McFarland Park and Story County Conservation Center

This 238-acre park, located four miles northeast of Ames, offers visitors a variety of ecotypes to explore including tallgrass prairie, woodland, and lake habitats. The newly renovated 6.5-acre lake will offer anglers a wonderful fishing experience. New jetties and a dock will make fishing easily accessible to all visitors. Bird watchers have an opportunity to view birds in McFarland's bird blind, located a short walking distance into the park. Numerous hiking trails are available for recreational use. Picnic sites, including a covered shelter, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Four sites are ADA accessible with upright grills or fire rings. A stargazing observatory offers the public a unique experience through astronomy programs presented by Ames Area Amateur Astronomers. More information can be found at www.amesastronomers.org. The Conservation Center, open Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., allows young visitors an interactive experience with natural artifacts from furs to bones. Animal mounts, a bird viewing area, and even a few live animals will captive visitors young and old.