national attention but was canceled in
2015 after plans to relocate it to Boone.
ISU's campus expanded with
landmarks like Beardshear Hall, Morrill Hall, Memorial Union, Hilton
Coliseum, and Jack Trice Stadium (opened in 1915 with 61,500 seats, the
only Division I stadium named after an African American—Jack Trice,
ISU's first Black athlete who died from injuries in 1923). The
university joined the Big 12 Conference and the American Association of
Universities, producing notables like Nobel laureate Dan Shechtman and
former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui.
Federal institutions
bolstered growth: the Ames Laboratory (U.S. Department of Energy),
National Animal Disease Center, National Veterinary Services Laboratory
(USDA), and Iowa Department of Transportation headquarters. The ISU
Research Park acts as a business incubator. Top employers include ISU
(18,212 employees), Mary Greeley Medical Center (1,407), and the City of
Ames (1,382), contributing to low unemployment (1.5% in 2018).
Modern Ames: Culture, Economy, and Attractions
Today, Ames spans
27.92 square miles with a humid continental climate. Neighborhoods like
Campustown offer mixed-use developments with student housing, nightlife,
and restaurants. The city emphasizes recreation, with over 55 miles of
bike trails, earning Bike Friendly Community status. Popular sites
include Ada Hayden Heritage Park and McFarland Park.
Cultural
institutions preserve history: The Ames History Museum (founded 1980)
features exhibits on local schools, businesses, the Lincoln Highway, and
events like the 1944 flood. The Octagon Center for the Arts hosts
festivals and exhibitions. The historic Ames Depot now houses Cornbred,
a barbecue restaurant.
Ames' economy blends education, research, and
government, with ISU driving innovation in fields like agriculture,
engineering, and computing. Its location 30 miles north of Des Moines
positions it as a vibrant college town with a mix of rural roots and
modern amenities.
Ames is situated in Story County, central Iowa, approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines, the state capital. It lies along the western edge of Story County at coordinates 42°01′05″N 93°37′12″W. The city covers a total area of 27.92 square miles (72.32 km²), with 27.58 square miles (71.43 km²) of land and 0.34 square miles (0.89 km²) of water. Its primary elevation is around 922 feet (281 m) above sea level, though average elevations in the area can reach up to 968 feet in some topographic assessments. Ames is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area and is home to Iowa State University, which influences much of its urban and cultural landscape. The city is traversed by the Union Pacific Railroad and is characterized by a mix of urban development, agricultural surroundings, and natural features shaped by glacial history.
Ames features a gently rolling to flat topography typical of central Iowa's glacial plains. The landscape is part of the Des Moines Lobe, a region formed by the advance and retreat of glaciers during the Wisconsinan glaciation period, resulting in a young, undulating terrain with subtle hills, shallow valleys, and broad plains. Elevations vary modestly, with most of the city sitting between 900 and 1,000 feet, and the terrain is influenced by glacial deposits that create low-relief features. There are no major mountain ranges or steep escarpments; instead, the area consists of moraines, till plains, and occasional outwash areas from ancient meltwater channels. This glacial heritage contributes to a landscape that is predominantly agricultural outside the urban core, with fields and pastures dominating the surrounding countryside. Topographic maps reveal minor depressions associated with stream valleys, such as those carved by local rivers and creeks, providing subtle variations in an otherwise level region.
Ames' hydrology is defined by the South Skunk River, which flows through the eastern part of the city, and Ioway Creek (formerly known as Squaw Creek), a tributary that winds through the central and northern areas. These waterways are part of the larger Mississippi River basin, with the South Skunk River serving as a major drainage feature for central Iowa. Additional streams and creeks include Clear Creek, College Creek, Onion Creek, West Indian Creek, and Worrell Creek, which collectively form the Ames area watersheds. Ada Hayden Lake, a man-made body of water in the northern part of the city, adds to the local water features and serves recreational purposes. The region experiences periodic flooding, particularly along the South Skunk River, where water levels are monitored by the USGS, with flood stages impacting areas like U.S. Highway 30 and Interstate 35 during high-water events. Groundwater resources are supported by glacial aquifers, though surface water dominates the visible hydrology. Overall, these features contribute to a network of small, meandering streams that drain agricultural lands and urban runoff, influencing local erosion and sediment transport.
