Road Trips from Ankeny, IA
Ankeny sets you up for a variety of quick escapes. You've got options for short, easy drives to nearby cities, perfect for a day trip. If you're looking for something a bit longer, there are several destinations around the 2-hour mark that offer a change of scenery. For those wanting to go further, longer hauls up to 4.5 hours open up more possibilities, though most trips here don't require an overnight stay.
Total Routes
26
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
16
Under 2 hours
9 total in this range
Full-day getaway
11 total in this range
Columbus Junction, IA
2h 51m148.3 mi one way
Lisbon, IA
2h 32m124.9 mi one way
Cherokee, IA
3h 25m171.9 mi one way
Cresco, IA
3h 37m179.3 mi one way
Riverside, IA
2h 23m126.7 mi one way
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Waukon, IA
4h 25m210.5 mi one way
Bellevue, IA
4h 6m200.5 mi one way
This 4.1-hour drive to Bellevue uses mostly surface roads. It's the second-longest option, offering a substantial drive on non-highway routes.
Sanborn, IA
4h 14m206.9 mi one way
Orange City, IA
4h 21m216.2 mi one way
Guttenberg, IA
4h203 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Waukon, IA
4h 25m210.5 mi one way
Columbus Junction, IA
2h 51m148.3 mi one way
Bellevue, IA
4h 6m200.5 mi one way
Lisbon, IA
2h 32m124.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With options like Britt and Lake Park featuring parks, spring drives can incorporate early blooming nature. The predominantly flat terrain suits pleasant weather drives.
Summer
The longer highway routes to places like Waverly or Forest City are well-suited for summer cruising. Park-accessible destinations like Britt and Lake Park are ideal for warmer months.
Fall
Drives on mixed highway and surface roads, such as to Villisca or Carroll, offer varied scenery that can be enhanced by autumn colors.
Winter
The mostly highway routes to Des Moines or Waukee are the most straightforward for winter travel, minimizing potential road condition issues.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Ankeny, IA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.