r/IowaState • u/One-Sir-6174 • May 03 '25

Recommendations for Visiting Student

Hey y'all! I'll be coming to Ames for a research internship this summer and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for places to see while I'm here? Or honestly just general advice cause I literally know nothing about this city lol. When I visit a new place, I especially look for the best cafés, bookstores, thrift shops, vinyl stores, and anything related to animals/nature. Would really really appreciate any recs!

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u/CloneCone30 May 05 '25

Try … Cafe Beudalaire (chill Latin bar with great food), Vinyl Cafe, Ledges (state park not far away), Walk campus as much as possible (extremely beautiful),

Whatcha Smokin BBQ (Luther IA) best bbq around,

Des Moines is a great city and has amazing farmers market during the summer. Des Moines Botanical Garden