Ankeny, Iowa: The Land of Corn and Fun – Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Ankeny runs on its calendar. SummerFest takes over a long weekend in July, with live music, carnival rides and a parade, and the Brewfest inside it pulls over 50 breweries. The Ankeny Market & Pavilion runs every Saturday from May through September. Hometown Holidays lands in December. Between those, the High Trestle Trail runs 25 miles past a 13-story bridge, and Cascade Falls Aquatic Center handles the hot months.

Planning a trip to Ankeny, Iowa raises the question of what to do first. Ankeny covers a lot for its size, from outdoor time to family days, food and drinks and shopping.

Take a stroll through the streets of Ankeny and work through its history and architecture. Stop by the Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum for the city’s past and the artifacts from the early settlers. Nature lovers should head to the High Trestle Trail for a walk or a bike ride. The 25-mile trail winds through the Iowa countryside and carries the High Trestle Bridge, the landmark everyone comes for.

Families have plenty to work with in Ankeny. Adventureland Park, a short drive from Ankeny, is the largest theme park in Iowa and runs thrilling rides, shows and attractions for every age. For something more low-key, visit the Ankeny Art Center for the work of local artists and the workshops and classes they run.

Key Takeaways

Ankeny, Iowa has something for everyone, from outdoor activities to family fun, delicious food and drinks, and unique shopping experiences.
Take a stroll through the charming streets of Ankeny to discover its rich history and architecture, or head to the High Trestle Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride.
Families can enjoy thrilling rides and attractions at Adventureland Park, or appreciate the work of local artists at the Ankeny Art Center.

A Stroll Through Ankeny

Ankeny carries more history and culture than a city this size usually does. Take a stroll through it and work through the landmarks and attractions.

Historical Society Visit

Start the walk through Ankeny at the Ankeny Area Historical Society. The collection covers the city’s history and the people who shaped it, with artifacts and exhibits from its past. Some of the original railroad equipment used to move goods and people through the city is in there.

Ankeny Art Center Experience

After the historical society, head over to the Ankeny Art Center for something different. The center runs art exhibits from local and regional artists. Classes and workshops cover different art forms and techniques, and you might come away making something.

Walking through Ankeny, keep an eye out for the historical landmarks and buildings. The old railroad depot and the Ankeny Fire Station are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History reader or art enthusiast, Ankeny covers both. Grab the walking shoes and take a stroll through this city.

Outdoor Activities in Ankeny

Outdoor people are in the right place in Ankeny, Iowa. Miles of trails, several parks and the Des Moines River give you plenty to work through. These are the outdoor activities in Ankeny:

Biking Trails Adventure

Ankeny is home to some of the finest biking trails in Iowa. The High Trestle Trail is the one to ride. The 25-mile trail is famous for its 13-story high bridge and the views over the Des Moines River Valley. For a shorter ride, the Dean Park Trail. That one runs 2.5 miles and handles a quick outing.

Hiking Trails Exploration

Hikers have plenty of trails in Ankeny too. The Saylorville Lake Trail is the popular one and works for every skill level. The 6-mile trail runs along the lake and takes a leisurely pace. For something harder, the trails at the Cottonwood Recreation Area. With over 5 miles of trails, that park rewards a longer walk.

Kayaking on Des Moines River

The Des Moines River is where the kayaking happens in Ankeny. Beginner or experienced paddler, there is water for both. The river is quiet and scenic and it makes for a relaxing day.

Golfing at Otter Creek

Golfers should not miss Otter Creek Golf Course. The championship course runs 18 holes of challenging golf in a strong setting. Rolling hills, mature trees and water hazards between them will test your skills.

Ankeny rewards outdoor people and these are only a few of the options. Biking, hiking, kayaking or golfing, all four work here.

Family Fun in Ankeny

For family activities in Ankeny, the list is a long one. There is enough here to keep everyone occupied. These are the family-friendly activities in Ankeny:

Ankeny Miracle Park Visit

For somewhere the whole family can play, Ankeny Miracle Park. The park is designed for children with disabilities and it works for every child. The playground equipment covers swings, slides and a merry-go-round. The park is completely wheelchair accessible, so nobody sits out.

Cascade Falls Aquatic Center Visit

Cool off on a hot summer day at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center. The water park has a lazy river, water slides and a splash pad for the little ones. There is a diving board for the braver members of the family. Plenty of lifeguards are on duty, so you can relax while the children swim.

Bowling and Movie Night

For a night out with the family, head to the bowling alley for a few rounds and then catch a movie at the nearby theater. The bowling alley runs automatic bumpers and lightweight balls for the children, so everyone plays. After bowling, the movie theater handles the latest blockbuster. The snacks and the comfortable seats finish off a day in Ankeny.

Those are the family-friendly activities in Ankeny. Outdoor time or a night at the movies, both are covered. Grab the family and start exploring.

Ankeny sits just north of Des Moines and everything here is a short drive. Uptown Ankeny holds the boutiques, the restaurants and the market. The Ankeny Area Historical Society and the Ankeny Art Center are both close to it. The High Trestle Trail and the Dean Park Trail start from the edges of town. Saylorville Lake and the Des Moines River are west. Otter Creek Golf Course, Adventureland Park and Cascade Falls Aquatic Center are all a short drive out, which means you can do two of them in an afternoon without planning it.

