Overview of West Des Moines Attractions
Known as Valley Junction until 1938, the largest suburb of Des Moines is experiencing remarkable growth, having more than doubled its population since 1990.
West Des Moines has modest beginnings, developing around a railroad depot at the onset of the 20th century.
Long before this, James C. Jordan, the abolitionist and first settler, established a station on the Underground Railroad in this area.
Today, the city serves as Des Moines’ premier shopping destination, offering both local boutiques in the stylish Valley Junction downtown area and access to Iowa’s largest mall, the Jordan Creek Town Center.
1. Historic Valley Junction
This rejuvenated railroad district in West Des Moines embodies the quintessential characteristics of a vibrant downtown commercial area.
Rooted in the 1890s around a depot for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, Valley Junction remains the heart of West Des Moines.
Home to the summer farmers’ market, this area features an impressive selection of independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and diverse restaurants.
As of the latest count, there are more than 160 independent retail establishments, primarily located along 5th Street and its adjacent streets.
Within just three blocks, the historic district boasts over 50 contributing buildings. Notable is No. 137, the old Engine House, established in 1901, which initially served as West Des Moines’ fire station, with City Hall located on the second floor until 1952.
2. Raccoon River Park
The highlight of the West Des Moines Parks system is this stunning 630-acre park along the Raccoon River.
Blue Heron Lake, featuring a boat launch, beach, and a modern boathouse for canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals during the summer, is a particular attraction.
A 225-foot fishing pier also makes it accessible for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages.
The park’s playground is regarded as one of the most distinctive in the metropolitan area, complemented by a seasonal ice rink, a 3.2-mile multi-use trail, four picnic shelters, an archery range, a nature center, and facilities for softball and soccer.
3. Jordan House
The residence of the city’s first settler, James C. Jordan (1813-1891), serves as the home of the West Des Moines Historical Society.
Jordan arrived in 1846 from Virginia, and shortly thereafter, the Jordan House was constructed, rich in historical significance. An ardent abolitionist, the house functioned as a station on the Underground Railroad leading up to the Civil War.
Notably, abolitionist leader John Brown is documented to have stayed here multiple times, most significantly in 1858 when he assisted a group of 12 former slaves seeking freedom.
The current design of the Jordan House reflects an Italianate extension completed in 1870. Visitors can explore 16 period rooms showcasing fascinating artifacts from historical eras.
The exhibit on the Underground Railroad, as well as the traditional railroad that played a crucial role in the city’s development, is particularly noteworthy.
4. Jordan Creek Town Center
Dominating West Des Moines’ shopping landscape, this is the largest mall in Iowa and ranks as the fourth-largest shopping complex in the Midwest.
Plans for Jordan Creek Town Center spanned a decade before its opening in 2004, featuring over 160 shops and services across three distinct districts.
Even seasoned shoppers will find the expansive food court captivating, which includes a branch of the popular Des Moines fast-food establishment, Zombie Burger.
Surrounding a large ornamental pond, a selection of restaurants with outdoor seating options, such as P.F. Chang’s and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, also enhance the area.
5. West Glen Town Center
This extensive mixed-use development, located just off I-35, exudes the ambiance of a contemporary urban district. Centered around a plaza, West Glen Town Center seamlessly integrates residential spaces, offices, shops, eateries, and entertainment venues.
Excluding the Super Target department store, most businesses here are independent or belong to innovative newer chains, such as Hurts Donut Company.
Expect a variety of offerings, including boutiques, home design stores, a spa, a nail salon, yoga studios, a pinball arcade, escape room, wine tasting stations, and restaurants featuring diverse cuisines alongside bars ranging from gastropubs to hookah lounges.
6. Brown’s Woods
Iowa’s largest urban forest area is located in West Des Moines, directly across from Raccoon River Park. This serene environment is delightful year-round, especially during summer when visitors can hike amid a canopy of hardwood trees.
The forest features hickories and oaks set in a gently undulating landscape interspersed with small streams. Named after esteemed Des Moines attorney Tallmadge E. Brown (1830-1891), this area formerly included large parcels of land bordering the city.
Accessible restroom facilities are situated at the entrance, along with a network of well-marked trails suitable for hiking and cross-country skiing when winter arrives.
7. Des Moines
Situated just minutes away, the state capital frequently becomes the center of political attention as the presidential election cycle commences every four years.
A comprehensive tour of the Iowa State Capitol building is highly recommended. Completed in 1886, it stands as the only five-domed capitol in the nation, featuring a central dome adorned with 23-carat gold.
Other essential sites include the Governor’s residence, Terrace Hill—built in 1866—along with the bustling Downtown Farmers’ Market, the informative State Historical Museum, Blank Park Zoo, Gray’s Lake Park, and the Science Center of Iowa.
