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Trip from Ankeny, IA to Cascade, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 12m

Distance

158 mi

254 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 1m ★
6 AM
3h 12m
8 AM
3h 36m
10 AM
3h 21m
12 PM
3h 18m
3 PM
3h 22m
5 PM
3h 35m
8 PM
3h 5m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Polk County, Iowa, United States

Ankeny, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa, United States

Cascade, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 158-mile drive from Ankeny, IA, to Cascade, IA, will take you approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes. Designed as a single-day trip, it's a straightforward journey through the Midwest region of Iowa. Expect a fuel cost of around $24 for this route. With just one recommended stop, it's a manageable distance for most travelers. The overall feel is that of a local drive, making it an easy excursion without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

79 miles from Ankeny, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Southwest Walnut Street — —
West 1st Street — —
Northeast 94th Avenue — —
Northeast Hubbell Road — —
Lincoln Highway — —
73rd Street — —
IA 100 East — —
Collins Road Northeast — —

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: Southwest Walnut Street — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny, IA and Cascade, IA.

1

Start on Southwest 3rd Street

49 ft · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
2

Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
3

At the end of the road, turn right onto West 1st Street

1.8 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
4

Continue on Northeast 94th Avenue

8.5 mi · 13 min · Northeast 94th Avenue
5

Turn left onto Northeast Hubbell Road

28 mi · 32 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
6

Take the exit right

0.5 mi · 1 min
7

Merge slight left onto Lincoln Highway

37 mi · 42 min · Lincoln Highway
8

Continue on 73rd Street

27 mi · 30 min · 73rd Street
9

Take the exit slight right toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion

1.0 mi · 1 min · IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
10

Continue straight

9.4 mi · 11 min
11

Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast

5.9 mi · 7 min · Collins Road Northeast
12

Turn left

1.1 mi · 1 min
13

Turn right onto Marion Airport Road

24 mi · 27 min · Marion Airport Road
14

Continue on 200th Avenue

12 mi · 14 min · 200th Avenue
15

Turn right

1.5 mi · 2 min
16

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration, departing from Ankeny in the morning allows ample time to reach Cascade without feeling rushed. Plan for your single recommended stop to break up the journey, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you'll be on local roads for the entire 158 miles and should budget approximately $24 for gas. Since this is a local drive, be mindful of posted speed limits and potential farm equipment on rural stretches, particularly if traveling during planting or harvest seasons.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 79 miles from Ankeny, IA, or about 1h 36m into the drive.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 35 miles or 42m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 79 miles or 1h 36m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 37m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cascade, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Ankeny, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Ankeny, IA

This is one driving day of about 158 miles and 3h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Ankeny, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cedar Rapids, IA

79 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Popular next leg

Cedar Rapids, IA to Cascade, IA

44.8 mi · 56m

Pacing Suggestions

Marshalltown, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79 miles from Ankeny, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ankeny, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

0.5 mi

La Carreta Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 45.1

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Ankeny Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15159649897

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 112.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13195504517

Visit website

La Carreta Mexican Grill

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16417529427

Visit website

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 56.4

Tama, Iowa

+16414842108

Visit website

The Youngville Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 90.3

Watkins, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13195403600

Visit website

Lucky's Grill & Taproom

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 56.4

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Visit website

Cafe Diem

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Ankeny, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+15159647374

Visit website

Oscar's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 112.8

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13193788885

Visit website

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 101.5

Fairfax, Iowa

Hours: 7–11 am

+13197847798

Visit website

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 112.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Trading Grounds

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 112.8

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

Main Street Bakery and Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79

Keystone, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm

+13194422253

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 112.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 112.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 112.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 146.7

Monticello, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13194655916

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 112.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 90.3

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 112.8

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

Sub City

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm

+16417521375

The TapHaus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 101.5

Atkins, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13194462739

Taylor's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

Visit website

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 45.1

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.70 one way

$49.40 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.12 $54.24
premium $4.89 $30.41 $60.81
diesel $5.61 $34.88 $69.77

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.4 0 $16.59 $7.58
Efficient EV 39.5 0 $13.83 $6.32
EV Truck/SUV 63.2 0 $22.12 $10.11

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Ankeny, IA

Night in Ankeny on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cascade, IA

Night in Cascade on Saturday

Local time

9:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

22 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 12m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' with a 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating primarily on local roads, likely experiencing frequent turns and changes in direction rather than long, straight stretches. The absence of sustained highway driving suggests a more intimate connection with the landscape, though it also implies a potentially slower pace. Without a longest uninterrupted stretch noted, be prepared for consistent engagement with the road as you travel.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Main road: Southwest Walnut Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Ankeny, IA to Cascade, IA is easy. At 3h 12m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Ankeny, IA to Cascade, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 158 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Ankeny, IA to Cascade, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Cascade, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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