The soils in Ames are primarily derived from glacial till and loess deposits, reflecting the area's Pleistocene geological history. The Ames soil series consists of very deep, poorly or very poorly drained soils formed in glacial till or reworked till-derived sediments, often found in low-lying areas near streams. Broader regional soils include loess over glacial till, which covers much of central Iowa and provides fertile ground for agriculture. Iowa's state soil, Tama, is common in the area—very deep, well-drained, with a thick topsoil layer up to 14 inches, high in organic matter (3-4%), supporting corn and soybean production. Geologically, the region is underlain by unconsolidated glacial deposits, including clay, silt, sand, and gravel from ice advances, with no significant bedrock exposures in the immediate vicinity. These soils are diverse, with Iowa boasting around 450 types overall, varying by texture, drainage, and parent material. Erosion control and soil conservation are key concerns due to the rolling terrain and intensive farming.
Ames experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures of 83.9°F (28.8°C), while January is the coldest, averaging highs of 28.0°F (-2.2°C). Annual precipitation averages 38.06 inches (967 mm), distributed fairly evenly but with peaks in spring and summer, and snowfall totals around 28.3 inches (72.9 cm) per year. Extreme records include a high of 109°F (43°C) in July 1901 and a low of -37°F (-38°C) in January 1894. The climate supports agriculture but also brings risks like severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional droughts or floods.
Historically, Ames and surrounding Story County were dominated by tallgrass prairie, covering at least 85% of Iowa's land, with over 100 species of grasses and wildflowers featuring deep root systems that built the region's rich soils. Today, less than 0.1% of original prairie remains, preserved in areas like Ames High Prairie State Preserve, which features remnant prairie alongside woodlands of elm, hackberry, honey locust, and black locust, with understories of Tartarian honeysuckle and poison ivy. Prairie Valley Preserve also protects native prairie ecosystems. Woodlands occur along rivers and streams, supporting diverse wildlife including deer, birds, and insects. Urban development and agriculture have replaced much of the native vegetation, but restoration efforts focus on prairies and riparian zones to enhance biodiversity and water quality.
Beyond the city limits, Ames is encircled by expansive agricultural fields, typical of Iowa's Corn Belt, with corn and soybeans as dominant crops. The landscape transitions into rural farmlands, small towns, and additional glacial features extending toward Boone County to the west and Polk County to the south. Environmental considerations include water quality management in the watersheds, invasive species control in woodlands and prairies, and conservation of remaining natural habitats amid urban expansion. The area's glacial geology supports productive soils but also poses challenges like soil erosion and nutrient runoff into streams, affecting downstream ecosystems in the Mississippi basin.
James Wilson (1835-1920) - longtime US Secretary of Agriculture
(1897-1913) - long lived in Ames
Joseph Charles Arthur (1850-1942) -
botanist - studied at Ames
Carrie Chapman Catt (1859-1947) -
suffragette - studied in Ames
Billy Sunday (1862-1935) - athlete and
mass preacher - born in Ames
Albert MacCarthy (1876–1956) -
mountaineer - born and raised in Ames
Gertrude Mary Cox (1900-1978) -
statistician - studied at Ames
Peter Schickele (b. 1935) - musician -
born in Ames
Edward Mezvinsky (b. 1937) - Democratic Member of the US
House of Representatives (1973-1977) - born and raised in Ames
Ted
Kooser (b. 1939) - poet - born and raised in Ames
Thomas J. Barton
(b. 1940) - chemist and university lecturer - lives in Ames
Charles
Dodge (b. 1942) - composer - born and raised in Ames
Gilbert Thomas
Rowe (b. 1942) - ecologist and oceanographer - born in Ames
Richard
Hayward (1946-2010) - rock drummer - born and raised in Ames
Sara
Paretsky (b. 1947) - historian and crime writer - born in Ames
Tom
Latham (b. 1948) - longtime Republican member of the US House of
Representatives (1995-2015) - has lived in Ames for many years
James
Bovard (b. 1956) - bestselling author, teacher and libertarian - born in
Ames
Neal Stephenson (born 1959) - science fiction writer - grew up
mostly in Ames
Jeffrey Dahmer (1960-1994) - serial killer - lived in
Ames for four years as a child
Laurel Clark (1961-2003) - astronaut -
born in Ames
Jane Espenson (b. 1964) - screenwriter and film producer
- was born and raised in Ames
Stephani Victor (born 1969), monoski
bobsleigh rider - born in Ames
John Livingston (b. 1970) - actor -
born in Ames
Fred Hoiberg (b. 1972) - basketball coach - has lived in
Ames for years
Ann Cotten (b. 1982) - German-language writer and
translator - born in Ames
Harrison Barnes (born 1992) - basketball
player - born and raised in Ames
Celia Barquín Arozamena (1996–2018)
– Spanish golfer and European amateur champion – educated at Iowa State
University, murdered in Ames
Joe Burrow (b. 1996) - football player -
born in Ames