Furthermore, the Iowa State Fairgrounds, located just east of downtown, host the eleven-day State Fair each August, recognized as the largest annual event in Iowa, attracting over 1,100,000 attendees. Below is a list of additional highlights in Des Moines that are conveniently located nearby.
8. Des Moines Art Center
Located just minutes away, this esteemed art museum, established in 1948, features an extensive collection that includes works by renowned artists such as Matisse, Rodin, Monet, Gauguin, Grant Wood, Georgia O’Keeffe, Lichtenstein, and Mark Rothko.
Among the museum’s noteworthy pieces are Edward Hopper’s Automat (1927) and Francis Bacon’s Portrait of Pope Innocent (1953).
The striking Art Deco building from 1948 houses this world-class collection, which has been supplemented over the years with Modernist and more recent wings designed by Richard Meier.
The spacious main gallery hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, including themed group displays and solo shows by globally recognized artists.
9. Salisbury House & Gardens
Adjacent to the Des Moines Art Center lies another cultural landmark worth visiting. Salisbury House was constructed in the mid-1920s for cosmetics magnate Carl Weeks and his wife, Edith Van Slyke Weeks.
This mansion closely resembles The King’s House in Salisbury, England, which was built over several centuries from the 13th to the 16th century. The Des Moines iteration accurately reflects that architectural blend, showcasing Gothic, Tudor, and Jacobean styles.
Notably, authentic period features and furnishings were procured from properties in Salisbury for this project in 1922.
Visitors can explore Salisbury House through guided or self-guided tours that highlight its striking interiors and an impressive art collection featuring works by Anthony van Dyck, George Romney, and Thomas Lawrence, among others.
10. Valley Junction Farmers’ Market
Valley Junction is precisely the kind of place to expect a vibrant farmers’ market.
Held every Thursday from 4-8pm from May through September, the market features a variety of Iowa-grown fresh produce, specialty ingredients, flowers, baked goods, plants, street food, and an assortment of unique arts and crafts.
The market is complemented by the Music in the Junction summer concert series, offering free performances to the public alongside a beverage garden that opens at 5:30pm.
11. Walnut Woods State Park
Just upriver from Raccoon River Park, this 260-acre park protects a vital expanse of bottomland hardwood forest, revered in spring and summer as a prime birdwatching destination.
At Walnut Woods State Park, visitors will encounter the largest single stand of black walnut trees in North America.
The gentle Raccoon River flows through the park, offering opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing, while land-based activities include hiking or skiing along two miles of well-maintained trails.
A historic lodge constructed during the Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps stands here, built from local limestone, along with a small campground.
12. Living History Farms
Located next to Urbandale is an exceptional outdoor museum that chronicles 300 years of Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
Living History Farms encompasses numerous sites that illustrate farming methods and daily life throughout various periods in the state’s history, including a 1700 Ioway Farm, an 1850 Pioneer Farm, and a 1900 Horse-Powered Farm.
Visitors can explore these environments at their own pace while interacting with on-site interpreters who conduct educational demonstrations throughout the season.
Additionally, a replica rural community, Walnut Hill, depicts a Midwestern settlement from 1875, complete with a print shop, general store, and blacksmith. The authentic Flynn Mansion and Barn are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
13. Smash Park
A short distance from Jordan Creek Town Center and conveniently close to hotels, Smash Park is a new entertainment destination.
Combining several entertainment options, it primarily features facilities for pickleball (with four indoor and two outdoor courts), cornhole, shuffleboard, and darts.
The interior houses an arcade with ping-pong, foosball, eight large HD TVs, a giant Connect Four, and a variety of other games suitable for all ages.
The establishment also boasts a kitchen offering contemporary, street-style cuisine, including wraps, bowls, flatbreads, bao buns, burgers, and salads.
14. West Grand Golf
This highly regarded practice facility is recognized as the prime location in the Des Moines area for honing your golf swing or refining your short game.
West Grand Golf offers a family-friendly experience, featuring an 18-hole miniature golf course situated in a beautifully landscaped, water-oriented setting complete with fountains, waterfalls, and vibrant flower gardens.
The course is appealing for children while also providing ample practice opportunities for serious golfers. The driving range features irrigated grass tees and multiple target greens, all protected by bunkers.
15. Valley West Mall
In addition to West Des Moines’ wide range of shopping venues, this expansive enclosed mall, inaugurated in 1975, houses over 100 retailers. As of our latest information, the primary anchor store is JCPenney, which includes a branch of Sephora.
Among the numerous familiar stores available at Valley West Mall are Claire’s, Victoria’s Secret, rue21, Kay Jewelers, GNC, Eddie Bauer, and Bath & Body Works, alongside many independent retailers.
Dining options include Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Chipotle, Jimmy John’s, and Blaze Pizza, among others. The mall also hosts the Des Moines Children’s Museum, which serves as an outstanding, interactive learning facility for children and their families.
