Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Ankeny Located? - Ankeny is a city located in the Polk County of Iowa, United States. Ankeny lies between 38.0373 Degrees North latitudes and 84.8966 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Ankeny, Iowa
Ankeny Map, Iowa, USA
Where is Ankeny?: The Google Map showing the location of Ankeny in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Where is Ankeny Located?
Ankeny is a city located in the Polk County of Iowa, United States. Ankeny lies between 38.0373 Degrees North latitudes and 84.8966 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Ankeny city is 67887 people and the city has a total area of 30.14 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Interstate 35, Interstate 80 Nearby, US Highway 69
Rail Service
Union Pacific and Iowa Interstate Freight Rail
Public Transit
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART)
Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa and part of the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Interstate 35 provides direct access to Minneapolis, Kansas City and central Iowa communities.
Des Moines International Airport is approximately 20 miles south of the city.
The city has a diverse economy supported by education, logistics, healthcare, retail and technology.
Ankeny is recognized for its extensive trail system, parks and high-quality public schools.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Ankeny, Iowa
Landmark Name
Type
Prairie Ridge Sports Complex
Sports Facility
High Trestle Trail
Recreation Trail
Ankeny Art Center
Arts Center
Otter Creek Golf Course
Golf Course
Saylorville Lake
Recreation Area
DMACC Campus
Educational Landmark
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center
Water Park
Prairie Trail District
Shopping and Entertainment Area
Margo Frankel Woods State Park
Nature Area
Big Creek State Park
Nearby State Park
Colleges and Universities Near Ankeny, Iowa
Institution Name
Type
Distance
Notable For
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
Community College
Within City
Career and transfer programs
Drake University
Private University
12 mi
Law, business and liberal arts
Grand View University
Private University
10 mi
Business and healthcare programs
Iowa State University
Public University
25 mi
Engineering and agricultural research
University of Iowa Des Moines Programs
Public University
11 mi
Professional and graduate education
Waterbodies in and Near Ankeny, Iowa
Saylorville Lake, Big Creek Lake, Fourmile Creek, Des Moines River, Beaver Creek, Walnut Creek, Camp Creek, Otter Creek, Mud Creek, Chichaqua Creek
Golf Courses in and Near Ankeny, Iowa
Otter Creek Golf Course, Briarwood Golf Club, Jester Park Golf Course, Tournament Club of Iowa, Woodland Hills Golf Course, Hyperion Field Club, Beaver Creek Golf Club, Copper Creek Golf Club
Ankeny, Iowa - Key Historical Facts
Ankeny was founded in 1875 and named after John Fletcher Ankeny, a railroad executive.
The city developed as an agricultural and railroad community in central Iowa.
Growth accelerated after World War II due to suburban expansion from Des Moines.
The establishment of Des Moines Area Community College contributed significantly to educational and economic development.
Ankeny became one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
Today, Ankeny is known for its strong economy, excellent schools, modern infrastructure and family-friendly neighborhoods.
