Wanderatlas

United States

Ankeny, United States

Ankeny, United States

Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. It is located in the Des Moines metropolitan area and has a population of approximate…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Outdoor activities travelers
  • Historical sites travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
See best season Hotels near center Plan a trip
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide
Outdoor activities Historical sites Family attractions

Ankeny, United States is a strong pick for outdoor activities & historical sites — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 81/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈18.3 km span)

50 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December

Weather

Fall

50°F - 70°F

Spring

50°F - 70°F

Summer

70°F - 90°F

Winter

20°F - 40°F

How to get there

How to reach Ankeny in the United States

Ankeny is a city located in the state of Iowa, United States. Here are the steps to reach Ankeny:

  1. By Air:

    2. If you are traveling from a distant location, the easiest way to reach Ankeny is by flying into Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Des Moines International Airport is located about 20 miles southwest of Ankeny.

  2. By Car:

    3. If you are driving from nearby cities or states, you can reach Ankeny via major highways. The main highways that connect to Ankeny are Interstate 35 (I-35) and Interstate 80 (I-80). Depending on your starting location, you can take the most convenient route to reach Ankeny.

  3. By Public Transportation:

    4. Public transportation options to reach Ankeny include buses and trains. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) operates bus services in the Des Moines metropolitan area, including Ankeny. Additionally, Amtrak operates train services to nearby cities such as Osceola and Creston, from where you can take further transportation to Ankeny.

Once you reach Ankeny, you can explore the city's attractions, parks, and enjoy the local hospitality.

Getting to know Ankeny, United States

Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. It is located in the Des Moines metropolitan area and has a population of approximately 67,000 people as of 2021. The city was founded in 1875 and named after John Ankeny, a local farmer and politician.

Ankeny has a strong economy with many businesses and industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city is home to Des Moines Area Community College and also has several public and private schools.

Recreation opportunities in Ankeny are plentiful, with several parks, trails, and golf courses. The city is also home to the Ankeny Art Center and hosts several events and festivals throughout the year.

Ankeny is a growing community that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. It is a great place for families, professionals, and anyone looking for a welcoming and vibrant city in the heart of Iowa.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Don't forget sunscreen during summer
  • Check out local festivals and events
  • Explore the nearby nature trails

Places worth exploring

50 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Ankeny, United States?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Ankeny, United States, United States.

When is the best time to visit Ankeny, United States?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Ankeny, United States?

Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.

What kind of trip is Ankeny, United States good for?

Ankeny, United States suits Outdoor activities, Historical sites, Family attractions.

Is Ankeny, United States walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Ankeny, United States?

Don't forget sunscreen during summer

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Compare with another place Multi-city routes

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Ankeny, United States → Crocker → Johnston · ≈11 km
  • Ankeny, United States → Saylorville → Johnston · ≈12 km
  • Ankeny, United States → Johnston → Grimes · ≈17 km

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