Ankeny
The third largest city in the Des Moines metro area, Ankeny is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
Population: 67,887 (2020 Census), up 48.9% from the 2010 Census (45,582).
The third largest convenience store chain in the U.S., Casey’s General Stores, is headquartered in Ankeny. Casey’s is often times considered a “pizza place that sells gas” because of the popularity of it’s pizza.
Des Moines Area Community College’s (DMACC) central campus and Faith Baptist Bible College are both located in Ankeny.
Ankeny currently has 60 parks, which cover more than 800 acres in addition to over 100 miles of trail throughout the city.
Schools
Schools – Covers most of Ankeny. The district has two feeder systems: North (Ankeny Centennial Jaguars) and South (Ankeny High School Hawks)
North Feeder System
- Ankeny Centennial High School (Grades 10-12)
- Northview Middle School (Grades 8-9)
- Prairie Ridge Middle School (Grades 6-7)
- Ashland Ridge Elementary School (K-5)
- Northeast Elementary School (K-5)
- Northwest Elementary School (K-5)
- Rock Creek Elementary School (K-5)
- Westwood Elementary School (PreK – 5)
South Feeder System
- Ankeny High School (Grades 10-12)
- Southview Middle School (Grades 8-9)
- Parkview Middle School (Grades 6-7)
- Crocker Elementary School (PreK – 5)
- East Elementary School (PreK – 5)
- Prairie Trail Elementary School (K-5)
- Southeast Elementary School (K-5)
All Ankeny
- Terrace Learning Center (Preschool)
Where to Eat?
Burgers and Fries
Burgers and Fries
- JJ’s Tavern + Grill – Voted Iowa’s Best Burger
- B-Bops – Quick and Delicious
- The Ornery Chicken – home of the feather-ruffling flavor
- The Whiskey House Grill – Home of the “Beef Burger Hour” every Monday!
Hispanic
Hispanic
- Hidalgo Mexican Bar & Grill – Great food and service. Andrew’s personal favorite
- Flame Cantina – Mexican dishes with a modern twist
- Lindo Jalisco Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria – Authentic Mexican cuisine
European
European
- Bianca’s Grill and Vineyard – Italian, Mediterranean & African food
- Portofino’s
Pizza
Pizza
- Dough Co Pizza – New York style thin crust pizza with a Midwest twist
- Grimaldi’s – Coal brick-oven pizzeria
- Wig & Pen Pizza Pub – Best pizza in Iowa? They’ve been recognized for it.
- The Other Place – Pizza, Beer, and Sports
- Leaning Tower of Pizza – Voted Ankeny’s Best Pizza for 18 Years (by Ankeny Register)
- Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta – Popular Ankeny spot
Asian
Asian
- Lucky Bamboo Asian Cuisine
- Wasabi – can’t go wrong with Edamame to start your meal!
- China Moon
BBQ
BBQ
- Jethro’s BBQ Lakehouse – Classic BBQ Fixes with some fish!
- Smokey D’s BBQ – Ok so not technically Ankeny, but just down the road!
Happy Hour & Sports Bars
Happy Hour & Sports Bars
- Whiskey River Bar & Restaurant – Rooftop patio and great drink selections
- Yankee Clipper – place where everyone knows your name!
- JJ’s Tavern + Grill – “Indulge your senses in a culinary adventure like no other!”
- Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille – Great place to watch any game – inside or out!
- Benchwarmers – something for everyone!
- Firetrucker Brewery – Drinks and entertainment
Breakfast & Deli
Breakfast of Brunch
- Main Street Cafe & Bakery – Pastries and sandwiches. Great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
- The Breakfast Club – open daily from 6a – 2:30pm!
- Cafe Diem – Breakfast and coffee
What To Do & Other News
- The District at Prairie Trail – 1,031 acres of shopping, dining and entertainment
- B&B Theaters – Movies and bowling
- Ankeny Chamber SummerFest – Over 50 years, the annual celebration is 3 days of music, carnival rides, great food & fun!
- Two Aquatic Centers (Cascade Falls & Prairie Ridge) and splash pads at several city parks
- All City Play Day – August 1, 2024
- Fishing is permitted at public ponds
- Urban Air – Ultimate Indoor Adventures
- JJ’s Tavern & Grill – Voted Best Burger In Iowa by the The Iowa Beef Industry Council, according to the Des Moines Register
