Directions to Campus

Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa. Interstate 35 runs north and south just east of Ames, and U.S. Highway 30 runs east and west just south of campus.

If you are traveling to Ames via Interstate 35, take Exit 111B labeled "30 West." Travel west on Highway 30, then take Exit 146, the "University Boulevard/ISU" exit. Drive north on University Boulevard to Lincoln Way (the fourth traffic light). At Lincoln Way, turn left (west) past Hilton Coliseum and C.Y. Stephens auditorium. See parking information below.

Directions to Ames by car & from the Des Moines International Airport

Parking

Experience Iowa State & Transfer Visit Days visitors

Visitors to Iowa State University may park in the Memorial Union parking ramp. This is recommended because your program will be located in the Memorial Union. The ramp is located at the south edge of campus on Lincoln Way at Lynn Avenue on the east end of the Memorial Union.

There are two entrances to the Memorial Union Parking Ramp.

1. South entrance - When traveling west on Lincoln Way, immediately after the traffic signal at Ash Avenue there is an entrance to the parking ramp. Turn right (north) into that entrance. You can also turn right on Lynn and immediately right again into the south entrance.
2. North entrance - When traveling west on Lincoln Way, turn right on Lynn Avenue or Welch Avenue and continue to the first stop sign. At the stop sign, turn right onto Union Drive. At the next stop sign, continue on Union Drive by turning right. Continue past the front entrance of the Memorial Union and turn right (south) into the parking ramp's north entrance.

All other Admissions visitors

Visitors to the Office of Admissions may park in Lot 65, directly south of Alumni Hall, pictured here. If Lot 65 is full please park in the Memorial Union parking ramp (directions above).

When you call ahead to arrange your visit, we will mail a parking pass and a map along with your visit itinerary. If you drop in for a visit, please obtain the necessary permit from the Office of Admissions when you arrive.

When traveling west on Lincoln Way, turn right (north) on Welch Avenue (one block past Lynn Avenue). At the first stop sign (on the north-west corner of Lake Laverne - one block north of Lincoln Way) you will be able to see beautiful Alumni Hall (the brick building with white columns and glass atrium) directly ahead of you. Continue straight from the stop sign and take the first right into Lot 65.