Ankeny, IA
- About Ankeny
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Medical Institutions and Healthcare
Ankeny, a vibrant suburb just north of Des Moines, is one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities, known for its exceptional quality of life, extensive trail system, and strong sense of community.
About Ankeny
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Ankeny, Iowa
- Administrative Role: Ankeny is a city in Polk County and is a principal city of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) . It is not a county seat but serves as a major suburban hub and the location of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) .
- Country and Region: The city is located in the state of Iowa, in the Midwestern United States. The region of Central Iowa is known for its fertile farmland, agricultural industry, and as a growing center for insurance, finance, and technology, anchored by the state capital, Des Moines.
Date of Foundation and Age
Ankeny was officially established as an agricultural settlement on April 22, 1875, by John Fletcher Ankeny and his wife Sarah . Mr. Ankeny was a prominent Des Moines businessman who promoted the Minnesota Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was routed through the new town . The city was incorporated three days later, on April 19, 1903 . As of 2025, Ankeny is 150 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: Latitude: 41.7288° N, Longitude: -93.6031° W .
- Location: Ankeny is situated in the heart of Iowa, approximately 8 miles north of Des Moines and about 125 miles east of Omaha, Nebraska . It lies at the intersection of two transcontinental interstates, I-35 and I-80, giving it a strategic transportation advantage .
- Terrain: The city is characterized by gently rolling hills, typical of the Iowa landscape .
- Elevation: The elevation in the Ankeny area is approximately 950 feet (290 meters) above sea level.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Ankeny is primarily a residential suburb and a growing economic and educational center. Its economy is diverse and robust, supported by:
- Education: It is home to the main campus of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) , which enrolls around 10,000 students and is a major local employer and economic driver .
- Commerce and Industry: The city hosts over 1,000 local and national firms, fostering a thriving business environment . Historically, coal mining was a key industry in the early 20th century .
- Retail and Services: A significant part of the local economy is driven by retail, healthcare, and services catering to its rapidly growing residential population.
Population and Demographics
- Population: Ankeny has a population of approximately 68,392 residents . It is the seventh most populous city in Iowa .
- Classification: It is a medium-sized city that is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state .
- Demographic Features: The population is relatively young with a median age of 32.4 years. It is predominantly White (91%), with growing Hispanic, Asian, and multi-racial communities . The city has a high median household income of over $105,000 and a low poverty rate, reflecting its affluent, family-oriented character .
"Visiting Card" of Ankeny (In a Nutshell)
Ankeny is a thriving Iowa suburb that masterfully blends small-town charm with big-city accessibility. Known for its award-winning quality of life, it's a haven for families and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting over 40 parks, more than 100 miles of trails, and unique attractions like the High Trestle Trail bridge and the Cascade Falls aquatic center, all while being just minutes from Iowa's capital, Des Moines.
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers and Lakes)
While the city itself doesn't have a major river running through it, significant water recreation areas are located nearby, just west of Ankeny.
- Saylorville Lake: Located just 5 miles west of Uptown Ankeny, this large reservoir on the Des Moines River is a premier recreation hotspot . It was built in the 1960s and offers extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming at Oak Grove Beach, and camping at Cheryl Glen Campground .
- Big Creek Lake and Big Creek State Park: Less than 10 miles from Ankeny, this 866-acre lake is the centerpiece of Big Creek State Park . It features a 1,300-foot beach, a marina for boat and paddleboard rentals, and trails for hiking and biking .
- Des Moines River: This major river flows through the Des Moines metro area and is impounded to create Saylorville Lake . The iconic High Trestle Trail bridge spans the river valley, offering stunning views .
National and State Parks
- Big Creek State Park: Located adjacent to Saylorville Lake, this 3,600-acre state park is a major draw for outdoor recreation . It offers camping, a beach, a marina, an 18-hole disc golf course, and miles of trails. In winter, the park is popular for snowmobiling and ice fishing .
- Polk County Conservation Parks: The area is also served by numerous Polk County parks with trails and natural areas, including the Jester Park area near Saylorville Lake.
