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
3
Shortest
4.1h
Weekend trip
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.
Lake Park, IA
4h 25m211.2 mi one way
At 4.4 hours, this is the longest drive, mostly highway with parks available. If you want the furthest destination and don't mind a longer haul, this is your pick.
Orange City, IA
4h 21m216.2 mi one way
Browse by Mood
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.