With the onset of summer comes the onset of temperatures climbing into the 80s, 90s and, some days, the 100s. With warmer temperatures, many people may be looking for activities outdoors. With two lakes and a state park, this is very possible for people visiting Ankeny.

Ankeny offers a variety of activities ranging from outdoors, to many different festivals throughout the year, as well as shopping centers and something for every age.

For the Daily’s road trip to Ankeny, we checked out the food at Chips Restaurant. Open since 1994, Chips is opportune for a summer meal with its lakeside location and choice of an outdoor patio.

After Chips, the next stop was Saylorville Lake. Even in the early part of the day, there were already plenty of people here, considering the day’s temperature was already climbing into the 80s.

Saylorville Lake is a reservoir located on the Des Moines River. Here, people can enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as camping, boating, hiking, fishing, biking and swimming.

Another place for the recreational type might be Big Creek State Park. Located just outside of Ankeny, the park offers many of the same recreational activities along with 26 miles of trails, 11 miles of snowmobile trails, along with hunting and year-round fishing in designated areas by the lake.

For those who may not be so interested in outdoors activities, there are shopping options in Ankeny, too.

The Delaware Shopping District in Ankeny offers more than 100 name brand and specialty items. 

There is also Uptown Ankeny, which is a historic shopping district. This district also holds Ankeny Summerfest, a four-day event the week after the Fourth of July.