
Iowa State University
Clip: Season 2 Episode 209 | 3m 26sVideo has Closed Captions
Travel the innovative and artistic grounds at Iowa State University.
Travel the innovative and artistic grounds at Iowa State University.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Road Trip Iowa is a local public television program presented by Iowa PBS

Iowa State University
Clip: Season 2 Episode 209 | 3m 26sVideo has Closed Captions
Travel the innovative and artistic grounds at Iowa State University.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Nestled in the heart of Ames, Iowa State University is more than just a campus.
It's a community, a legacy and a launch pad for leaders, thinkers and doers.
♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] But, it is also a must stop for travelers along the Lincoln Highway that blends history, modernism and charm.
[Angie Hunt] Iowa State was founded in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and model farm.
And so, much of the campus actually operated as a working farm to demonstrate the science behind agriculture.
[Kohlsdorf] Iowa State later became one of the first in the nation coed land grant institutions and changed its name in the 1950s to Iowa State University of Science and Technology.
[Angie Hunt] And that name really emphasizes and speaks to the innovation that is happening here on campus.
It's really a part of the university's DNA.
We take a lot of pride in that history of innovation.
And for folks walking across campus, they will see displays, they'll see signs that really are highlighting some of those historical landmarks and moments and also our mission as a land grant institution in making education accessible to all.
♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Take a stroll around campus and you will find a blend of classic charm, modern touches and natural scenery.
Start at Lake LaVerne and wind your way through campus passing by Memorial Union, the Marston Water Tower, Lagomarcino Hall and a collection of over 2,500 pieces of public art.
[Angie Hunt] The Fountain of Four Seasons by Christian Petersen is probably one of the most iconic pieces on our campus.
It was rededicated in 2024 after the original maidens were replaced.
And it's just a beautiful gathering place, a nice place to sit and take in the Campanile, which of course is a landmark here on campus, hard to miss.
[Kohlsdorf] The 125-year-old campanile stands 110 feet tall and holds 50 bells on top.
[Angie Hunt] Every day during the week our carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam or one of her students will climb to the top of that tower and perform a 20-minute midday concert.
And it chimes every 15 minutes as well.
(campanile bells) [Angie Hunt] It's a favorite of many Iowa Staters and just a beautiful landmark to enjoy.
♪♪ [Angie Hunt] The Iowa State Center is probably one of the first things people see as they're coming to campus.
The center includes Jack Trice Stadium, Hilton Coliseum, Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater and the Scheman Building, which is home to the Brunnier Art Museum.
And so, especially in the fall on a football Saturday there is a lot going on.
The lots are just packed.
It is a sea of cardinal and gold.
Cyclone fans really come out to support the team, enjoy tailgating, enjoy the game.
(crowd cheering) (fireworks) [Angie Hunt] I think we have beauty in all four corners and all four seasons of our campus.
You can really pick any point on campus, go for a stroll and I think you're going to be impressed.
You will not be disappointed with the beauty you see here on our campus.
♪♪
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Clip: S2 Ep209 | 2m 45s | Visit a culinary classic that's been a landmark in Ames for decades. (2m 45s)
Rail Explorers and the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
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Clip: S2 Ep209 | 6m 56s | Ride the rails high above the Des Moines River valley in Boone. (6m 56s)
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Clip: S2 Ep209 | 3m 13s | Wander through a colorful, living mosaic at a 17-acre public botanical garden. (3m 13s)
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Clip: S2 Ep209 | 1m 47s | Drift down the picturesque Des Moines River with 7 Oaks Recreation. (1m 47s)
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Clip: S2 Ep209 | 1m 36s | Tour a garden where nature's beauty explodes with color. (1m 36s)
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Clip: S2 Ep209 | 2m 34s | Visit an original sandwich shop where if it's not Maid-Rite, it's made wrong. (2m 34s)
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Road Trip Iowa is a local public television program presented by Iowa PBS