A suburb of Des Moines, Ankeny has 64,744 residents. One of the nicest locations to reside in Iowa is Ankeny, which is in Polk County.

Residents of Ankeny enjoy a thick suburban atmosphere, and most own their homes. There are many parks in Ankeny.

Coal mining grew in importance at the beginning of the 20th century as several businesses established shafts and mines close to the city in 1903, 1907, and 1908.

Ankeny served as a company town for the Enterprise Coal Company, which in 1914 produced over 100,000 tons of coal and was among the top 24 coal producers in the state.

This article explores some of Ankeny, Iowa’s top attractions and most enjoyable activities.

Things to Do in Ankeny, Iowa

1. Otter Creek Golf Course

There are several excellent golf courses in the Des Moines vicinity, but one of the greatest public courses in the state is found in Ankeny.

Otter Creek, a links-style course with various tees to accommodate players of all ability levels, was designed by renowned architect Paul Miller.

Tall grasses and manicured mounds flank the fairways, and the greens are quick and smooth, with enough bunkers and water hazards to keep you on your toes.

In addition to a driving range, two putting greens, and a pitching area with a bunker, the carts are outfitted with GPS. This is an awesome location to visit in Ankeny, Iowa.

Location: 4100 Northeast Otter Creek Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021, United States

2. Big Creek State Park

There are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities near Ankeny if you want to get away from the city. Less than ten miles away, the 3,550-acre Big Creek State Park has the magnificent 866-acre Big Creek Lake.

This area is a lovely spot to spend a summer day and is a part of the same flood control project as Saylorville Lake (more on that later).

The lake has a 1,300-foot shoreline, and you can hire a variety of watercraft at the 88-berth marina, including paddleboards, pontoon boats, and sailboats. If you have a boat, five boat ramps are located along the coast.

A 25-mile Neal Smith Trail on the dry ground begins at the park, an 18-hole disc golf course, 13 picnic areas, and various paths. This location is undoubtedly one of Iowa’s best snowmobile paths around the lake for 11 miles in the winter.

3. Saylorville Lake

Early in the 1960s, construction began on this lovely reservoir on the Des Moines River as an extensive flood control system component.

Saylorville Lake, a popular destination for pleasure in central Iowa, is located about five miles west of the center of Ankeny.

Boat launches, beaches, campsites, and leisure areas for hiking, biking, and animal viewing are all interspersed along the shoreline.

The Cherry Glen Campground has 125 electrical sites on 13 acres, and access to the Cherry Glen Boat Launch is the most accessible when leaving Ankeny, Iowa.

The sandy Oak Grove Beach is a short way north and is the closest bathing area.

4. Ankeny Miracle Park

A distinctive, open-to-all playground covering more than 14,000 square feet is located across from Ankeny City Hall. In the Des Moines metro region, 3,500 kids with special needs are taken care of in this park.

The Ankeny Miracle Park was created with this in mind, enabling kids with disabilities to play with their peers who are able-bodied.

There are two sections here, one for little kids and one for bigger kids. All equipment is wheelchair-height and is placed on a rubberized surface for safety.

Among the various amenities are an Omni Spinner, a Sensory Play Center, Sway Fun Gliders, and Roller Tables.

Location: 310 NW School St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

5. Praire Ridge Sports Complex

The Prairie Ridge Sports Complex is a popular sports venue for the Des Moines region and also serves as a lovely public park on large grounds that have been planted.

The facilities are of the highest caliber, with 15 baseball fields, 6 softball fields, 9 soccer fields, and 5 football fields, many of which are lit.

Four snack stalls and a parking lot large enough to hold more than 1,200 vehicles are present at the site to cater to the enormous number of guests.

There is also a lot of open space with walking paths, two fishing ponds, and play equipment for the younger family members.

Location: 1510 NW Ash Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

6. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Ankeny serves as the corporate headquarters for a network of six antique malls established in the United Stations in 1992.

This 36,000 square-foot showroom’s more than 450 vendors are displayed on its lengthy, meticulously ordered aisles.

Whether you have a specific goal in mind or are content just to roam these passageways packed with wealth, there is plenty to keep you entertained for hours.

Primitive art, antique furniture, quilts, antiques, sports memorabilia, glassware, porcelain, lighting, toys, and household appliances are just a few specializations available.

Location: 701 NE 50th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, United States

7. Ankeny Art Center

The Ankeny Art Center had its modest beginnings as a neighborhood arts initiative in the early 1980s, and it became a fully-fledged institution in 2002.

Through exhibitions, art lessons, receptions, camps, seminars, and spectacular yearly events, the center helps artists from all around Iowa.

All performances and artist receptions are free for the public, making it a great spot for tourists to get a feel for Ankeny’s arts culture.

Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Show, one of the most popular craft fairs in the state with 300 merchants and 5,000 attendees, is a significant event on the calendar.

Location: 1520 SW Ordnance Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

8. Prairie Meadows

A sizable racetrack, casino, and hotel complex servicing the Des Moines region are located near Adventureland Park.

