Ames, city, Story county, central Iowa, U.S., on the South Skunk River, about 30 miles (50 km) north of Des Moines. It was laid out in 1865 and was originally called College Farm but was renamed the following year for Oakes Ames, a railroad financier and Massachusetts congressman. The railroad, which had arrived in 1864, brought more settlers to the area, and it became the seat of Iowa State University (established 1858; formally opened 1869).
The university constitutes the mainstay of the city’s economy, both directly and through the technology companies affiliated with its research park. Industry is diversified and includes the manufacture of abrasives, business forms, containers, and metal products. The National Animal Disease Center (1961), the Ames Laboratory (1947), and other federal and state institutions are also in the city. Ledges State Park is a short distance to the west near Boone. Inc. town, 1870; city, 1893. Pop. (2000) 50,731; Ames Metro Area, 79,981; (2010) 58,965; Ames Metro Area, 89,542.