In Ankeny, activities range from local history and art to trails, golf, recreational fishing and visiting the market. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether culture, outdoor activities or a visit to the market will be the main focus. Specific places to visit include the House Museum, the Ankeny Art Center, Miracle Park and the High Trestle Trail Experience Park.
History and Art
The House Museum was built in 1905 by John Marts at 410 S. Ankeny Boulevard. Groups of visitors can tour the museum house and/or the Ankeny Historical Society’s barn. This gives groups two historic sites to choose from, which can be visited individually or together.
The Ankeny Art Center offers changing art exhibitions, classes and events, as well as creative opportunities for artists of all ages and skill levels. The exhibitions have a different focus from the classes and events: the offerings include both rotating presentations and opportunities to get creative. Those who want to focus on art and history will find different ways to shape their stay.
Miracle Park: Size and Transfer Function
The Miracle Park All-Inclusive Playground is Ankeny’s largest playground and offers more than 14,000 square feet of play space. The play equipment is at wheelchair transfer height, making it easier to move between a wheelchair and the equipment. This describes both the size of the play area and a specific feature of its equipment.
Trails and High Trestle Trail Experience Park
Ankeny’s trail system provides access to the High Trestle Trail, the Gay Lea Wilson Trail and the Neal Smith Trail. The High Trestle Trail Experience Park is a specific section along the High Trestle Trail: it spans 14 acres on both sides of the trail, from West First Street to the underpass at South Ankeny Boulevard. The park is being developed in phases over several years.
New lighting along the High Trestle Trail Experience Park supports evening use of the trail and improves access to nearby shops and entertainment in Uptown. The trail system and Experience Park offer different ways to get your bearings: the trail system provides access to three named trails, while the park is defined by its specific footprint, phased development and lighting along the trail.
Golf, Fishing and the Market
Otter Creek is a public 18-hole golf course at 4100 NE Otter Creek Drive. Its facilities include a double-sided driving range, two practice putting greens and a pitching green with a bunker. The number of holes and practice facilities give golfers several points of reference when considering the course. Another outdoor recreation option is recreational fishing at Ankeny’s public ponds.
The Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market is located at Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park in Uptown Ankeny. It offers fresh seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, specialty items, perennial plants and handmade crafts. The selection ranges from food to plants and crafts. Since vendors’ offerings can change, it’s worth checking the current selection before visiting if you’re coming for a particular product.
Explore more destinations: Grimes, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Clive
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