Best Lakes in Ames, IA

Ames, Iowa is home to many beautiful lakes, perfect for a day of fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenery. Here are the best lakes around Ames, IA:

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Ada Hayden Heritage Park is a beautiful spot for a family outing. The lake is open to fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A playground and picnic area are also available. The park also offers nature trails and an educational center with interactive exhibits about the area’s history and ecology. Visitors can learn about the importance of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands in the local ecosystem. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turtles, and waterfowl.

Silver Lake

The lake is a popular spot for families to enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The sparkling water and sandy shores are also perfect for hosting special events like weddings and corporate outings. In addition to being a great place to relax and have fun, Silver Lake also plays an important role in the local ecosystem. The lake is home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. It is also a stopover point for migrating birds. The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife, providing a safe place for animals to live and raise their young. Hence, Silver Lake is an important part of the local ecosystem and a cherished community asset.

Pine Lake

Nestled in the heart of Ames, Iowa, Pine Lake is a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The lake offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating. there are also several hiking and biking trails in the area. The scenery is beautiful, and the area is well-maintained. In addition to being a great place to spend time outdoors, Pine Lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, herons, and ducks. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Pine Lake is one of the most popular spots in Ames.

Squaw Creek Park

Squaw Creek Park is a beautiful and family-friendly place to spend an afternoon. The park has a playground for children, picnic tables for families to enjoy a meal, and plenty of open space to run around. The park also has a walking trail that winds through the woods and along the creek. The trail is well-maintained and provides a peaceful place to take a stroll. In addition, the park has a fishing pier where visitors can cast a line in the hope of catching dinner. Squaw Creek Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also an excellent spot for bird watching, as the park is home to a variety of feathered friends.

Lake Laverne

Lake Laverne is a 30-acre lake located in Ames, Iowa. The lake was created in the early 1900s when the city of Ames built a dam on Squaw Creek. Today, Lake Laverne is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The lake is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including ducks, geese, and turtles. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Laverne is also known for its distinctive pink hue. The pink color is caused by a type of algae that grows in the lake. While the algae are harmless to humans, it can sometimes cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. However, this does not stop people from enjoying the unique beauty of Lake Laverne.

Parkview Lake

Parkview Lake is a hidden gem in Ames, Iowa. The lake is nestled in a small park, and its shores are lined with trees and grassy areas. It’s a great place to take a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing; bass, bluegill, and catfish can all be found in the waters. In addition to being a great place to enjoy the outdoors, Parkview Lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching. Several species of ducks and geese make their home on the lake, and warblers and other songbirds can often be seen in the trees nearby. With its scenic views and abundance of wildlife, Parkview Lake is definitely worth a visit.

Lake Panorama

If you’re looking for a beautiful, family-friendly destination in Ames, you can’t go wrong with Lake Panorama. This popular spot is perfect for picnicking, swimming, fishing, and simply enjoying the stunning views. The lake is well-stocked with bass, catfish, and other common Iowa fish, making it a great place to drop a line. And there’s no need to worry about getting sunburned – there are plenty of trees around the lake providing ample shade. Lake Panorama is also home to a top-rated golf course, so you can work on your game while enjoying the incredible scenery. 

Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

The Saylorville lake Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the lake, its history, and how it’s used today. The center contains interactive exhibits on the geology of the area, the history of the dam and its construction, and the ecology of the lake. There is also a large aquarium that is home to fish that are native to Iowa. The visitor center is a great place to take the family for a day of exploration, and it’s also a great resource for educational field trips. If you’re interested in learning more about Saylorville Lake, be sure to stop by the visitor center.

Whether you’re looking for a place to fish, paddle, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Ames has plenty of lakes to choose from.

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