West Des Moines IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near West Des Moines, Iowa.
1. Valley Junction
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Valley Junction is a charming historic district in West Des Moines that offers a unique shopping experience. Visitors can explore numerous art galleries, specialty shops, and local restaurants housed in historic buildings. The area regularly hosts community events, farmers markets, and art festivals throughout the year.
2. Jordan Creek Town Center
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Jordan Creek Town Center is the largest shopping mall in Iowa, offering an extensive selection of retail stores and dining options. The center features an outdoor shopping area, a lake with paddle boats, and a movie theater. Shoppers can enjoy a mix of national retailers and local boutiques in this expansive complex.
3. Raccoon River Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Raccoon River Park encompasses over 600 acres of outdoor recreation space in West Des Moines. The park features a 232-acre lake with a swimming beach, fishing areas, and boat rentals during summer months. Visitors can also enjoy miles of walking trails, sports fields, playground equipment, and a nature lodge with educational programs.
4. West Glen Town Center
ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING HUB
West Glen Town Center is a vibrant entertainment and dining district in West Des Moines. This pedestrian-friendly area features numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere while shopping, dining, or attending one of the many events held throughout the year.
5. Jordan House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY
The Jordan House is a historic museum and one of the oldest structures in Polk County, built in 1850 by James C. Jordan. This National Register of Historic Places site served as a station on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Visitors can take tours to learn about its rich history and significant impact on Central Iowa.
6. Val Air Ballroom
HISTORIC MUSIC VENUE
The Val Air Ballroom is a historic concert venue that opened in 1918 as an open-air dance hall. This recently renovated 2,500-seat venue has hosted legendary performers from Frank Sinatra to Snoop Dogg throughout its storied history. Music fans can enjoy concerts and events in this iconic West Des Moines landmark.
7. Living History Farms
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum located just 3.4 miles from West Des Moines. Visitors can experience Iowa's agricultural history through working historical farms from 1700 to the early 20th century. The 500-acre open-air museum features costumed interpreters demonstrating daily farm life and historic agricultural practices.
8. Capitol Building
ICONIC STATE ARCHITECTURE
The Iowa State Capitol Building is an architectural masterpiece located 8.1 miles from West Des Moines. Its 23-karat gold dome rises majestically above the Des Moines skyline and can be seen for miles around. Visitors can tour the historic building to admire its grand interior featuring 29 types of marble, numerous works of art, and the law library's spiral staircase.
9. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
URBAN ART OASIS
Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4-acre outdoor art gallery located 6.4 miles from West Des Moines. The park showcases more than 30 sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists, valued at more than $40 million. Visitors can wander through this urban green space while experiencing world-class art in a serene setting.
10. Des Moines Art Center
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Des Moines Art Center is a premier art museum located 4.1 miles from West Des Moines. The center houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Andy Warhol. Visitors can enjoy the museum's distinctive architecture, designed by renowned architects Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
11. Blank Park Zoo
WILD ANIMAL ADVENTURES
Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's only accredited zoo, located 7.6 miles from West Des Moines. The 49-acre facility houses over 800 animals representing more than 100 species from around the world. Visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters, educational presentations, and interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and riding camels.
12. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
TROPICAL PLANT PARADISE
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a vibrant urban oasis located 7.7 miles from West Des Moines. The centerpiece is a seven-story geodesic dome conservatory housing tropical plants and seasonal displays. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor gardens featuring unique plant collections, water features, and artistic elements throughout the 14-acre property.
13. Science Center of Iowa
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Science Center of Iowa offers hands-on exhibits and dynamic programming just 7.2 miles from West Des Moines. Visitors can explore six experience platforms covering topics from space and physics to the natural environment and health. The center also features an IMAX Dome Theater, Science of Sports area, and a dedicated children's discovery space.
14. Salisbury House & Gardens
HISTORIC MANSION ESTATE
Salisbury House is a magnificent 42-room historic house museum situated on 9 acres just 4.5 miles from West Des Moines. The estate was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England and features authentic 16th-century English craftsmanship. Visitors can tour the mansion to view its impressive collection of fine art, rare books, and antique furnishings while enjoying the beautifully landscaped gardens.
15. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
AMERICAN ICON TRIBUTE
The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum honors the legendary actor who was born in Winterset, 21 miles from West Des Moines. Visitors can tour the modest four-room home where Wayne was born in 1907 and explore the adjacent 6,100-square-foot museum. The facility houses the most extensive collection of John Wayne memorabilia in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, and personal effects.