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Ankeny is one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities, with about 75,000 people, located just north of Des Moines in Polk County. It was founded in 1875 by John Fletcher Ankeny along the railroad and grew from a small farming and coal mining town into a large, family-oriented suburb with new neighborhoods, parks and schools.
The city is the eastern trailhead of the High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile rail trail that crosses the Des Moines River valley on a dramatic lighted bridge, and it links into the wider central Iowa trail network. Ankeny is also home to a large campus of Des Moines Area Community College, along with modern shopping and dining in the Prairie Trail development.
Visitors can stroll the older Uptown district, catch a summer concert at the bandshell in Wagner Park, learn about local history at the Ankeny Area Historical Society museum, cool off at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center or play a round at Otter Creek Golf Course. Downtown Des Moines, Saylorville Lake and the Iowa State Fairgrounds are all within about 20 to 30 minutes.
A 25-mile paved rail trail that starts in Ankeny and runs west through Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid to Woodward. Its highlight is the half-mile High Trestle Bridge over the Des Moines River valley, framed by steel cribbing that glows blue at night. Bike it out and back, and bring lights for after dark.
The original heart of Ankeny, with older brick storefronts, local restaurants, coffee shops and small businesses. It hosts community events and farmers markets in the warm months and feels quite different from the newer parts of the city. Park once and explore on foot, then stop for a meal or a drink.
A small community museum run by volunteers that tells the story of Ankeny from its 1875 founding by John F. Ankeny through its railroad, farming and coal mining years to today's suburb. Exhibits include photographs, household items and local memorabilia. Opening hours are limited, so check before you go.
A neighborhood park near Uptown known for its bandshell, which hosts outdoor concerts and community events in summer. It also has shade trees, open lawns and play equipment, making it a relaxed family stop. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for evening performances and check the city's events calendar.
Ankeny's large outdoor aquatic center has water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry area for small children, lap lanes and diving. It is busy on hot summer afternoons, so arrive near opening time. Day passes are inexpensive, and the season usually runs from Memorial Day weekend into August.
An 18-hole municipal golf course owned by the City of Ankeny, with rolling terrain, mature trees and water along the creek that gives it its name. It is an affordable, friendly course for both beginners and regulars, with a clubhouse and practice facilities. Book tee times ahead on weekends.
A walkable mixed-use town center in Ankeny's Prairie Trail neighborhood, with restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and services set around streets and plazas. It is a good place for an evening meal or a stroll, and it hosts seasonal events. Parking is easy, and nearby paths connect to green spaces.
Ankeny's biggest annual community festival, held each summer with a parade, carnival rides, live music, food vendors, family activities and fireworks. It draws large crowds from across the Des Moines area. Check the dates in advance, arrive early for the parade and plan for parking shuttles or a walk.
A large Polk County conservation area northeast of Ankeny along the old channel of the Skunk River, with wetlands, prairie, oxbow lakes and woodlands. It is excellent for birdwatching, paddling, hiking and wildlife spotting. Facilities are basic, so bring water and insect repellent, especially in summer.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Ashton B Crew, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ashton B Crew, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ashton B Crew, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ashton B Crew, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Carl Wycoff, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ashton B Crew, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Phil Roeder from Des Moines, IA, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Myotus, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
