RV Rental Ankeny, IA

Explore Ankeny, Iowa in an RVshare RV Rental

Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, and a suburb of Des Moines. John Fletcher Ankeny and Sarah Ankeny originally founded the city on April 22, 1875 as an agrarian community. Originally set on 80 acres that the Ankenys purchased for $1,600, by 1881, the town of Ankeny featured seven houses, a church, a depot, a combination store and post office, a school, and several other businesses. Ankeny was officially incorporated on February 28, 1903. The city would gradually develop and grow throughout the early 20th century. Around that time, coal mining became a prominent industry in Ankeny when the Enterprise Coal Company began utilizing the city as a company town.

Nowadays, approximately 68,000 people call Ankeny home. Ankeny is a great place to visit with the family, featuring several fun-filled attractions that the kids will love. One example is Adventureland Park, which features numerous rides and other attractions. There's also Cascade Falls Aquatic Center, a public water park that's open between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.

If you're looking to get out in nature, the Ankeny area offers several great options. You could take your boat out on Saylorville Lake or explore the scenic hiking trails around Big Creek State Park. Alternatively, you could play a round at the Otter Creek Golf Course or take a bike ride along the High Trestle Trail. If you prefer to stay indoors, you may want to learn about Ankeny's history at the Ankeny Area Historical Society Museum. You could also do some shopping at the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall or browse the wonderful artwork at the Ankeny Art Center.

When your stomach starts to growl, you can head to one of the top-notch restaurants around Ankeny. A couple of the best spots to try in town are Flavory Bistro and the Uptown Food & Beverage Co. After you eat, you may be in the mood to grab a drink, in which case, the Firetrucker Brewery is an excellent choice.

Events Near Ankeny, Iowa

• Des Moines Festival of Music and Fine Arts – The annual Des Moines Festival of Music and Fine Arts takes place in mid-November at Franklin Jr. High Events Center. The event will feature plenty of great music and art for all to enjoy.

• Des Moines Holiday Boutique – Happening in early November, the annual Des Moines Holiday Boutique will include holiday gifts, works from local artisans, and holiday displays from hundreds of vendors. 

• ClayFest – If you're interested in ceramics and pottery, come on out to this annual festival in late February. The event takes place at Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines-Northwest, and there will be stoneware, pottery, antiques, and the chance to meet many other collectors.