Explore fun things to do in Ankeny and Greater Des Moines

Located less than six miles from Adventureland Park, the Country Inn & Suites in Ankeny is a great choice for a family getaway in the Greater Des Moines area. Spend a day zooming down waterslides and roller coasters, and then treat yourself to name-brand bargains at the nearby Outlets of Des Moines. Our location just off I-35 makes it easy to attend a basketball or hockey game at Wells Fargo Arena, sample downtown Des Moines’ thriving restaurant scene, or take the kids to feed the giraffes at Blank Park Zoo. Looking for things to do during your downtime on a business trip? Play a round at the 18-hole Otter Creek Golf Course, about 10 minutes from your hotel room, or try an Iowa-brewed IPA at Firetrucker Brewery.

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Adventureland Park

5.15 mi / 8.29 km from the hotel
Board a roller coaster or a fun family ride at this seasonal amusement park. During the summer, don’t miss Breaker Beach Wavepool and the Caribbean Cruiser lazy river at Adventure Bay water park.

Ankeny Area Historical Society

2.36 mi / 3.79 km from the hotel
Explore Ankeny’s past through period-furnished rooms and themed exhibits in a house dating back to 1905 and a barn-style museum building.

Ankeny Art Center

2.91 mi / 4.69 km from the hotel
The Ankeny Art Center offers art classes and showcases work by Iowa artists with exhibits that change roughly every eight weeks.

Blank Park Zoo

12.99 mi / 20.9 km from the hotel
Meet giraffes, African lions, red pandas, sea lions, and more at this 22-acre Des Moines zoological park, home to more than 1,400 inhabitants from over 100 animal species.

Drake University

8.18 mi / 13.17 km from the hotel
Attend a concert, an art exhibition, or a Bulldogs basketball game on Drake’s 150-acre campus near downtown Des Moines.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

7.72 mi / 12.43 km from the hotel
A world of plant life, including an impressive bonsai collection, awaits you at this 12-acre garden beside the Des Moines River.

Simpson College

23.37 mi / 37.61 km from the hotel
Cheer on the Storm athletes at Cowles Fieldhouse and Buxton Stadium, or take a tour of this liberal arts institution.

Wells Fargo Arena

8.1 mi / 13.04 km from the hotel
Part of the Iowa Events Center complex, this world-class arena accommodates up to 17,000 guests for sporting events, concerts, and conventions.

Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

6.56 mi / 10.56 km from the hotel
Set in the 51-acre Union Park, this replica early-1900s carousel provides nostalgic fun the whole family will enjoy.

Prairie Meadows

5.49 mi / 8.84 km from the hotel
At this popular entertainment complex, you can enjoy exciting Thoroughbred and quarter horse races, a vibrant casino, lively concerts, and a variety of special events.

Outlets of Des Moines

4.5 mi / 7.25 km from the hotel
Spend the afternoon getting some retail therapy at this shopping center, which features stores like Michael Kors Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Express Factory.

Otter Creek Golf Course

4.21 mi / 6.77 km from the hotel
Tee off at this 18-hole public course featuring bluegrass fairways and multiple ponds. If you want to refine your swing, take advantage of the driving range.