What to do in West Des Moines, IA

Activities, attractions and tours

West Des Moines which includes a lake or waterhole, shopping and night scenes
West Des Moines which includes a lake or waterhole, shopping and night scenes
West Des Moines which includes shopping and interior views as well as a large group of people
West Des Moines which includes a water park and a pool as well as children
West Des Moines showing signage and a cascade

West Des Moines Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that West Des Moines has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

West Des Moines is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in West Des Moines to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

West Des Moines Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of West Des Moines.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to West Des Moines attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in West Des Moines

Discover the most popular places to visit in West Des Moines

#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!

Jordan Creek Town Center

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center
Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area

Iowa State Fairgrounds

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

Iowa Events Center
Iowa State Capitol Building showing a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

5/5(6 reviews)

A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Iowa State Capitol Building
Brigde

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Principal Park
Des Moines Botanical Center featuring a garden and interior views

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

4/5(2 reviews)

Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Casey's Center

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Casey's Center

Adventureland

5/5(1 review)

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Adventureland

Drake University

4/5(1 review)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Drake University, during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Drake University

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from West Des Moines

Des Moines which includes a sunset, a city and a river or creek

Des Moines

Greenbelt Trail in Clive, Iowa

Clive

Frequently asked questions

Is West Des Moines worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in West Des Moines. Remember to discover the area's mix of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in West Des Moines?
Jordan House and Pump It Up are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in West Des Moines while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in West Des Moines?
The top tourist attraction in West Des Moines is Walnut Woods State Park, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in West Des Moines?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, such as Walnut Woods State Park, Jordan House and Pump It Up. The average stay in West Des Moines is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Des Moines isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in West Des Moines with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in West Des Moines with kids.

What to do in West Des Moines for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in West Des Moines for adults including Casey's Centre and Knapp Centre.
Are there free things to do in West Des Moines?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in West Des Moines. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Walnut Woods State Park is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.