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The Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as a key resource for those looking to explore Central Iowa, offering information on lodging, hotels, campgrounds, and local events such as the FARM PROGRESS SHOW. Visitors can also utilize resources for international tours, transportation, and regional maps to enhance their experience in the area. In collaboration with local partners like Visit Boone County and Catch Des Moines, the Bureau promotes the unique attractions of Ames and surrounding areas, ensuring a memorable visit for travelers. The upcoming FARM PROGRESS SHOW, scheduled for August 25-27, 2026, exemplifies the region's commitment to showcasing its agricultural heritage. Generated from the website

Ames Laboratory is a government-owned, contractor-operated research facility of the Department of Energy. A part of Iowa State University, the laboratory has been operational for more than 65 years. Founded by the Atomic Energy Commission, it deals in various research projects, energy-related experiments, and exploration of chemical, engineering, materials, mathematical and physical sciences. Ames Laboratory also deals in photosynthesis studies, synthetic molecules designing, solar energy conversion models, development of remote-controlled analysis systems and contemporary programming methods, and computing systems. Located in Ames, Iowa, the laboratory handles experiments on advanced materials that include superconductors, fullerenes and quasicrystals, organic polymers, organometallic materials, semiconductors, processable preceramics and nonlinear optical systems.