Ankeny

As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Ankeny is brimming with unique districts and neighborhoods to fit every mood. So head uptown, where every trail leads to good times!

Attractions and Things to Do

The historic Uptown Ankeny district is a bustling hub of activity, hosting the popular Farmers Market on Saturdays from May through September, along with various community events throughout the year. Expect walkable, Main Street vibes as you shop at places like Real Deals (home decor and women’s fashion) and Paisley Pineapple Children’s Boutique. Grab a coffee at Porchlight Coffeehouse, a bite to eat at Leaning Tower of Pizza or Trailside Tap, and then cap things off with a cold beverage on the formidable patio at Uptown Garage. Just a couple minutes away from Uptown Ankeny, The District at Prairie Trail is an entertainment oasis with chic boutiques (Purple Poppy) and buzzy bistros (30 Hop). This one-stop shop for retail, dining, and events contains a multitude of green spaces, popular local eateries like Cinnaholic and Whiskey River, along with a movie theater, bowling alley, arcade, and the trendy event space, Toast. If you’re looking for a place for the kids to blow off some steam, look no further than Urban Air Trampoline Park. More than just your typical trampoline park, it includes an elevated ropes course, skyglider zipline, climbing walls, and tubes course for the tiny ones.

Uptown Garage - Ankeny The District at Prairie Trail Nook and Nest

Arts and Culture

Ankeny's cultural scene is alive and thriving, offering opportunities to connect with local artists. The Ankeny Art Center is a museum showcasing the work of emerging artists from across the Des Moines region. Their annual Art Supply Garage Sale, held on the first weekend of May, is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. The crown jewel is the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival, held every year in May in Uptown Ankeny, which brings over 50 artists and creative activities to town. If you want to try your hand at making your own masterpiece, AR Workshop is your destination for all things DIY, with group and youth activities and workshops that include everything from jewelry and candle making to cookie decorating and charcuterie workshops.

Food and Drink

Ankeny's food scene is a delightful adventure, offering everything from cozy local spots to all-you-can-eat feasts. Dough Co. is the place to be for pizza lovers, with fresh dough made daily alongside vegan and gluten-free options. For local foodie favorites, try Flavory Bistro, with their upscale twist on Mediterranean and signature paella; and Magee’s Irish Pub, whose traditional dishes like shepherd's pie and fish chips will have you feeling lucky to have made such a discovery.

Early risers and all-day breakfast fans flock to Early Bird Brunch for its creative spins on classic dishes like fluffy pancakes, benedicts, and breakfast burritos. For those seeking craft brews and a patio hang, Firetrucker Brewery is a local favorite. Craving some smoky goodness? Head to Jethro's BBQ 'n' Jambalaya for slow-smoked meats and flavorful Southern dishes.

And if you’re in the mood for date night options, District 36 Wine Bar and Grill is the place for a New York Strip DeBurgo and glass of vino, while Waterfront Seafood Market offers the freshest catch in Greater Des Moines (you can also grab some fish to-go from the market side, including their delicious clam chowder).

Magee's in Ankeny Firetrucker Brewery Early Bird Brunch

Festivals and Events

Ankeny knows how to celebrate! The annual Ankeny SummerFest, held in mid-July at The District at Prairie Trail, is a highlight of the summer, bringing the community together for a weekend of fun-filled activities, live music, and a dazzling fireworks display. Throughout the summer, enjoy Beats & Eats every Thursday evening at the Ankeny Market Pavilion, where you can groove to live music and sample delicious food truck fare. Speaking of delicious food, Pizza Fest has been going on for six years now every June, and has become arguably the coolest, and objectively the tastiest, festival in town. And when the holiday season comes around, check out the Ankeny tree lighting and fireworks ceremony!

Parks and Outdoors

With over 100 miles of trails winding through parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, Ankeny is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer nature strolls, family bike rides, hikes, or mountain biking adventures, there's a path for every pace and passion. The High Trestle Trail, a favorite among cyclists, stretches 25 miles between Ankeny and Woodward, offering stunning views and plenty of places to stop for a bite or brew along the way. Its trademark bridge soars 130 feet above the Des Moines River Valley, making it one of the largest trail bridges in the world. It makes for great photo ops, especially when the 41 steel frames light up blue at night!

Prairie Ridge Sports Complex is a sprawling 200-acre park that caters to all interests. Catch a game on one of the many sports fields, enjoy a picnic by the fishing pond, or let the kids loose on the playground. Ankeny Miracle Park, the city's largest playground with accessible features, and Deer Creek Park, with its thrilling zipline, are also fantastic options for family fun. For golf enthusiasts, Otter Creek Golf Course, designed by award-winning architect Paul Miller, offers a picturesque setting for a challenging yet enjoyable tee time.

Catch Des Moines - High Trestle Trail Bridge Ankeny Miracle Park Prairie Ridge Sports Complex