Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Ankeny, Iowa

A northern suburb of Des Moines, Ankeny is experiencing remarkable growth while maintaining a history that dates back to the late 19th century.

On this side of the state capital, you are conveniently located near Adventureland Park, Iowa’s premier theme park, which features a first-rate water park as an additional attraction.

Ankeny is also just minutes away from some of central Iowa’s premier recreational areas, including the vast Saylorville Lake and Big Creek State Park, both of which offer rental options for kayaks, paddleboards, and more during the summer months.

Close to home, uptown Ankeny is a charming central commercial district, featuring a variety of restaurants, breweries, and a popular farmers’ market every Saturday morning.

1. Adventureland Park

The largest theme park in Iowa is located just minutes from Ankeny and offers a plethora of rides, shows, and various attractions.

Since its opening in 1975, Adventureland has consistently added new themed areas and attractions over the last 45+ years.

If you seek exhilarating experiences, consider The Monster, featuring five inversions and reaching a top speed of 65 mph, or Dragon Slayer, a 4D free spin roller coaster that debuted in 2021.

The park also includes a vast assortment of classic amusement park attractions, ranging from a miniature train to a swinging ship, log flumes, a carousel, ferris wheel, bumper cars, and numerous children’s rides.

Additionally, Adventureland encompasses the Adventure Bay water park, complete with tube slides, a six-lane racing slide, a splash pad, and the largest wave pool in Iowa.

2. High Trestle Trail

Uptown Ankeny serves as the southern trailhead for a 25-mile rail trail that extends all the way to the town of Woodward, traversing four counties.

Built along the route of the former Union Pacific Railroad, the High Trestle Trail derives its name from the bridge that spans the Des Moines River just outside Woodward.

This imposing structure stands 13 stories tall and stretches over half a mile; it was originally constructed for the Milwaukee Road in the 1970s but had its bridge deck removed when the line ceased operations.

The remaining piers were preserved, forming the basis for a new crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, providing stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley.

Above, a spiraled steel structure resembles cribs in a mine shaft, which emits an ethereal blue light after dark.

3. Uptown Ankeny

At the southern terminus of the High Trestle Trail lies a compact commercial district worth exploring.

Uptown Ankeny is home to an array of locally-owned businesses, including two craft breweries, a popular pizzeria (Leaning Tower of Pizza), a bicycle shop, and a full-service bar offering excellent pub fare (Yankee Clipper).

This area also hosts Ankeny’s Farmers’ Market, which operates Saturday mornings from late May through September.

The venue is situated at the trailside Ankeny Market & Pavilion, spread over three acres of grounds and hosting the Summerfest event every July.

4. Cascade Falls Aquatic Center

An effective way to escape the famed Iowa humidity in summer is by visiting this outstanding public water park, which is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Uniquely featured at Cascade Falls is a FlowRider surf machine that allows you to experience wave-riding far from the ocean.

The park offers a zero-depth entry pool for casual swimming, an eight-lane lap pool for fitness, alongside a lazy river, a diving well, a “Swirl Bowl” water slide, and a splash area equipped with water cannons and geysers.

Ample space is designated for sunbathing, with sufficient shade available in and out of the water.

5. Firetrucker Brewery

While many craft breweries are located in industrial areas on the outskirts of town, Ankeny’s leading brewery boasts a prime position in the former Ankeny fire station in the uptown district.

Among the beers available when this article was compiled included Burnout Brown, Iowa IPA, Pumpertruck Porter, 2 Alarm Red, Arson Oatmeal Stout, and Tropical Burn (DIPA).

To maintain the firehouse theme, the original interiors have been preserved, while local art adorns the walls, and a full schedule of events features live music on weekends. On Wednesdays, First Responders receive a $1 discount on all beers.

6. Iowa Culinary Institute

One of the foremost culinary arts programs in the country operates out of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) campus in Ankeny.

The Iowa Culinary Institute’s home, the Albaugh Family Center, underwent a substantial renovation in 2016, elevating it to one of the leading culinary facilities in the nation.

For those with a penchant for French-style cuisine, this is excellent news; from September through May, you can experience world-class dining.

This might include a five-course gourmet dinner or a lighter lunchtime bistro meal, all meticulously prepared by skilled culinary arts students at DMACC.

7. Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum

Although Ankeny is currently a suburb of Des Moines, it possesses over a century of history. To learn more, there is a notable local museum staffed by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

This museum is housed in a historic residence from the early 20th century, alongside a neighboring replica barn designed in traditional Iowan style.

Exhibits illuminate various topics, such as the WWII-era Des Moines Ordnance Plant, mining, and agriculture, while period rooms recreate atmospheres like a country store.

