Land of the Giants in Ankeny, Iowa: See 12-Foot Halloween Monsters
Some Halloween decorations sit quietly on a porch. The creatures at Land of the Giants tower over the entire yard.
Located in a residential neighborhood in Ankeny, Land of the Giants features an unusual collection of illuminated and animated Halloween figures standing approximately 12 feet tall. After sunset, the enormous monsters light up and move, turning an ordinary front yard into one of central Iowa’s most memorable Halloween displays.
There’s no admission charge, ticket booth or formal walking route. Visitors can see the figures during a slow drive-by or park legally nearby and view them from the public sidewalk.
This is a privately created display at someone’s home, so visitors should remain on the sidewalk, keep noise low and avoid blocking driveways or traffic.
Land of the Giants: Quick details
Location: 4908 NW Seventh Street, Ankeny, Iowa
Cost: Free
Type: Private residential Halloween display
2026 dates and hours: To be announced
Previous-season hours: Generally sunset to approximately 9 p.m.
Suggested visit: Approximately 10 to 20 minutes
Official updates: Land of the Giants on Facebook
Because this is a privately operated display, dates and hours may change from year to year.
When should you visit?
Land of the Giants is best seen after sunset, when the lights and animated figures are operating. In previous years, the display generally ran from sunset until approximately 9 p.m., but the schedule can change.
For a good balance of visibility and atmosphere, consider arriving 15 to 30 minutes after sunset. Families with younger children may prefer visiting early in the evening, before neighborhood traffic increases.
Because this is a privately operated display, always check its Facebook page for current hours and weather-related updates before driving to Ankeny.
What should you expect?
Land of the Giants is a quick roadside-style stop rather than a haunted house or walk-through attraction. The main draw is the collection of towering characters, some of which light up and move after dark.
There are no tickets, reservations, activities or designated parking areas. You can see the figures during a slow drive-by or park legally nearby for a closer look from the public sidewalk.
Most visitors will need approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and whether they stop to take photos. The display works especially well as one stop on a larger Halloween lights drive through Ankeny or the Des Moines metro.
Is Land of the Giants good for kids?
Many children will find the enormous monsters more fun than frightening, especially if they already enjoy Halloween decorations and animated figures.
However, the characters are approximately 12 feet tall, move unexpectedly and look more dramatic after dark. Younger children or those sensitive to oversized figures may find them intimidating.
If you’re unsure how a child will react, begin with a slow drive-by. If they enjoy what they see, you can park legally nearby and return for a closer look from the sidewalk.
Where should you park?
Land of the Giants doesn’t have a designated parking lot. A slow drive-by is often the easiest option, particularly when the neighborhood is busy.
If you want to leave your vehicle, park legally nearby without blocking:
- Driveways
- Mailboxes
- Sidewalks
- Intersections
- Traffic lanes
- Access to neighboring homes
Avoid stopping directly in front of the display when other vehicles are waiting to pass. Follow any temporary parking or traffic instructions posted by the homeowners.
Is Land of the Giants worth visiting?
Land of the Giants is a fun addition to an October drive through Ankeny, especially for families who enjoy oversized Halloween decorations without the cost or intensity of a haunted house.
Because it’s located at a private home, check the official Facebook page before visiting, remain on the sidewalk and be considerate of the surrounding neighborhood. A respectful visit helps displays like this continue for everyone to enjoy.
