Ankeny is a suburbia of Des Moines that is situated in the north. There is a common perception among tourists that the outskirts are not worth their time, which is true sometimes but certainly not for Ankeny. Despite having a small area, this city still features over 40 parks and many hiking trails. Besides, there is a huge lake at the western edge that provides the opportunity for water sports. If you are already planning to visit Des Moines, it would be a good idea to stop by Ankeny as well. If you have any doubts, please stay on this page. In this article, we have prepared a list of the best things to do in Ankeny, Iowa.
1. Hike or ride a bike on High Trestle Trail
This spectacular hiking trail in Ankeny, High Trestle Trail, is ideal for cyclists and runners. This was developed over a decommissioned section of the Union Pacific Railroad, which is nearly 25 miles (42 kilometers) long and runs through neighboring counties. Even if you’re not a fitness buff, this is still a prime attraction in the city. This 0.5-mile (770-meter) footbridge offers great views of the valley. Moreover, its decorative mineshaft design is illuminated every evening with blue LED lights. While here, do remember to spend an evening here.
High Trestle Trail
Address: Parking Area off First Ave, Ankeny, IA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Take a sip of local beer at Firetrucker Brewery
We hope you enjoy having craft beers because Firetrucker Brewery is known in this metropolitan for its flagship local beers. They offer brilliantly crafted, ginger-flavored malt like ‘Copper Cat’, and gluten-free choices like the ‘Cat Dragon’, plus 25 other unique flavors. Understandably, choosing one out of this great selection is going to be difficult, but you can also try free samples. Do ask for seasonal beers when you go, and be sure to have fun if you happen to catch a scheduled event here.
Firetrucker Brewery
Address: 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Firetrucker Brewery
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
3. Check out the historical displays, artifacts, and events at Ankeny Area Historical Society
For those who are interested in learning about the heritage of this little city, head to Ankeny Area Historical Society. This is a small museum limited to just a house and a barn. It exhibits all the information related to either this city or its people. There are rooms and a basement filled with antiques, 20th-century toys and tools, photographs, and artifacts. There is also a library that tells us about everyone who has ever lived in this city, so come visit if you’re interested.
Ankeny Area Historical Society
Address: 301 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Ankeny Area Historical Society
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4. Appreciate local artists at Ankeny Art Center
For those who are art lovers, visit the official art gallery of this city: Ankeny Art Center. This place is small but definitely worth checking out, as they change exhibitions often. The frequent shuffling seems to be a very good practice, considering the fact that more and more local artists get the opportunity to show their brilliant works to the public. This is a must-visit place if you’re an art enthusiast. Also, it’s a nice place to meet new people with the same interests.
Ankeny Art Center
Address: 1520 SW Ordnance Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Ankeny Art Center
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am - 1pm; Thu: 9am - 1pm, 4pm - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
5. Enjoy a refreshing trip to Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
Winters are extreme on this side, so water-based recreation can only be enjoyed in the right season. But if you’re coming to Ankeny in the summers, plan a day to Cascade Falls Aquatic Center. It is the largest public water park in this metropolis that is packed with features. The center is built in three sections. You will see several pools, slides, a lazy river, a surf machine, and more fun amenities.
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
Address: 2350 SW Prairie Trl Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
6. Plan a picnic day at Dean Park
If you’re traveling with children, this neighborhood park is a great place to visit. There is no reason for kids not to love this park since it has playground equipment, splash pads, a rubberized half-court for basketball, and a pavilion. Now, this doesn’t mean that parents have to get bored while their little guys are enjoying - the grownups can plan a picnic here as there are tables and a grill area. Spend a day at Dean Park with your family.
Dean Park
Address: Corner of and, SW 18th St &, SW College Ave, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
7. Let your kids have fun at the Playground For Kids
If you have a very energetic kid who is between the ages of 2 to 12, then you must not miss the opportunity to visit this indoor playground facility. The Playground For Kids has everything your kid will love, like a climbing wall, an inflatable play area, ball games, slides, and more. Fortunately, there is no time bar either, and if you need to replenish your energy level, there is a snack shop here. Just be extra cautious with toddlers, because there is no separate section for them. Supervisors will be there to control everything, but you might also need to monitor your kids while here.
The Playground For Kids
Address: 2401 SE Tones Dr Ste #7, Ankeny, IA 50021, United States
Website: The Playground For Kids
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 5.99 - 8.99 USD
8. Take your family to Ankeny Miracle Park
Ankeny Miracle Park is another exceptional spot in the city, and it’s the largest playground here. It is such a nice place that one would happily pay an admission fee to come here. Luckily, it is free for public use. This park features various types of equipment and amenities like swings, picnic shelters, a separate toddler area, and more. Most importantly, nearly every space is handicap-accessible. There is a duck pond and a baseball field near here as well.
Ankeny Miracle Park
Address: 310 NW School St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Catch a live drama at Ankeny Community Theatre
Don’t think that Ankeny Community Theater is just another typical performing arts club in a small city. While the purpose is the same - to encourage an appreciation for the dramatic arts - Ankeny’s drama society is slightly more sophisticated. And this elegance is not surprising, as this theater has been giving performances since the beginning of the 1980s. You can watch them perform, join the stage yourself, or maybe get involved by volunteering in their community theater. The agendas for the current and upcoming season are always scheduled on their website.