Prairie Meadows’ track hosts quarter horse and thoroughbred racing from April through October. The Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap ($300k payout) at the end of June and the Iowa Oaks ($225k) at the beginning of July are two notable competitions.

Since the 1990s, slot machines, gaming tables, and the Caesars Sportsbook have been gradually added, and in 2007, The Meadows, a stunning performance venue with 1,200 seats, debuted.

Various restaurants are available, from fast eats to something more upscale at AJ’s Steakhouse.

9. High Trestle Trail

A 25-mile rail route that crosses four counties on its journey from Uptown Ankeny to the town of Woodward begins in the south.

The High Trestle Trail, which follows the path of the former Union Pacific Railroad, is named for the bridge that spans the Des Moines River just outside of Woodward.

This enormous building, which is 13 floors tall and extends more than half a mile, was constructed for Milwaukee Road in the 1970s but was stripped of its bridge deck when the route was discontinued.

The piers were still standing and served as the framework for a brand-new pedestrian and bicycle crossing that provided a stunning perspective of the Des Moines River Valley.

A spiraling steel building that hangs overhead is lit at night by ethereal blue light and resembles the cribs in a mine shaft.

10. AdventureLand Park

A short distance from Ankeny is the biggest theme park in Iowa, which offers dozens of rides, performances, and other attractions.

Since its debut in 1975, Adventureland has continuously introduced additional themed zones and activities.

If it thrills you’re after, head straight for The Monster, a roller coaster with five inversions and a peak speed of 65 mph, or the 2021-opened 4D free spin roller coaster Dragon Slayer.

There includes a vast selection of traditional amusement park rides, including a carousel, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, swinging ships, and miniature trains.

Additionally, Adventureland includes the Adventure Bay water park, which features the biggest wave pool, a six-lane racing slide, tube slides, and splash pads.

Location: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, United States

11. Uptown Ankeny

A 25-mile rail route that crosses four counties on its way to the community of Woodward begins in Uptown Ankeny.

The High Trestle Trail is named for the bridge that crosses the Des Moines River outside of Woodward and follows the path of the former Union Pacific Railroad.

This enormous building, 13 floors high and stretching more than half a mile, was constructed for Milwaukee Road in the 1970s but was demolished when the line was discontinued.

The piers were still standing and served as the framework for a brand-new pedestrian and bicycle crossing that provided a stunning perspective of the Des Moines River Valley.

A spiraling steel structure above, lit by ethereal blue light, like cribs in a mine shaft.

Location: 1631 SW Main St Ste 204/205. Ankeny, IA 50023

12. Cascade Falls Aquatic Park

In the summer, this fantastic public water park, open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, is a great place to get away from the infamous Iowa heat.

A FlowRider surf machine that lets you ride waves nearly a thousand kilometers from the closest ocean is unusual at Cascade Falls.

A zero-depth entry pool, an eight-lane lap pool, a lazy river, a diving well, a “Swirl Bowl” water slide, and a splash area with floor geysers and water cannons are all available.

The facility has lots of space for sunbathing and offers both inside and outside access to shade.

Location: 2350 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

13. Firetrucker Brewery

The top brewery in Ankeny is at a prime position uptown in the former Ankeny fire station, unlike the majority of craft brewers, located in industrial parks on the outskirts of the city.

Burnout Brown, Iowa IPA, Pumpertruck Porter, 2 Alarm Red, Arson Oatmeal Stout, and Tropical Burn were some beers on tap when we compiled this list (DIPA).

The ancient interiors of the fire theme station have been conserved, and there is local artwork on the walls and a full calendar of activities, including live music on the weekends. First Responders receive a $1 discount on all beers on Wednesdays.

Location: 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

14. Iowa Culinary Institute

The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) campus in Ankeny is home to one of the top culinary arts programs in the nation.

The Albaugh Family Center, home of the Iowa Culinary Institute, had a state-of-the-art renovation in 2016, elevating it to the country’s top-tier culinary facilities.

All of this is fantastic news for anyone who enjoys French food. Come here from September to May to enjoy top-notch cuisine.

The talented culinary arts students at DMACC may offer a five-course gourmet dinner or a lighter lunchtime bistro meal.

Location: Building 7 – Culinary Arts / Conference Center, 2006 S Ankeny Blvd Bldg 7, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States

15. Ankeny Area Historical Museum

Ankeny has a long history, even though it is currently a suburb of Des Moines. There is a wonderful local museum with knowledgeable volunteers if you want to learn more.

This landmark consists of a historic early 20th-century home and a nearby reproduction typical Iowan-style barn.

Displays highlight subjects, including the Des Moines Ordnance Plant during World War II, mining, and farming, while period chambers recreate settings like a village shop.

Floppy the puppet beagle, a children’s TV sensation on the Des Moines NBC affiliate WHO-TV from 1957 until 1987, is one adorable display.

Location: 301 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA 50023, United States