Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Altoona Located? - Altoona is a city located in the Polk County of Iowa, United States. Altoona lies between 29.9428 Degrees North latitudes and 89.9635 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Ammon, Idaho
Altoona Map, Iowa, USA
Where is Altoona?: The Google Map showing the location of Altoona in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Where is Altoona Located?
Altoona is a city located in the Polk County of Iowa, United States. Altoona lies between 29.9428 Degrees North latitudes and 89.9635 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Altoona city is 19565 people and the city has a total area of 10.91 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Interstate 80, Interstate 235 Nearby, US Highway 65
Rail Service
Freight Rail Service
Public Transit
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)
Interstate 80 runs through Altoona and provides direct access across Iowa.
US Highway 65 connects the city with Des Moines and northeastern Iowa.
Des Moines International Airport is approximately 18 miles southwest.
Altoona is a major residential, entertainment and commercial center in eastern Polk County.
The city benefits from its location within the rapidly growing Des Moines metropolitan area.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Altoona, Iowa
Landmark Name
Type
Adventureland Resort
Amusement Park
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel
Entertainment Complex
Outlets of Des Moines
Shopping Center
Sam Wise Sports Complex
Sports Facility
Village Park
Community Park
Spring Creek Sports Complex
Recreation Area
Altoona Public Library
Community Landmark
Copper Creek Lake Park
Outdoor Recreation Area
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Seasonal Attraction
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Nearby Attraction
Colleges and Universities Near Altoona, Iowa
Institution Name
Type
Distance
Notable For
Des Moines Area Community College - Ankeny Campus
Community College
11 mi
Career and transfer programs
Grand View University
Private University
9 mi
Liberal arts and business
Drake University
Private University
13 mi
Law and professional studies
Iowa State University
Public University
38 mi
Research and engineering
University of Iowa - Des Moines Programs
Public University
12 mi
Professional education
Waterbodies in and Near Altoona, Iowa
Copper Creek Lake, Fourmile Creek, Spring Creek, Des Moines River, Saylorville Lake, Easter Lake, Walnut Creek, Mud Creek, Chichaqua Creek, Red Rock Lake
Golf Courses in and Near Altoona, Iowa
TPC Deere Run Practice Facility, Terrace Hills Golf Course, Otter Creek Golf Course, Woodland Hills Golf Course, Copper Creek Golf Club, Waveland Golf Course, Jester Park Golf Course, Briarwood Golf Club
Altoona, Iowa - Key Historical Facts
Altoona was established in 1868 along the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.
The city developed as a railroad and coal-mining community during the late nineteenth century.
Its location near Des Moines supported steady residential and commercial growth.
The opening of Adventureland in 1974 helped establish Altoona as a regional entertainment destination.
Economic development accelerated with the addition of Prairie Meadows and major retail projects.
Today, Altoona is known for family attractions, shopping, recreation and its strong connection to the Des Moines metro area.