Ankeny Community Theatre
Address: 1932 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Ankeny Community Theatre
10. Try the smoked meat from Jethro’s BBQ n’ LakeHouse
You can savor the food at Jethro’s BBQ for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while staying in Ankeny. They’re known as a hidden gem in the state of Iowa, and you won’t be able to resist the temptation of their smoky meat dishes. Jethro provides different offers daily, however, Mondays are always special if you’re coming to Ankeny with your kid. It is technically a buy-one-get-one offer, so you would be getting one free meal with every purchase on that day.
Jethro’s BBQ n’ LakeHouse
Address: 1425 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
Website: Jethro’s BBQ n’ LakeHouse
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 9:30am - 11pm; Sun: 9:30am - 9pm
11. Taste the original Chicago-style pizza at Rosati’s Pizza
Everybody loves pizza, so if you’re craving for some good crust while in Ankeny, head to Rosati’s Pizza. The Rosati family has been making pizza for five generations, and they even offer the original Chicago-style pizza to this metropolis. This eatery also serves delicious pasta, wings, sandwiches, and more. The prices are reasonable and the portion size is fair, so remember this name the next time you’re craving pizza in Ankeny.
Rosati’s Pizza
Address: 1550 N Ankeny Blvd #110, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Rosati’s Pizza
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
12. Try unconventional golf at Backspin Indoor Golf and Bar
This indoor golf club is truly futuristic, all thanks to some innovative technology. Backspin Indoor Golf and Bar uses a state-of-art TruGolf optical sensor simulation that boasts unmatched accuracy. This system currently features over 95 golf courses based on different levels of difficulty. Needless to say, this gold club is a good place for casual matches, checking out different fairways, practicing, or when the weather is unsuitable. It’s a bar as well, so you have another reason to visit this awesome place.
Backspin Indoor Golf and Bar
Address: 106 SW State St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Backspin Indoor Golf and Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri: 10am - 12pm; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 8pm
Price: 30 - 40 USD
13. Shop and dine at Uptown Ankeny
Uptown Ankeny can be your one-stop solution for everyday needs since the place has many retail shops, restaurants, coffee houses, beauty centers, artistic studios, and more. This area even has a farmers’ market that runs for five months, so you get to buy farm-fresh produce at fair prices. Besides, there are lots of cultural events here that are organized by business owners. Visit this place and you will surely like the experience.
Uptown Ankeny
Address: SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Uptown Ankeny
14. Have breakfast at Main Street Cafe & Bakery
A popular café in town is Main Street Cafe & Bakery. This is a family-owned cafe and they have recently opened a place in Des Moines. Ankeny’s branch is their second location. Hardly five years have passed since they started, but they’ve earned a stellar reputation. They boast an extensive menu that includes regular, organic, vegan, and gluten-free options, and the prices are also very reasonable. Overall, it’s a nice place to hang out with friends and family.
Main Street Cafe & Bakery
Address: 2510 SW White Birch Dr #1,2, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Main Street Cafe & Bakery
Opening hours: 5:30am - 9pm (daily)
15. Have some beer at Yankee Clipper
If an old-fashioned bar suits you, then you should definitely check out Yankee Clipper while you’re in Ankeny. It’s a very well-recognized bar in this city. A visit is totally recommended if you’re coming with a group of friends, but you can also go by yourself as the ambiance is cozy. The drinks menu is long and the prices are not too steep. However, you can still get a better deal if you visit them on Tuesdays. Finding a vacant seat shouldn’t be a problem since this establishment has a seating capacity of 80.
Yankee Clipper
Address: 312 SW Maple St #2915, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Website: Yankee Clipper
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 2am
16. Shop for souvenirs at Treasure House
People usually buy gift items as mementos of their visit to another place. Though this place may not be Hawaii or Venice, there is no harm in shopping for a few souvenirs from this city. These items will help you recall the good memories, or you can give them to someone you love. If you are interested, be sure to visit Treasure House, the leading gift and home décor store in the city. Shop for jewelry, cards, toys, or just have fun exploring and searching for unique things.
Treasure House
Address: 721 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States
Opening hours: Mon, Wed: 9:30am - 6pm; Tue, Thu: 9:30am - 8pm; Fri & Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
17. Camp at Cherry Glen Campground
If you have the time, plan for an overnight camping trip at Cherry Glen Campground. Fortunately, it is just a 10-minute drive from Ankeny, just on the edge of the Saylorville Reservoir. From here, you can easily go to the store in case you forget to bring something with you and be back in camp within 30 minutes. It’s a clean and safe campground and one of the best places in Ankeny for small family gatherings.
Cherry Glen Campground
Address: 4338 North West 94th Place, Ankeny, IA 50021, United States
Small cities can be great too
We are sure that Ankeny will change your perception of small cities. There are many places in this state you may not know about that are also worth visiting. Luckily, you know about Ankeny now, so the next time you plan to visit Des Moines, you can refer back to this article for the best things to do in this charming place.
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