Ankeny is exploding. If you haven't been to this slice of the Des Moines metro in the last few years, you honestly might not recognize it. What used to be a quiet bedroom community has morphed into a sprawling hub of suburban life, commerce, and some of the best bike trails in the Midwest. But because it's growing so fast, getting directions to Ankeny Iowa can sometimes feel like a moving target. Road construction is basically the state bird of Iowa, and Ankeny is its favorite nesting ground.
You're likely coming from one of three places: the airport, downtown Des Moines, or you're just passing through on I-35. Getting here is simple, yet the exits can be a bit of a maze if you don't know which part of town you’re actually aiming for. Ankeny is roughly divided into the "Old Ankeny" side near High Trestle and the shiny, new "The District at Prairie Trail" side. If you miss your exit on I-35, you're looking at a five-mile detour before you can safely turn around.
That sucks. Let’s avoid that.
The I-35 Corridor: The Main Arterial
Most people find their way here via Interstate 35. It’s the spine of the central United States, stretching from Texas to Minnesota. When you’re looking for directions to Ankeny Iowa from the north (like Ames) or the south (like Kansas City), I-35 is your best friend.
But here is the thing. Ankeny has five main exits now.
If you're coming from the south, the first one you'll hit is Corporate Woods Drive (Exit 89). This is mostly for the business parks and the folks working at the massive Casey’s General Stores headquarters. If you’re looking for shopping or food, keep driving. The next one is Oralabor Road (Exit 90). This is the "everything" exit. You want Target? Oralabor. You want DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College)? Oralabor. It is also the busiest intersection in the city, so be ready for some stop-and-go traffic, especially around 5:00 PM.
The North side of town is accessed via 1st Street (Exit 92) or NE 36th Street (Exit 94). The 36th Street exit is relatively new and serves the northern residential sprawl and the massive Amazon distribution center. If you’re heading to the High Trestle Trailhead, 1st Street is usually your best bet.
Navigating from the Des Moines International Airport
So you just landed at DSM. You’re tired. You want to get to your hotel in Ankeny.
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The most direct route is taking Fleur Drive north. It’s a scenic drive past Gray’s Lake, but it’s slow. Instead, most locals will tell you to jump on Highway 5 (the bypass) heading East. You’ll eventually merge onto US-65 N/I-65, which then dumps you right onto I-235 North or I-35 North.
Basically, follow the signs for "Minneapolis."
The drive from the airport to Ankeny usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. If there’s a snowstorm? Double it. Iowa winters don't play around, and the "Bridges of Madison County" vibes disappear real quick when you’re hydroplaning on black ice near the I-80/I-35 mixmaster.
Understanding the "Mixmaster" Chaos
Wait. We need to talk about the Mixmaster.
In the world of directions to Ankeny Iowa, the Mixmaster is the legendary (and often frustrating) junction where I-80 and I-35 meet on the northeast side of Des Moines. It’s a massive knot of concrete. If you’re coming from Chicago (I-80 West), you have to be in the correct lane miles in advance to catch the I-35 North ramp toward Ankeny.
If you miss it, you'll end up heading toward downtown Des Moines on I-235. It’s not the end of the world, but it adds ten minutes to your trip. Just keep an eye out for the "Ankeny/Minneapolis" signs.
Getting to Prairie Trail and The District
If your destination is The District at Prairie Trail, the standard GPS directions to Ankeny Iowa might just drop you in the middle of a residential street. The District is a specific "New Urbanism" development. It's walkable, dense, and full of boutiques like Main & Vine or places to grab a beer like The Library.
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To get there, don't stay on the Interstate.
Take the Oralabor Road exit and head West. You’ll drive past the airport (Ankeny Regional, not the big one) and DMACC. Turn North on State Street or SW Vintage Parkway. State Street is the main north-south drag that cuts through the heart of the city.
State Street is also where you'll find the local favorites. It feels a bit more like a traditional town here.
Local Secrets for Avoiding Traffic
Ankeny is a "commuter town." That means from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM, everyone is leaving for Des Moines. From 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, everyone is coming back.
If you are trying to follow directions to Ankeny Iowa during these windows, avoid I-35 if you can. Instead, look at NE 14th Street (Highway 69). It runs parallel to the interstate. It has more stoplights, sure, but it rarely reaches a total standstill.
Another "pro tip" is using Ankeny Blvd. It’s the same road as Highway 69, just with a different name once you cross the city limits. It’s the backbone of the city's commercial district.
Biking Your Way Into Town
I’m serious. You can actually get directions to Ankeny via bike.
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The High Trestle Trail is one of the most famous rail-trails in the country. It ends (or starts, depending on your vibe) in Ankeny. If you are coming from Woodward or Madrid, you just follow the trail straight into the Uptown Ankeny district.
It’s a flat, paved, and beautiful ride. You’ll end up near the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, which is home to a great farmer's market in the summer.
What to Do Once You Arrive
You made it. You followed the directions to Ankeny Iowa, navigated the Mixmaster, and didn't get a speeding ticket (heads up: Ankeny police are diligent). Now what?
- Uptown Ankeny: This is the historic heart. Great coffee at Porch Light Coffeehouse.
- Saylorville Lake: Just a few miles West of town. Great for boating or hiking the Neal Smith Trail.
- Cascade Falls: If you have kids and it’s summer, this waterpark is a localized legend.
- The High Trestle Bridge: It’s about a 20-minute drive or a long bike ride from Ankeny, but you have to see it at night when the blue lights are on.
Ankeny isn't just a suburb anymore. It’s a destination. Whether you're moving here for a job at the John Deere Des Moines Works or just visiting the Iowa State Fair and staying nearby, knowing the layout saves a ton of headache.
Real-World Travel Tips for Ankeny
When you're plugging in your destination, double-check if it's "SE," "SW," "NE," or "NW." Ankeny is strictly gridded. 1st Street divides North and South. Ankeny Blvd/State Street divides East and West.
If you’re looking for 1200 SE 36th Street and you end up at 1200 NW 36th Street, you’re on the complete opposite side of town. It’s a common mistake that adds a good 15 minutes to your trip.
Summary of Key Routes
- From the South (DM/Airport): I-35 N to Exit 90 (Oralabor Rd).
- From the North (Ames): I-35 S to Exit 94 (36th St) or Exit 92 (1st St).
- From the West (Omaha): I-80 E to the Mixmaster, then I-35 N.
- From the East (Iowa City/Chicago): I-80 W to the Mixmaster, then I-35 N.
Check the Iowa DOT "511" app before you leave. They are constantly updating road closures, especially on the I-35/I-80 interchange.
Once you arrive, park the car. If you're in The District or Uptown, the best way to see the city is on foot. The parking is free and plentiful, which is a nice change of pace if you're coming from a major metro area. Enjoy the quiet streets, the booming food scene, and the general friendliness that defines this part of the country.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the Iowa 511 App to monitor real-time construction on I-35.
- Pin "The District at Prairie Trail" in your maps if you want the best dining options.
- Check the High Trestle Trail website if you plan to incorporate biking into your visit to see the bridge light schedule.