Best Things to Do in Ankeny, Iowa
Ankeny has transformed from a quiet Des Moines suburb into a destination with its own personality. Just north of the metro, this growing city offers family-friendly attractions, excellent parks, local breweries, and a surprisingly vibrant food scene. Whether you're raising kids here or just exploring beyond downtown Des Moines, Ankeny delivers small-town charm with big-city amenities.
Top Things to Do in Ankeny
High Trestle Trail Bridge
This iconic 13-story-high bridge spanning the Des Moines River valley is one of Iowa's most photographed landmarks. The half-mile structure features stunning steel framework that lights up at night, creating a cathedral-like experience. The trail connects Ankeny to surrounding communities, perfect for biking or walking.
It's an architectural marvel that offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities you won't find anywhere else in central Iowa.
Visit after sunset when the blue LED lights illuminate the bridge's steel framework—arrive around dusk to catch both daylight and lit views.
Firetrucker Brewery
Ankeny's hometown brewery occupies a converted fire station and serves creative craft beers alongside wood-fired pizzas. The family-friendly atmosphere includes a patio, games, and rotating food trucks. Their flagship Backdraft IPA and seasonal releases draw beer enthusiasts from across the metro.
It's the perfect combination of quality craft beer, excellent pizza, and a welcoming vibe that makes it equally great for date night or family dinner.
Try the flight option to sample multiple beers, and don't skip the pepperoni cups pizza—the edges get perfectly crispy in their wood-fired oven.
Otter Creek Golf Course
This well-maintained public course offers 18 challenging holes with rolling terrain and water features. The course is walkable yet interesting enough for experienced golfers, with a friendly clubhouse and reasonable rates. Spring conditions are typically excellent by late March in Ankeny.
It provides a quality golf experience without the pretension or price tag of private clubs, and the staff genuinely welcomes players of all skill levels.
Book tee times early on weekends during spring—Ankeny golfers are eager to get back on the course after winter.
Uptown Ankeny District
The heart of Ankeny's downtown features local shops, restaurants, and seasonal events along a walkable stretch of Southwest Third Street. You'll find everything from boutiques to coffee shops, plus the Ankeny Market & Pavilion for community events. The district hosts regular farmers markets and festivals throughout spring and summer.
It captures authentic small-town Iowa charm while offering genuinely good shopping and dining options you won't find in strip malls.
Park in the public lot behind the main strip and explore on foot—most businesses are within a two-block radius.
Ankeny Community Parks
Ankeny maintains an impressive network of parks, with Prairie Ridge Sports Complex and Hawkeye Park being standouts. These spaces offer playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and open green spaces perfect for spring picnics. The parks are exceptionally well-maintained and less crowded than Des Moines metro parks.
Ankeny invests heavily in its park system, resulting in clean, modern facilities that rival anything in the Des Moines area.
Hawkeye Park's playground near the northeast corner has the newest equipment and plenty of shade for parents watching kids play.
Ankeny Bowling Center
This classic bowling alley offers both traditional and cosmic bowling experiences with a full bar and grill. It's a throwback entertainment option that's perfect for families, date nights, or group outings. The facility is clean and well-maintained with modern scoring systems.
Sometimes the best entertainment is the classics done well—this is honest fun without the overproduced feel of entertainment complexes.
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings typically have the shortest wait times, and their burger baskets are surprisingly good.
Local Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Ankeny has developed a solid local coffee scene with several independent cafes offering quality espresso drinks and pastries. These spots serve as community gathering places and provide alternatives to chain coffee shops. Many feature local art, comfortable seating, and genuinely friendly baristas.
Supporting local coffee shops gives you better drinks and a more authentic Ankeny experience than hitting the drive-thru chains.
Most local cafes are busiest between 7-9 AM on weekdays—visit mid-morning for a quieter experience and fresher pastry selection.
Ankeny Farmers Market
Running from May through October at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, this market showcases local produce, baked goods, crafts, and prepared foods. It's smaller than the Downtown Des Moines market but offers a more relaxed atmosphere and easier parking. Live music and community connections make it a Saturday morning tradition.
You'll find the same quality Iowa produce and products as bigger markets, but with shorter lines and more opportunities to chat with vendors.
Arrive within the first hour for the best produce selection, but come later if you want to avoid crowds and snag end-of-day deals.
Insider Tips for Exploring Ankeny
Parking is rarely an issue in Ankeny—most attractions have dedicated lots, and street parking in Uptown is free and plentiful. The biggest exception is High Trestle Trail on nice weekends, where the main trailhead lot fills by mid-morning; arrive before 9 AM or use the alternate parking areas along the trail.
Ankeny sits just 15 minutes north of downtown Des Moines via I-35, making it easy to combine with metro activities. However, rush hour (7-8:30 AM and 4:30-6 PM) can add significant time to your drive, especially southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening.
Spring weather in Ankeny can be unpredictable—March temperatures range from 30s to 60s. Layer your clothing for outdoor activities and check conditions before heading to the High Trestle Trail, as wind exposure on the bridge makes it feel 10 degrees cooler than ground level.
Many Ankeny restaurants and breweries offer weekday lunch specials that provide better value than dinner pricing. Firetrucker Brewery and several Uptown eateries run deals Tuesday through Thursday that locals know about but visitors often miss.
The Ankeny Parks & Recreation department offers seasonal programs and events that are open to non-residents—check their website for spring activities like outdoor yoga, guided nature walks, and family events that provide free or low-cost entertainment.
If you're biking the High Trestle Trail, the Ankeny trailhead provides the easiest access with restrooms and water fountains. The trail is paved and well-maintained, but bring your own water and snacks as services are limited once you're on the trail between towns.
Common Questions About Things to Do in Ankeny
About Ankeny
Ankeny represents the modern Iowa suburb done right—it's grown rapidly over the past two decades while maintaining community character and investing in quality amenities. Located just north of Des Moines along I-35, Ankeny combines easy metro access with small-town livability. The Uptown district provides a walkable downtown core, though most of Ankeny requires a car to navigate efficiently. Parking is abundant and free throughout the city, a refreshing change from downtown Des Moines. What makes Ankeny unique is its commitment to parks, trails, and community spaces—the city has prioritized quality of life infrastructure that attracts both residents and visitors. The population skews younger and family-oriented, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels less transient than some suburbs. Spring brings the community outdoors, with farmers markets, trail activity, and park usage hitting their stride by late March. Ankeny has successfully avoided becoming just another bedroom community, developing its own identity as a destination worth visiting rather than simply passing through.