Ada Hayden Bridge

The Ada Hayden Heritage Park North Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through Ames's scenic landscapes. You'll wander along mostly paved paths, enjoying peaceful water views of the 83-acre Ada Hayden Lake and passing through vibrant prairie areas. The route, which is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) long with only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect, quick escape that takes about 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including trumpeter swans and bald eagles, especially from the Ada Hayden Bridge.

Planning your visit is simple, as the park provides ample off-street parking, picnic shelters, and restrooms. The trail is accessible year-round, making it a great option for a spontaneous outing, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions. Its easy difficulty and accessible surfaces make it suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers.

This park, established in 2004 on a former quarry site, is named after Ada Hayden, a conservationist dedicated to preserving Iowa's native prairies. It's a significant spot for local ecology, showcasing wetlands and prairies, and you might even spot beaver and muskrat activity. Beyond hiking, the trails are popular for running, biking, and even snowshoeing, offering a versatile outdoor experience in Story County.