Things to Do in Ankeny, Iowa: Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
If you ask most people what there is to do in Ankeny, Iowa, you’ll hear the usual answers—parks, restaurants, and shopping.
But if you really want to experience Ankeny like a local, there are plenty of hidden gems, local favorites, and community events that don’t always show up in a quick Google search.
Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, here are some of the best things to do in Ankeny (according to locals).
🌅 Catch a Sunset at Saylorville Lake (But Skip the Crowds)
Everyone knows Saylorville—but locals know where to go.
Instead of the busiest areas, try:
Quieter access points near the dam
Less crowded shoreline spots
Hidden picnic areas for a more relaxed evening
👉 It’s one of the best low-key ways to enjoy Ankeny
☕ Coffee Shops Locals Actually Go To
Forget chains—these are the spots locals rotate through:
Cafe Diem → Cozy, great for meetings or working
Main Street Cafe & Bakery → Classic hometown feel
Porchlight Coffeehouse → Bright, modern, and a favorite hangout spot
👉 Each has a different vibe—locals usually have a “go-to” depending on the day
🍽️ Restaurants That Stay in the Rotation
These are the places people in Ankeny actually recommend (and revisit):
Main Street Cafe & Bakery → Breakfast + brunch staple
30hop → Great patio + elevated casual menu
Waterfront Seafood Market → Unique for the area and consistently good
Trailside Tap → Local feel with solid food and drinks
👉 These are the spots that keep showing up in conversations
🍦 Ice Cream Spots Worth the Trip
When the weather warms up, these are local favorites:
The Outside Scoop → Classic, nostalgic ice cream shop
Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream → Fun, customizable experience
Uptown Dairy → A newer favorite tied into the Uptown area
👉 Perfect for summer nights (and a great “after dinner” stop)
🚶 High Trestle Trail (But Use Local Access Points)
Yes, the High Trestle Trail is popular—but locals use it differently:
Access points in and around Ankeny to avoid crowds
Short rides or walks instead of the full trek
Evening trips when it’s quieter
👉 It’s one of the best everyday lifestyle perks of living here
Summer Events in Ankeny (Where the Community Shows Up)
This is where Ankeny really stands out 👇
🌟 Major Events + Weekly Favorites
Ankeny SummerFest (July 10–12, 2026) → A 3-day event at The District at Prairie Trail
Beats & Eats (Thursdays) → Food trucks + live music
Movies Under the Stars → Outdoor movie nights
Yoga in the Park → Wellness + community
Sips & Songs in The District → Live music + social atmosphere
👨👩👧 Community + Recreation
All-City Play Day
Park programs and seasonal activities
👉 This is when Ankeny really feels like a community—not just a suburb
🥕 Don’t Skip the Ankeny Farmers Market
The Ankeny Farmers Market is a must during the warmer months:
Fresh produce
Local vendors
Great Saturday morning routine
👉 It’s one of the easiest ways to get connected locally
🏙️ Check Out Uptown Ankeny
Uptown has its own vibe—and locals love it for:
Small businesses and shops
Local dining spots
Community events and pop-ups
👉 It’s a different feel from Prairie Trail—and worth exploring
🍻 Local Hangouts & Hidden Gems
Want a more “local” feel? These spots don’t always show up on top lists:
Whiskey River → Live music and nightlife energy
Local gyms and community fitness spots like Farrell’s
Smaller neighborhood bars and gathering spots
🏫 Schools & Community (A Big Reason People Move Here)
Beyond things to do, Ankeny is known for its schools:
Ankeny Centennial High School
🚗 Easy Access to Des Moines
One of Ankeny’s biggest advantages:
Just 10–20 minutes to downtown Des Moines
Easy commute via I-35
Close enough for convenience, far enough for space
👉 You get the best of both worlds
Real Estate + Lifestyle (What Locals Love Most)
Some of the most popular areas in Ankeny are tied directly to lifestyle:
Prairie Trail → Walkable, community-focused living
Near Saylorville Lake → More space, scenic views
Newer developments → Modern homes, growing amenities
👉 Where you live in Ankeny can shape your entire experience
Final Thoughts
Ankeny isn’t just a place you live—it’s a place you experience.
Once you know where to go—from coffee shops to summer events—you start to see why so many people choose to call it home.
Thinking About Moving to Ankeny?
We don’t just help you find a house—we help you understand the lifestyle, the neighborhoods, and what it’s actually like to live here.
👉 Reach out anytime if you want a local’s perspective—we’d love to help you get to know Ankeny like a local.