Food and Drinks in Ankeny

Anyone who takes food seriously will do well in Ankeny, with a broad set of restaurants, pubs and breweries to work through. A proper meal or a cold drink, the city covers both. These are the places to eat and drink in Ankeny.

Brewery Tour

Ankeny is home to some of the finest breweries in Iowa, and a brewery tour is how to see them. Firetrucker Brewery is the popular one, and with reason. They run a broad range of craft beers, seasonal ones included. Take a tour and learn the brewing process, or sit in the taproom with a cold one.

Wine and Dine

For something more refined, Ankeny has the wine and dine options. A romantic evening out or a night with friends, there is a restaurant here for it. Waterfront Seafood Market is the choice for seafood, with a menu running from clam chowder to seafood gumbo. Leaning Tower of Pizza is the other popular restaurant in Ankeny, serving Italian cooking that holds up.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Ankeny has it. Grab a bite to eat or a drink with friends and take the city as it comes.

Shopping in Ankeny

For retail therapy, Ankeny has it covered. Uptown boutiques through to farmers’ markets, the range suits most tastes.

Uptown Ankeny Shopping

Uptown Ankeny is where to start the shopping. The atmosphere and the shops make it feel like a small town with big city style. Stop by the local boutiques, The Funky Zebras or The Porch on Main, for the one-of-a-kind finds.

For home decor, check out The Copper Hen and its rustic pieces. For clothes, head over to Mainstream Boutique for something trendy at a reasonable price.

Farmers’ Market Visit

For a different kind of shopping, visit the Ankeny Farmers’ Market. With over 50 vendors, the range runs from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It supports local businesses and farmers and you come away with something worth having.

Stop by the Bread Garden Market stand for fresh bread and pastries. And check the handmade soaps and lotions from The Soap Opera Company.

A new outfit or some fresh produce, Ankeny covers both. Happy shopping.

Gaming in Ankeny

For a way to pass the time in Ankeny, you are in luck. Golf through to arcade games, the gaming options run long. These are the ones in Ankeny:

Backspin Indoor Golf Visit

To work on your swing, check out Backspin Indoor Golf. The indoor facility runs state-of-the-art golf simulators that let you play some of the world’s famous courses. Seasoned player or beginner, it is a fun and challenging way to improve. A cold drink or a bite to eat comes with it.

Arcade Games Night

Sometimes you just want to let loose. That is where arcade games come in. Ankeny has plenty of options, the popular Ankeny Lanes among them. The bowling alley carries a strong selection of classic arcade games, pinball and Pac-Man included, alongside newer ones like air hockey and skee-ball.

For a more adult-oriented arcade, check out Fong’s Pizza. The pizza joint has a full bar and a strong selection of arcade games, classic favorites like Galaga and Donkey Kong among them. The pizza is some of the finest in town.

Whatever kind of gaming you are after, Ankeny has it. Grab the friends and go.

Special Events in Ankeny

Ankeny is a small town and it knows how to throw a party. Through the year there are plenty of events drawing locals and tourists alike. Food festivals through to live music, something is always on in Ankeny.

The annual SummerFest celebration is the biggest event in Ankeny. The three-day festival takes place in July and covers live music, carnival rides, food vendors and a parade. It is the fastest way into the community spirit of Ankeny and it works for the whole family.

Craft beer people should not miss the Ankeny SummerFest Brewfest. The event runs during SummerFest and pulls over 50 breweries from across Iowa and the Midwest. It is where you try something new and talk to other beer enthusiasts.

The Ankeny Market & Pavilion is the other popular event. The open-air market takes place every Saturday from May through September, with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It supports local businesses and gives you a sense of Ankeny’s agricultural heritage.

Ankeny also does the end of the year properly. The Ankeny Hometown Holidays event takes place in December and covers a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa Claus and a lot of festive decorations. It works for the whole family.

Whatever time of year you visit Ankeny, something is happening. Grab the calendar and start planning the trip.

Frequently asked questions about Ankeny, Iowa

Which trail should you ride in Ankeny, Iowa?

The High Trestle Trail if you have the day, 25 miles of it, with a 13-story high bridge and the Des Moines River Valley underneath. The Dean Park Trail if you do not, at 2.5 miles. The Saylorville Lake Trail is the walking one, 6 miles and easy the whole way.

Which brewery is worth a stop in Ankeny?

Firetrucker Brewery. It runs a broad range of craft beers including seasonal ones, and the taproom is a comfortable place to sit while somebody explains the brewing process. Fong’s Pizza is the other option, with a full bar, arcade games and pizza.

Is the Ankeny Farmers’ Market worth the trip?

Over 50 vendors, running fresh produce through to handmade crafts. Bread Garden Market has the bread and pastries and The Soap Opera Company has the soaps and lotions. Compared with Uptown Ankeny’s boutiques, the market is the cheaper morning and the better one for food.

Keep exploring Ankeny, Iowa