Canyons and Unique Landscapes
- High Trestle Trail Bridge: While man-made, this bridge is an iconic landmark that offers a unique landscape experience . Spanning the Des Moines River Valley, the 13-story, half-mile-long bridge features six overlooks with educational panels. At night, a stunning blue LED light installation illuminates the interior of the bridge's steel cribbing, creating a tunnel of light that has become a signature image for the region .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Ankeny has a humid continental climate (Köppen classification: Dfa) , characterized by four distinct seasons . It experiences warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with pleasant and often unpredictable spring and fall seasons. The city enjoys a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year .
Average Temperatures and Extremes
- Summer: The hottest month is July, with average daily high temperatures of 86°F (30°C) . Temperatures can sometimes climb above 95°F (35°C) .
- Winter: The coldest month is January, with average daily low temperatures dropping to 16°F (-9°C) . Temperatures can occasionally fall below -3°F (-19°C) .
- Year-Round Average: The average annual temperature ranges from 16°F to 86°F .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: Ankeny receives a significant amount of precipitation, with an average of 36 inches (approximately 914 mm) of rain per year . Rainfall is fairly well-distributed throughout the year, with the spring and summer months typically being the wettest.
- Snowfall: The city averages 34 inches of snowfall annually .
- Humidity: Humidity levels can be high, especially during the summer months, with an average humidity of around 81% . This contributes to the "humid" feel of the summers.
Sunshine and Seasonality
- Sunshine: Ankeny experiences partly cloudy skies throughout the year .
- Best Time to Visit: The most comfortable times to visit Ankeny for outdoor activities are during the spring (late April to June) and fall (September to October) . During these months, temperatures are mild, and the natural scenery is at its best. Spring brings blooming flowers, while fall offers vibrant foliage.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, ideal for water parks and lake activities .
- Winter (November-March): Cold and snowy, perfect for experiencing the High Trestle Trail bridge's night lights against a winter landscape or for indoor activities.
Landmarks and Attractions
[High Trestle Trail Bridge]
This is the single most iconic landmark in the Ankeny/Des Moines area. It's not in Ankeny city limits, but the High Trestle Trail starts in Ankeny, and the city is the gateway to this renowned attraction .
- Full Name: High Trestle Trail Bridge.
- Description: A half-mile-long, 13-story-high bridge that was converted from a railroad trestle into a centerpiece of the 25-mile High Trestle Trail . It spans the Des Moines River Valley, connecting Ankeny to the towns of Madrid and Woodward.
- What Makes it Unique: Its most famous feature is the stunning blue LED light installation that illuminates the interior of the bridge's steel framework from sunset to midnight . The lights create a mesmerizing tunnel effect, representing a journey into the earth's crust and the region's coal mining history. It's a masterpiece of trail engineering and public art.
[Cascade Falls Aquatic Center]
A premier summer destination within Ankeny itself .
- Full Name: Cascade Falls Aquatic Center.
- Description: A massive public water park open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It's designed to beat the Iowa summer heat.
- Key Features: The park's most unique attraction is the FlowRider surf simulator, which lets visitors surf and bodyboard on a perpetual wave . It also features a zero-depth entry pool, a lazy river, multiple water slides, and splash pads for children.
[Ankeny Miracle Park]
A testament to Ankeny's community spirit and commitment to inclusivity .
- Full Name: Ankeny Miracle Park.
- Description: A 14,000-square-foot, all-inclusive playground designed so children of all abilities can play together.
- Unique Features: The playground features specialized equipment at wheelchair height, a safe and accessible rubberized surface, and separate play areas for different age groups, ensuring a safe and fun experience for every child.
[Uptown Ankeny]
The historic commercial heart of the city, which has been revitalized into a charming and walkable district .
- Full Name: Uptown Ankeny.
- Location: Situated at the southern trailhead of the High Trestle Trail, next to the Ankeny Market & Pavilion .
- Attractions: It's a hub of local culture, featuring unique shops, eateries, and craft breweries. Highlights include the long-standing Leaning Tower of Pizza, the historic Firetrucker Brewery (housed in an old fire station), and the seasonal Ankeny Farmers' Market .
[Firetrucker Brewery]
A perfect example of Ankeny's blend of history and modern culture .
- Full Name: Firetrucker Brewery.
- Description: A craft brewery located in Ankeny's historic, retired fire station. The interior preserves much of the original firehouse charm.