One particularly charming exhibit features the puppet beagle, Floppy, who was a children’s television star on the NBC affiliate WHO-TV from 1957 to 1987.

8. Otter Creek Golf Course

While the Des Moines area boasts numerous excellent golf courses, Ankeny is home to one of the finest public courses in the state.

Designed by the esteemed architect Paul Miller, Otter Creek features a links-style layout with multiple sets of tees suitable for players of all abilities.

The greens are smooth and quick, complemented by a variety of bunkers and water hazards to challenge golfers, while the fairways are bordered by tall grasses and landscaped mounds.

The golf carts are equipped with GPS, and a comprehensive practice facility includes a driving range, two putting greens, and a pitching area alongside a bunker.

9. Big Creek State Park

For those looking to embrace the outdoors, Ankeny offers a plethora of options. Big Creek State Park, encompassing 3,550 acres, is less than ten miles away and features the stunning Big Creek Lake, which spans 866 acres.

This area forms part of the same flood control initiative as Saylorville Lake and serves as a delightful destination for summer activities.

The park boasts a 1,300-foot sandy beach along the lake, and visitors can convene at the 88-berth marina to rent an array of vessels, ranging from paddleboards to pontoon boats and sailboats. Additionally, five boat ramps are located along the shore for those with their own boats.

On land, the park contains an 18-hole disc golf course, 13 picnic shelters, and a variety of trails, including the 25-mile Neal Smith Trail that begins at the park. In winter, one of Iowa’s premier snowmobile trails encircles the lake for 11 miles.

10. Saylorville Lake

This picturesque reservoir on the Des Moines River was constructed in the early 1960s as part of a large flood control system. Saylorville Lake serves as a recreational hub for central Iowa and is situated just five miles west of uptown Ankeny.

The shoreline is lined with boat launches, beaches, campgrounds, and recreation areas suitable for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation.

For those traveling from Ankeny, the most accessible option is the Cherry Glen Campground, featuring 125 electrical sites spread over 13 acres and direct access to the Cherry Glen Boat Launch, available all year round. The closest swimming area is slightly to the north at the sandy Oak Grove Beach.

11. Ankeny Miracle Park

Located opposite Ankeny City Hall, Ankeny Miracle Park features a remarkable all-access playground spread across more than 14,000 square feet. An estimated 3,500 children in the Des Moines metropolitan area have special needs.

This playground was designed to facilitate play for children who may face challenges, allowing them to engage with their able-bodied friends.

The space is divided for younger and older children. All equipment is wheelchair accessible, placed on a safe, rubberized surface. Notable features include an Omni Spinner, a Sensory Play Center, Sway Fun Gliders, and Roller Tables.

12. Prairie Ridge Sports Complex

Spanning vast landscaped grounds, the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex serves as a sports haven for the Des Moines area, while also functioning as a public park.

The facility features world-class amenities, including 15 baseball fields, six softball fields, nine soccer fields, and five football fields, many of which are lit for nighttime use.

To accommodate the large number of visitors, the complex hosts four concession stands and features a parking lot capable of housing more than 1,200 vehicles.

Additionally, there are expansive open spaces with walking trails, two fishing ponds, and play areas for the youngest visitors.

13. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

As the headquarters for a chain of antique malls established in 1992, Ankeny features six locations across the United States. This 36,000-square-foot showroom showcases more than 450 dealers within extensive, meticulously arranged aisles.

Visitors can easily spend hours exploring this treasure trove, whether searching for something specific or leisurely wandering these captivating corridors.

The diverse selection includes primitive art, antique furniture, quilts, collectibles, sports memorabilia, glassware, china, lighting, toys, and home appliances.

14. Ankeny Art Center

Initially emerging as a local arts program in the early 1980s, the Ankeny Art Center officially opened its doors as a full-fledged facility in 2002.

The center supports artists from across Iowa by hosting exhibitions, art classes, receptions, workshops, and exciting annual events.

For visitors, this venue provides an excellent opportunity to engage with Ankeny’s vibrant arts scene, as all shows and artist receptions are free to the public.

A highlight of the calendar is Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Show, recognized as one of the state’s most well-attended craft events, featuring 300 vendors and attracting approximately 5,000 shoppers.

15. Prairie Meadows

Adjacent to Adventureland Park, Prairie Meadows comprises an extensive racetrack, casino, and hotel complex serving the Des Moines area.

From April through October, the racetrack hosts quarter horse and thoroughbred racing, featuring notable events such as the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap ($300k purse) at the end of June and the Iowa Oaks in early July ($225k).

The complex has expanded over the years to include slot machines, gaming tables, and the Caesars Sportsbook. In addition, The Meadows, a stunning 1,200-seat concert hall, opened in 2007. Dining options range from casual quick bites to upscale meals at AJ’s Steakhouse.