Experience · Ames

Ames Evening Garden Stroll & Pizza

Spend a peaceful evening wandering through Reiman Gardens, enjoying the seasonal displays and outdoor art. Afterward, grab an affordable and satisfying pizza dinner, and top off the night with a leisurely browse through a local bookstore.

A 3.5-hour Ames evening plan for friends — Reiman Gardens, The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., Dog·Eared Books.

Duration
3h 15m
Cost
$20–$50
Stops
3 stops
Walking
Light walking · Total 1.7-mile driving route
Best time
5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for
Friends · Couples · Solo
Start Plan
Customize
Ames Evening Garden Stroll & Pizza

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Reiman Gardens(1 hr 15 min)→
  2. 2The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.(1 hr)→
  3. 3Dog·Eared Books(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 1.7 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Ames instead of crossing town between them. Reiman Gardens is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Dog·Eared Books — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to friends, couples, and solo who want a planned Ames outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Spend a peaceful evening wandering through Reiman Gardens, enjoying the seasonal displays and outdoor art. Afterward, grab an affordable and satisfying pizza dinner, and top off the night with a leisurely browse through a local bookstore.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. Reiman Gardens1
    1h 15m
    Reiman Gardens

    Outdoors

    14-acre park featuring seasonal flowerbeds, a butterfly exhibit, sculptures, tours, lectures & more.

    What to do — Explore 14 acres of beautiful seasonal flowerbeds, unique sculptures, and the tranquil butterfly exhibit during an evening visit.

    1.7 mi · 7 min drive

    Then A short drive will take you downtown for dinner.

  2. The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.2
    1 hr
    The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.

    Food & Drink

    Old-school, wood-lined mainstay, open since 1979, baking pizzas with many different types of crust.

    What to do — Order one of their famous pizzas, choosing from many different crust types, for a satisfying and affordable dinner.

    0 mi · 3 min drive

    Then A short walk down Main Street will bring you to Dog-Eared Books.

  3. Dog·Eared Books3
    Optional 1 hr
    Dog·Eared Books

    Shopping

    What to do — Spend some time exploring the diverse selection of books, enjoying the quiet atmosphere of a local bookstore.

    Scout Side Quest

    Split up for two minutes and find the book title that best describes your date.

Scout Stories

People who did this

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The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Ames itinerary for friends?
Yes. It's built for friends, couples, and solo and runs about 3 hr 15 min across 3 stops, starting at Reiman Gardens.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 3 hr 15 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Ames itinerary cost?
Roughly $20–$50 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 1.7 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

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Different moods, same city.

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    Date Night
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    Ames Art & Dinner Date Night

    Start your evening with a relaxing glass of wine or craft beer before heading to Stephens Auditorium for a memorable show. Conclude your date with a refined dining experience featuring locally sourced American cuisine.

    Duration
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    Cost
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    Ideal for
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    View the plan