- What Makes it Unique: Beyond the historic setting, it's known for its creative, fire-themed beers like "Burnout Brown" and live weekend music, making it a popular local gathering spot.
[Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum]
For those interested in the city's past .
- Full Name: Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum.
- Description: Housed in an early 20th-century home and a replica Iowa barn, the museum offers exhibits on local history.
- Exhibits: Displays cover the area's agricultural and coal mining roots, the WWII-era Des Moines Ordnance Plant, and period rooms that recreate life in bygone eras. A charming exhibit features "Floppy," a beloved local children's TV puppet from the mid-20th century .
Transport
Main Airports
Ankeny is served by two key airports .
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM): This is the primary commercial airport for the region. It's located about 25 minutes south of Ankeny and is Iowa's largest airport, with six airlines offering over 160 flights daily to more than 20 non-stop destinations . Rideshare services like Uber are available for transport to and from DSM, with a $3 airport surcharge for pickups .
- Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV): This is the third busiest airport in Iowa, serving primarily general aviation . Located along I-35, its 5,500-foot runway can accommodate most corporate jets and private aircraft, with Exec 1 Aviation as the full-service FBO.
Major Highways and Road Access
Ankeny's location is its biggest transportation advantage .
- Interstate 35 (I-35): This major north-south interstate runs directly through Ankeny, providing quick access north to Minneapolis and south to Kansas City and the Texas border. The city has four major interchanges along I-35.
- Interstate 80 (I-80): This transcontinental east-west highway intersects with I-35 just south of Ankeny, offering direct routes to Chicago, Omaha, and the West Coast.
- Highway 69: This highway runs through Uptown Ankeny and connects the city to Des Moines to the south.
Rail Service
The Des Moines metro area, including Ankeny, is served by several Class I railroads, facilitating freight transport :
- Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)
- Iowa Interstate
- Norfolk Southern
- Union Pacific A transload facility in nearby Des Moines allows for the streamlined distribution of goods via these rail lines .
Public Transportation and Ridesharing
- Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft operate extensively in Ankeny, providing flexible transport within the city and to nearby destinations like Des Moines, Prairie Meadows, and the airport .
- Cycling and Trails: While not "public transport" in the traditional sense, Ankeny's extensive network of over 100 miles of paved trails serves as a major non-motorized transportation system, connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, Uptown, and the regional trail system like the High Trestle Trail.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While Ankeny is a growing suburb with its own developing food scene, its culinary identity is closely tied to the broader Des Moines metro area. For iconic Midwestern flavors and critically acclaimed dining, residents and visitors often look to nearby Des Moines . However, Ankeny offers its own unique spots and is just a short drive from the region's culinary hotspots.
[Fun Chinese Cuisine]
A standout in Ankeny's local dining scene is Fun Chinese Cuisine. This restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional Chinese food in America, specializing in braised meats served over rice, noodles, or salad. Dishes like the Braised Chicken Bowl and Crispy Tenderloin Bowl have garnered local praise for their fresh ingredients and authentic, complex flavors. The restaurant provides both take-out and in-house dining options, making it a convenient and popular choice for residents .
[Jalapeño Popper Hash Holes]
A taste of Ankeny's creative, modern American brunch culture can be found at Early Bird Brunch. Their signature dish, Jalapeño Popper Hash Holes, is a local favorite. This item is a twist on their traditional "hash holes" and includes diced jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, bacon bits, and cream cheese, served with a raspberry glaze for a sweet and spicy combination .
Culinary Destination: Des Moines' Ingersoll Avenue
For a wider array of dining experiences, the Ingersoll Avenue corridor in nearby Des Moines is a prime destination, easily accessible from Ankeny. This area is known for its vibrant and award-winning restaurants .
- Harbinger: A five-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest, Chef Joe Tripp offers a frequently changing menu with creative small plates. It was named USA TODAY's Restaurant of the Year in 2024 .
- Lucky Lotus: This spot brings bold Asian flavors to the Midwest with dishes like bing bing wraps, curries, and pho, all with clear labels for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-sensitive diets .
- Crème Cupcake: Known as the first Asian-inspired bakery in the metro, it offers a stylish lounge setting with cupcakes, cakes, and a "Midnight Munchies" menu on weekends featuring cocktails and noodles .
