Everyone knows that if you want great barbecue, you've got to let it cook for a long time - and in Ames, Iowa, that goes for the restaurant too. Hickory Park Restaurant Co. has been serving up classic Southern eats, slow-smoked barbecue, and memorable deserts in a raucous but family-friendly setting since 1970. Stop on by and see why the locals can't stop talking about this slice of smoky Iowa history.

Ames is a mid-sized city, and on a crowded night it can seem like half of the population is crowded inside Hickory Park - one of the area's most popular family restaurants.

On the outskirts of town, the western-themed restaurant seems like it's in a different world. Not just a more rural area, but a different time. Little has changed since they opened their doors in 1970.

You know you've arrived when you see the restaurant's friendly cardinal mascot outside. This has become one of Ames' most popular photo opportunities for families.

Inside, the restaurant has the feel of an old-fashioned saloon. Make sure to keep an eye on the walls to see all the unique art and mementos from fifty years of memories!

But you know what you're here for - the restaurant's famous ribs, smoked low-and-slow and painted with a signature sauce. The restaurant goes through hundreds of racks a night.

Accompanied by the restaurant's spicy smoked sausage and some of their signature sides, the ribs are an essential part of any Iowa BBQ tour.

If you're in the mood for something lighter, the restaurant's other meats like ham, brisket, and turkey get high marks from BBQ lovers and can be enjoyed in a sampler platter.

Make sure to save room - if you can - for Hickory Park's giant sundaes. These ice cream treats come in a wide range of rotating flavors and often include a seasonal special.

The restaurant always has holiday decor and special events, so you'll want to drop by whenever you're in town - the odds are the place will look a little different.

Before you leave, don't miss the old-fashioned candy store offering old-fashioned sweets at old-fashioned prices - another nod to the restaurant's long history in Ames.

Have you visited Hickory Park Restaurant Co.? Let us know your favorite meats, sides, and sundaes in the comments section. The restaurant always has something special cooking, so make sure to visit their website and official Facebook page before your next visit.