ISU WellBeing developed walking routes for the Iowa State community with consideration for location, distance, and safety. While walking through our beautiful campus, please remember to:
Some online sites offer route planning and distance tracking on area maps. Features for two online tools -- Google Maps and Map My Run -- are listed below. Contact ISU Wellbeing (wellbeing@iastate.edu) to recommend additional platforms.
To create your own map, mark a starting point and points along the route you’re considering. The legends on the side of the screen show how far the route is to each point. Loop the route back by clicking your original starting point, or set a different final destination.
Agronomy Hall is beautiful on the inside and the outside. The inside of the building houses the Agronomy Department for the university. Throughout the builidng you will see agricultural portraits, murals, and portraits of many ISU alumni. If this building isn't your homebase consider visting for a quick walk!
This route provides you with the opporutnity to enjoy one of Iowa States most historic buildings. Built in 1920 then built again in 1923 after a fire - this building has held many student activities and is the current home of three ROTC programs. For more information about the Armory, Click here.
Bessey Hall has experienced a renovation and this indoor route takes you through the new addition. During this walk you can enjoy the beautiful open balacony on the second, third, and fourth floor. Hanging over the student lounge is a wonderful yarn chandelier. If you want to experience some of ISU's great art - Bessey is the destination for you!
Carver Hall is known for its namesake - George Washington Carver. He is best known for his 325 creations from peanut products, 100 creations from sweet potatoes, and many more creations from native southern plants. This ISU alumi has Carver Hall named after him, and a statue of him right outside! Once you take a look at his statue, and thank him for peanut butter, you can enjoy this indoor route! For more information about George Washington Carver, Click here.
This building is fascinating enough for a special trip! With design students artwork covering the walls, pop up art shows, and an interesting flying man made out of wood, you will have plenty to look at. With two quick laps you'll have walked an entire mile without even knowing it.
Coover Hall is the home of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and is named after prominent Electrical Engineer Mervin Coover. The department of Electrical and Computer Engineerings has created innovative technology throughout ISU history. To name a few, infant respiratory augmentor, Cyclone Computer, and early research with TV's. While walking this path you can consider the amazing technological advances made right here at ISU. For more information about the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Click here.
This building is home to some incredible pieces created by artist Youssef Asar - located in the south entry hallway of the Food Science Building. For this indoor route, you can look at the incredible series of paintings titled Determination, Eternal, and George Washington Carver's potrait. While walking you can discover other great things about this building! What are you wating for?
Gilman Hall is the home of the Department of Chemistry - and is named after Professor Henry Gilman. This building houses a collage from his tenure at ISU. In the south entrance hallway you can find wooden boxes labeled with his students names - these boxes held chemical compounds. This collage is one of the interesting tidbits you can find while roaming the halls of Gilman.
While Hoover Hall is known for engineering - it has some great sculptures within its walls. Artist Seymour Lipton has two great scluptures placed within Hoover. The two pieces Bond and Inquisitor are made of silver, and nickel and stand at heights of 70 inches and 81 inches respectively. Take the time to go and explore these routes and see if you can find these considerable art pieces.
This indoor route is the only one mile route that we have at the moment. However, this route connects two of Iowa State's prominent engineering buildings via skywalk. The skywalk allows you to see the Martson Water Tower and other Iowa State buildings. Take this route as an opporutnity to view our beautiful campus away from the harsh elements of Iowa weather.
Howe Hall like its counterpart Hoover Hall has some incredible attractions. The home of Aeropspace Engineering has a hanging AirISU plane, Astro Cy, and actual pieces from space crafts! To learn more about the pieces within this building and Iowa State's connection to NASA consider walking this route! For more information about Howe Hall, Click here.
MacKay Hall has two Batchelder Fountains created by Ernest A. Batchelder set into the walls on opposing sides. These two fountains are no longer in operation but were once used for planters, and drinking fountains. After the renovation, these coloful fountains "invite moments of wonder and quiet reflection". Take a moment out of your busy day to take in these two fountains. For more information about MacKay Hall, Click here.
The Memorial Union has much more to offer than shopping for the latest ISU gear at the University Bookstore! Once you have finsihed your route - you have plenty more you can explore within this building. You can go and check out the famous Zodiac, a Floor Medallion in the south entrance, and the Stained Glass Windows in the Gold Star Hall. For more information about Memorial Union, Click here.
The striking building that Molecular Biology has it's designs set in scientific themes. Walking inside, the atrium features a DNA molecule created out of mosaic tiles. The combination of science and art is present throughout the entire building. Take a walk through this building to see the work titled "The G-Nome Project" created by Andrew Leicester. For more information about the Molecular Biology Building, Click here.
Scheman building, which is part of the Iowa State Center, holds a variety of events throughout the year. The most notable event for the students would be the Career Fairs. The next time you are at an event at Scheman, take a break from breakout sessions, guest speakers, or other meetings for a nice walk!
