Gilbert is located at (42.105858, -93.645185). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.1 km sq (0.8 square miles), all land. '''Location:''' Gilbert is nestled in the midst of gently undulating agricultural land. The landscape surrounding the town is dotted with conventional farm buildings and livestock as well as newer agricultural facilities and row crop farming systems. The area also includes farmsteads or acreages where non-farming residents have their homes. And a few miles to the southeast or southwest, on land bordering the Skunk River and Squaw Creek, there are substantial residential sub-divisions. Gilbert’s southern boundary is only two miles north of the Ames boundary that was extended when Ames developed the Ada Hayden Heritage Park. It is not difficult to look south from Gilbert and see the Ames’ water towers or the power plant and Design Center building at Iowa State. '''Transportation:''' The main east-west road through Gilbert is county highway E23. It has only ten stop signs within the city limits. A Union Pacific rail line goes north and south through the town. A long time ago, passengers could easily ride the train to Ames and other places, but today the railroad is mainly for hauling grain and other commercial uses. The train doesn't stop in Gilbert, but its whistle loudly announces its passage through the town and triggers a nostalgic feeling. The Heartland Senior Services of Story County provides van transportation to older people and other persons who wish to use the service. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert%2C_Iowa