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Parks

Inis Grove Park

4.8 · 686 reviews
Active, family-oriented, and community-focused.
Inis Grove Park, Red Oak Shelter, 2500 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010, United States
Interesting facts
1

The park features the 'Homeward Bound' playground, specifically designed to be accessible for children of all physical abilities.

2

The site houses the Ames Area Amateur Radio Club's emergency communications antenna system.

3

The park's Furman Aquatic Center features a 25-meter lap pool, a zero-depth entry pool, and two large water slides.

Overview

Inis Grove Park is a 78-acre municipal green space in Ames, Iowa, featuring extensive recreational facilities including sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. The park hosts the Red Oak Shelter, a large rentable structure frequently used for community gatherings and private events. A significant portion of the grounds includes the Ames Nursery School and the immersive Furman Aquatic Center, which operates seasonally. Nature enthusiasts can utilize the park’s connection to the Ames trail system for walking and cycling. The park serves as a hub for organized youth sports leagues and summer camps. Grassy fields and dedicated picnic areas are distributed throughout the park's rolling topography.

Photo spot

The elevated overlook near the Red Oak Shelter providing a view of the park's central meadow.

Insider tips

Book shelter reservations months in advance if you plan to host a weekend event, as they fill up quickly during the summer.

Bring a bicycle to connect to the extensive off-street trail network that runs directly through the park.

Check the Ames Parks and Recreation website for current aquatic center capacity status before arriving on hot days.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to use the aquatic center during the off-season as it remains closed; do not park in restricted zones near the nursery school during drop-off hours.

Good to know

The Furman Aquatic Center is seasonal, typically operating from late spring through late summer.

Etiquette

Leash laws apply to all pets; clean up after animals immediately.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn for full access to the aquatic facilities and outdoor sports amenities.
Address
Inis Grove Park, Red Oak Shelter, 2500 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010, United States
42.047, -93.612
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasMultiple pavilions and mature tree clusters throughout the 78-acre grounds
Sports facilitiesTennis courts, sand volleyball, and baseball diamonds

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring to early autumn for full access to the aquatic facilities and outdoor sports amenities..

The elevated overlook near the Red Oak Shelter providing a view of the park's central meadow.

Close by you'll find Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Izaak Walton League Park, World's Largest Concrete Gnome.