The Downtown district (http://www.mainstreetcult...), between Grand and Duff Avenues north of the train tracks, is home to a number of charming old brick buildings holding small shops, restaurants, and a number of civic functions, and makes for a pleasant stroll.
Hoggatt School
18th Street and Burnett Avenue, +1 515 232-2148, (http://www.ameshistorical...). Summer, Sa-Su 2-4:30PM. A historical one-room schoolhouse tucked away in the charming residential neighborhoods north of Downtown.
iowa state university
Occupying nearly 500 acres in the middle of town is the scenic main campus of the Iowa State University, with its many lovely trees and a large collection of public art scattered throughout. Architecture varies, from gorgeous classically-designed buildings in the middle of the campus to more modern brutalist-style buildings around the edges. A large lawn occupies the very center of the campus, with a small lake at the southern end.
Brunnier Art Museum
2nd floor of the Scheman Building, ISU campus, +1 515 294-4442, (http://www.museums.iastat...). Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM, Su 1PM-4PM. Holding fine and decorative art items from around the world, including European decorative arts and American prints, paintings and sculpture, with an emphasis on Iowan artists. Free; donations accepted.Campanile
Overlooking the central lawn is this classically-designed clock and bell tower, frequently used as an icon for the university.Christian Peterson Art Museum
Morrill Hall, ISU campus, +1 515 294-9500, (http://www.museums.iastat...). M-F 11AM-4PM. Located in one of the oldest buildings on campus, this museums holds a collection of historical sketches and models of campus buildings as well as a series of changing contemporary art exhibitions. Free; donations accepted.Farm House Museum
in the center of the ISU campus, +1 515 294-3342, (http://www.museums.iastat...). M-F Noon-4PM. The oldest building on campus, the Farm House was the center of life for the model farm that was the entirety of the university during its founding years. Today it is operated as a historical museum with period furnishings. Free, donations accepted.The main library on campus, Parks Library, is notable for holding a set of murals painted by Grant Wood creator of the famous American Gothic painting. Located down a quiet side hall and an adjacent study room, the murals depict agrarian life and the home and agricultural-based education ISU is noted for.