This is such a lovely place to be! It's peaceful and clean. Also great for fishing. Definitely a great place to clear your head and enjoy nature. The paved walkway is a huge plus and the map in the parking lot is quite helpful. It's very well maintained too. There are a lot of fun information boards along the path to read about the wildlife in the park as well. Ada Hayden is great for solo trips, or to bring your family and explore. All around, it's very accommodating to anyone who wants a little fresh air :) read more

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This gem, located on the north end of Ames on Highway 69, is a sensational 137-acre mingling of wildlife, water, picnics, family fun, fishing, running, walking, cycling, and birding that debuted over 20 years ago. It's named after Ada Hayden, an Ames native who graduated from Ames High and was a celebrated botanist and wildlife connoisseur who was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from nearby Iowa State College (now Iowa State University). A City of Ames venue, with assistance from Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ada Hayden Heritage Park is an oasis at the top end of a growing college town. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature. Plenty of parking with lots on the north and south ends of the park, and the venue is handicap accessible. There is a walking path that cyclists also use, and it ranges from 1.2 to 3.2 miles in length. Dogs must be leashed. There is a beautiful bridge in the center of the large lake, and there were at least five bird species that day. According to a local, the lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass by the Iowa DNR, and fishing is allowed, but not on the bridge. Boats without gas motors are allowed. There are many spots to sit and relax, with numerous picnic tables and a covered area available. Beer and liquor are prohibited. It is gorgeous and a wonderful tribute to an elite Ames contributor who was also a pioneer in her field. I'm looking forward to visiting again! read more

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As far as Ames is concerned, this is the best place to spend time outside. The second the weather hits above a crisp 30 degrees, I'm here. I can walk around for hours by myself, rollerblade, run (if you're into that) or just sit at the tables and swings. Great way to be outside and be alone if that's what you're looking for. Sunrise, sunset, the in between- this is my favorite spot to go on a walk in Ames. I'm from Minnesota so this is the only taste of the lakes I can get around ISU. Ya never know if you'll see an engagement happen here too, ha! There is a ton of parking in their main lot as well as neighboring parks that you can park at when everyone else wants to be at Ada Hayden at the same time. I've seen all the seasons here: people ice fishing on the same days that people are running around in shorts. Escape the "city" and come here! read more

Ada Hayden Heritage Park - Lake - Parks Near Me - Ames, Iowa

The walk around Ada Hayden is a nice one with some nice views. Much mosquitos in the summer but overall a great little outdoor get away for a hour or two read more

Very nice park - easy to find. Beautiful scenery - the walking paths looked amazing (I was too tired to walk any) but if I lived in Ames, this is a place I would spend a lot of time at. read more

A great park with tons of parking.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park is located on the far north side of Ames and along US 69. The park is the former site of Hallet's Quarry and is named in honor of Ada Hayden. She was the first woman to receive a doctorate from the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, now known as Iowa State University. Part of the park area was formerly owned by Ada's parents and this area was her playground during her childhood days, and an outdoor laboratory for her classes in botany and ecology during her college career. It's a large park that features 2 lakes, a picnic and boat launch area (for fishing, but not swimming), a nice 3.2 mile "Figure 8" paved hiking path, and a separate crushed-rock path. Ada Hayden Park the park is also a haven for a variety of birds including loons, bald eagles, sand hill cranes, and white pelicans. Gayle and I have been here twice and each time we have walked the 3.2 mile loop. The walk is interesting and easy (flat) and provides a nice to chat and clear your head. You can also access Ada Hayden Park from 2 places along US 69 and another from the residential neighbourhood on the far side. My only quibble about this gem of a park is that it could use a few more trees for some additional shade opportunities. And I would love to come back here in the fall to walk among the colours and the cool and crisp weather. read more

The park was developed around an abandoned gravel pit and the small lake is fairly deep. There is a concrete path around the lake and a cinder path that goes up a small hill, all good for biking, running, walking, skateboarding etc. there is no swimming but one can fish, canoe and kayak. Some picnic spots and a few swings are available to sit and relax. read more

Ada Hayden Heritage Park - Parks Near Me - Ames, Iowa

When I lived it Ames this was a go to spot for awesome walks, or runs around the lake! Also some good hiking in the area. If you are wanting to experience a little nature in only a 1 mile drive out of town this is a great go to spot in Ames! You can also rent canoes and other fun 1 or 2 person boat type things to float around on for a bit! Beautiful at sunset and sunrise. Lots of parking and clean bathrooms! read more

A great park. Wonderful scenery. You can walk around the entire lake or just part of it (going over the bridge) and there are several other paths. You can fish here as well. There's a shelter, restrooms, vending machines, dock, and more. Great for walking, biking, bringing the dogs :) read more

Great place to go walking and canoeing. Wish you could swim in the lake. read more

Ada Hayden Heritage Park - The Roadster at Ada Hayden - Parks Near Me - Ames, Iowa

I love coming out here for a jog or walk. The lake is a nice touch. Plus, the figure eight is perfect to do a moderate paced workout. Check this place out if you want a nice stroll outdoors. read more

Having lived most of my life next to the Pacific Ocean, it was difficult finding the motivation to exercise outside because of the harsh weather and crazy amount of bugs that exist throughout the year in the Midwest. Luckily, Ada Hayden allows me to survive all that by providing a picturesque place to clear my head, breathe in the fresh air, and break a sweat. Be careful what time of the day and weather you go in though, as there can be gangs of flies hanging out and it gets annoying while you run/walk. I will be moving back home but I am glad to have good memories here! My only suggestion would be that the park add more stations for bags and trash cans throughout the park as some dog owners don't pick up after their pets, which is a shame. read more

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Wow, love this place. Can't say enough nice things about it. try it out. You will like it. Tons of parking. read more

Ada Hayden Heritage Park - Parks Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Fun walk course. Try the 5 mile off road course, it's a lot of fun. Nice scenery, benches for bbq's or picnics. Great little park.

Beautiful place to run in Ames, lots of different options in terms of trails. Most of the paths are well paved. There's a lake, besides for that it's not landscaped which I would actually prefer. Really easy parking, definitely will be return. read more

Great place for a walk, picnic, fishing, flying a kite, etc. The path is concrete and you can choose between about a 1 mile or 3 mile walk around the ponds. read more