Location: Ankeny
Top Things to do in Ankeny
Top 10 Things to do in Ankeny, United States
Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and home to Des Moines Area Community College. Ankeny is a rapidly growing suburb located just north of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. With a growing population of 62,000, Ankeny covers approximately 33 square miles and offers an outstanding quality of life, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Being part of the greater Des Moines area, Ankeny offers big city amenities with the hometown feel of a small city. The U.S. Census Bureau recently named Ankeny the fastest growing city in the Midwest and the 14th fastest growing city in the United States.
Restaurants in Ankeny
1. Adventureland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 567 reviews
Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark contain over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides as well as a full compliment of children's rides spread throughout the park. But the entertainment doesn't stop with rides - Adventureland presents a full array of shows in the park - from thrilling circus acts and magic shows to live music and juggling - there's always something to suit everyone's taste. Simply the most fun you will have all year!
Reviewed By purplecicle - Schererville, In
An adventure for every personality
Coaster lovers, spinners, families, foodies, and loungers rejoice in a park you can all enjoy together.
Adrenaline junkies will head straight for the intimidating structure called the monster. This 2016 coaster is steep, fast, exhilarating, yet also smooth. The lap only harnesses make the ride free and fluid. Riders either laughed or screamed their way through the journey. The park has 4 additional coasters assuring something for all. The easy going indoor Underground ride can be enjoyed by all as it combines animatronics with a roller coaster ride even grandma can take on.
Spinners rejoice on the classics...carousel, scrambler, tilt-a-whirl....and on the inverted spins of the Ferris wheel and falling star. The surprising Light House spins quickly enough to create a nice g-force feeling making it a great crossover ride to be shared by spinners and extreme riders.
Got water? Adventure land has 2 ride options. The unique Saw Mill ride combines ride and slide as it transports family style tubes to the top of a yellow spiral. You've likely not seen anything else quite like this ride, making it a must. You won't get very wet, perhaps a small splash, which means the Saw Mill can be enjoyed in all weather. The classic river rapids, on the other hand, could soak its riders, but finding out who will get splashed the most is part of the fun.
Top food includes hand dipped corn dogs (even hand dipped veggie corn dogs), double cheeseburgers (for less than $5), homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk, and mini donuts. A beer and wine bar offers local tastings.
Loungers will find opportunities to take on a variety of shows or to lounge under the many shady trees in the park. Extensive water features add a nice touch to the scenery.
While each personality may complain that the park does not have enough of their specific thing, the beauty of this park is that everyone can enjoy it together. For a real good time, try something you would not usually ride :)
2. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Ropit64
Excellent facility! Exhibits are informative and pay special attention to our Gold Star heroes. Staff is very helpful and friendly and the curator is extremely kmowlegable. In addition there is a meeting room which our BSMA use monthly. I would make two suggestions and they are to increase signage on the roads and increase parking.
3. High Trestle Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald D - Stillwater, Oklahoma
Friends too me here one afternoon. We entered the trail head in Madrid, Iowa, and walked about .9 miles to the bridge. The trail at that point is paved and completely handicapped accessible. Walking is easy due to the paving, and it is flat, no big hills (at least on the east side.
The bridge is one of the longest trail bridges at one-half mile long and 13-stories tall. It sits above the Des Moines River valley, with broad views of the river and the adjacent bottom land. There on a mild, sunny fall day it was a perfect excursion for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
The trail itself connects to other trails and hits many towns in central Iowa. A biker's and hiker's paradise, it's a very popular place for folks to take a great walk with their dogs.
NO horses allowed!
4. Saylorville lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Randy K - Des Moines, Iowa
The lake area offers camping with improved or primitive facilities. Great marina with food and music. There are several ramps one of which is steep (check your brakes).
Lake his large and long and has some hidden coves (careful with the children when approaching a hidden cove. Might see what is normal in Europe but scandalous in the U.S.). The lake is often patrolled by DNR (Department of Natural Resources) looking out for drunk boaters or unsafe activities.
You can fish.
There are sailboats, houseboats, and speedboats. As well as fishing boats and canoes or kayaks. Canoes or kayaks better check the weather as there can be some high waves and white caps.
5. Firetrucker Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Randy W - Ankeny, Iowa
Firetrucker does a great job of introducing new flavors while keeping the customer favorites on tap. The ownership and staff are awesome and treat you like family. They also do a great job of bringing in other business for food, sponsors, and community involvement. Pay attention to their beer releases as there is always a great promotion for customers.
6. Iowa Culinary Institute
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Pattie S - Ankeny
We hold a banquet with DMACC and it is always flawless. They provide such care and precision in their work. It is always such a pleasure to be able to work with them. I look forward to working with them again!
7. Otter Creek Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
This relatively flat course is perfect for seniors who like to walk and golfers who are new to the game.
Reviewed By david_hance_iowa - Ankeny, Iowa
I have visited this golf course several times. I went to four different wedding receptions and one retirement party and one birthday party at the clubhouse. The food and drinks were all catered. I have never eaten in the diningroom or bar at the clubhouse. I have looked at the golf course and it is a well manicured golf course. It would be considered a medium difficulty course. It is a very popular local course with lots of local members. The prices are very competitive with other local golf courses. You can rent a cart. There is a big, free parking lot North of the clubhouse. The clubhouse is just off Interstate 35 at the 36th Street exit.
8. Playground For Kids
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Pam H - Des Moines, Iowa
I've taken my grandchildren here several times. They always enjoy it. It is smaller than other jump houses. Thought snacks were reasonably priced, so that's a real plus. A good way for kids to use up some energy.
9. BackSpin Indoor Golf & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By MD K
Had a great time, two hrs, 3 of us, 16holes at St Andrews. Definitely going back, but next time, probably not putting. Really like to set his I'm hitting the drives and approach shots with the diagram of launch and head position.
Pleasantly surprised at best selections, Surly Coffee Bender and Deschutes Freshly Squeezed IPA were my choices. There is a pizza/bar in same strip that delivers.
Currently in their first year and with 5 slots might not seen like enough but I think just right for now and the space send small but is used very well
10. Ankeny Area Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Two museum buildings (a 1905 house and a barn) exhibit the history of Ankeny, Alleman, Bondurant, Carney, Elkhart, Enterprise, Polk City and Sheldahl. Displays include exhibits on the miliary, the Des Moines Ordnance Plant which played a major role in WWII, farming, coal mining, Ankeny's growth, a country school, country kitchen, and Ankeny schools.
Reviewed By Tylia V - London, United Kingdom
Growing up and living in Ankeny, I honestly only ever learned the basics about the history and founding of the city. After visiting the Ankeny Area Historical Society's two museums during an Open House event, I was truly impressed! The two museums do a wonderful job sharing aspects of Ankeny's history from a turn of the century house, to farming, to coal mining, to schools, to the history of the WWII Ordinance Plant. The WWII Ordinance Plant exhibit is especially well done. Overall, the displays and exhibits are engaging, and I had a wonderful time exploring. I'll definitely be back!
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