How far is Ankeny, IA from Lake Mills, IA?
The driving distance from Ankeny, IA to Lake Mills, IA is about 131.5 miles (211.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116.8 miles (188 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 05m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 32m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ankeny and Lake Mills.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ankeny and Lake Mills.
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1
Start on Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 4 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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2
Turn right onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 37 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto West 1st Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · West 1st Street
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4
Take the ramp slight left
1707 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left
115.5 mi · 2 hr 4 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
1688 ft · 48 sec
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7
Turn left onto 410th Street
5.6 mi · 10 min · 410th Street
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8
Turn right onto South Western Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · South Western Street
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9
Continue on Bluebill Avenue
3.6 mi · 5 min · Bluebill Avenue
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10
Turn left onto County Road 105
1.5 mi · 3 min · County Road 105
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11
Continue on County Highway 105
1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 105
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12
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ankeny and Lake Mills.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West 1st Street
Merge slight left
116 mi · 02h 04m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Ankeny and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Lake Mills.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ankeny to Lake Mills?
The road trip is about 131.5 miles (211.6 km) and usually takes 02h 32m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Dows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 65.7 miles from Ankeny and 65.7 miles from Lake Mills.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116.8 miles (188 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.50 one way or $34.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Ankeny and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Lake Mills.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ankeny and Lake Mills. Straight-line distance: 116.81 mi (187.98 km).
#1 Ankeny
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 70,068 |
| Coordinates | 41.7297100, -93.6057700 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,987 |
| Coordinates | 43.4194000, -93.5332700 |
| Altitude | 393 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Mills (-93.53327, 43.4194)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 212 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.50 | $34.99 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.73 | $39.47 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.59 | $43.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.61 | $49.22 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.