- DZÔ Korean BBQ: A modern Korean barbecue restaurant with tabletop grills and a full bar known for Asian-twist cocktails like the lychee martini and soju mojito .
Museums
Ankeny itself has a small but notable art space, and for a more comprehensive museum experience, the cultural institutions in nearby Des Moines are the primary destinations.
[Walnut Street Gallery]
Ankeny is home to the Walnut Street Gallery, located in the Uptown area at 301 SW Walnut St. This art gallery is part of a charming collection of local shops and is a point of interest for those looking to experience Ankeny's local arts scene. It is recommended by locals as one of many cute destinations in the Uptown district .
[Polk County Heritage Gallery]
For those interested in the history and culture of the region, the Polk County Heritage Gallery in Des Moines is an excellent resource. Located at 111 Court Ave, this art museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Polk County, which includes Ankeny. The gallery showcases exhibits on the history of Des Moines, the region's agricultural heritage, and the contributions of its diverse ethnic communities. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for all .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Ankeny is deeply embedded in the sports culture of Central Iowa, which is highlighted by the renowned Drake University and its historic stadium in nearby Des Moines. The city itself is also a hub for youth and amateur athletics.
[Drake Stadium - Drake Bulldogs]
The most significant sporting venue in the immediate area is Drake Stadium in Des Moines, home to the Drake Bulldogs. Opened in 1925, this stadium with a capacity of 14,557 is not just for football. It is the legendary host of the annual Drake Relays, one of the biggest and most prestigious track and field events in the nation. Legends like Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Michael Johnson have all competed here. The track itself is made of the same material used in the Beijing and London Summer Olympics. The football field is named after Johnny Bright, a Drake alumnus and member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame .
[Drake University]
While not a sports team, Drake University is the academic home of the Bulldogs and a central part of the Des Moines metro's identity. Located in Des Moines, it has an enrollment of around 5,000 students and its campus and stadium are landmarks for the entire region, including Ankeny residents .
[Midwest Pride 16U - Black]
Ankeny is also a hub for youth sports, particularly baseball. The city is the hometown for teams like the Midwest Pride 16U - Black, a competitive travel baseball team. This highlights the strong community focus on amateur athletics and player development in the area, with local players from Ankeny and surrounding towns like Des Moines, Urbandale, and Indianola participating .
Universities and Academic Institutions
Ankeny does not have a four-year university within its city limits, but it is situated in a region with several prominent institutions of higher education, most notably Drake University in nearby Des Moines.
[Drake University]
Drake University is the most prominent university near Ankeny. Located in Des Moines, this private university has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. It is a key cultural and educational hub for the entire region, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its law, business, and journalism schools. The university's campus, including the historic Drake Stadium, is a central landmark for Central Iowans .
Other Regional Institutions
The Des Moines area is home to several other colleges and universities that serve Ankeny residents and contribute to the region's educational landscape. These include Grand View University and Mercy College of Health Sciences, both in Des Moines, as well as Simpson College in nearby Indianola .
Medical Institutions and Healthcare
While Ankeny has local healthcare facilities like UCS Healthcare for specialized services, residents have access to a wide range of nationally recognized and award-winning hospitals in nearby Des Moines.
[UCS Healthcare Ankeny Office]
Ankeny is home to the UCS Healthcare Ankeny Office, a private non-profit organization offering outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Located at 1555 SE Delaware Avenue, Suite M, this facility provides specialized services including anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addictions. They cater to adults and young adults and are accredited by organizations like CARF .
Major Hospitals in Des Moines
For comprehensive medical care, including emergency services and specialized treatment, Ankeny residents rely on the major hospital systems in Des Moines, just a short drive away. These include several award-winning facilities :
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center (1111 6th Ave, Des Moines): Recognized with the America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2024) and America's 100 Best Coronary Intervention award .
- UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center (1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines): Recognized with the Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award™ for multiple years .
- UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital (700 E University Ave, Des Moines): Recognized with the Outpatient Joint Replacement Award™ (2025) .
- Broadlawns Medical Center (1801 Hickman Rd, Des Moines): A comprehensive medical center serving the region .
Other notable hospitals in the western suburbs include Mercy Medical Center-West Lakes and Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines, which have also received national awards for their services .