Iowa State University has gone through a few different names since its founding in 1858, including Iowa Agricultural College. Today it is most often known simply as “Iowa State.” Walk across the campus, just north of Des Moines, to encounter some of the 30,000 students who study here.
From the beginning, Iowa State University has prided itself on being accessible to all and teaching liberal and practical arts. Due to its location in the farming heartland of America, it has a long history of agricultural expertise. It is here that the round hay baler was invented, as was Maytag blue cheese.
Start your tour of the university with a visit to the Farm House Museum, the oldest building on campus and a place where many university faculty members have resided over the years.
While the students at Iowa State University are busy studying and attending classes in state-of-the-art lecture halls, you can enjoy exploring the attractions and other museums spread around campus. On a sunny day, sit in peaceful Reiman Gardens, named one of the best public rose gardens in the country. Take a seat on a bench and breathe in the fragrance of the blooms.
For a bit of art and culture, visit the Anderson Sculpture Garden just south of Morrill Hall. Alternatively, spend some time exploring a prized collection of decorative art in the Brunnier Art Museum in the Scheman Building. Here, you can wander through rows of paintings, textiles, sculptures and jewelry. Also, see rotating exhibitions at the Christian Petersen Art Museum just a short walk away.
If you’ve planned a trip during football season, cheer on the home players at Jack Trice Stadium. Wear red and yellow to fit in with the rest of the students and fans as you clap and yell for the team, known as the Cyclones.
Getting to Iowa State University is easy with a car. Park in one of the free lots and explore the campus on foot. Although many of its attractions are free, bring some cash to pay the suggested entrance donations and support the university.
