The best book, hobby & craft shops in Ames

5 book, hobby & craft shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Walls of Books

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Spacious place stocking new and used books, plus toys.

613 N Ankeny Blvd (Ankeny)

“Spacious place stocking new and used books, plus toys.”

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The Pumpkin Patch

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Family-run since 1978, The Pumpkin Patch happily marches to a different drummer with children's books, huggable stuffed animals, classic…

302 Main St

“Family-run since 1978, The Pumpkin Patch happily marches to a different drummer with children's books, huggable stuffed animals, classic toys, playful clothing, plus games and puzzles for rainy afternoons. Drop in when your week needs a pick me up that’s analog, warm, and a little whimsical.”

From the Ames newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Rieman Music - Altoona

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Long-running shop offering instruments for sale and rent, plus lessons, repairs, and live-sound equipment.

4420 E Broadway Ave (Des Moines)

“Long-running shop offering instruments for sale and rent, plus lessons, repairs, and live-sound equipment.”

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Hobby Lobby

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.

620 Lincoln Way A

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

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Run a Ames business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Memory Bound Papercraft Store

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Craft and scrapbook supplies and workshops store featuring stamps, paper and card-stock selections, plus kit-making demos.

641 N Ankeny Blvd (Ankeny)

“Craft and scrapbook supplies and workshops store featuring stamps, paper and card-stock selections, plus kit-making demos.”

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