West Des Moines

Travel Guide
Photo provided by The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
Enjoy modern shopping amongst historic buildings, see a concert in a wartime dance hall, or take a nature hike in this city that started life as a railroad hub.

A city in its own right, West Des Moines is situated on the edge of Des Moines and attracts visitors for its historic buildings and beautiful hiking trails.

A great way to get a feel for the history of West Des Moines is to stroll around Valley Junction. An economic hub since the 1890s, this downtown area has many interesting shops, quaint bars and a weekly farmers market. Browse the collections of locally owned antique shops, art galleries, and jewelry stores for a handcrafted souvenir made by West Des Moines artisans.

Take a tour of Jordan House which played a role in the anti-slavery movement in Iowa and is now a museum. Learn how this Victorian house served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, an organization which smuggled slaves into the north. Tours of the house, which is believed by some to be haunted, are conducted every Friday and on the first Sunday of each month.

Visit the southeast part of town for beautiful nature walks along the Raccoon River. Choose the Jordan Creek Trail, which wraps around a large pond or take the Browns Woods Loop. This 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) loop has a cellular phone audio tour which provides information about points of interest and local tips.

See a concert at Val Air Ballroom where West Des Moines residents have danced since it opened in 1939. Its bright neon lights have been an icon of West Des Moines nightlife for generations.

West Des Moines is accessible by car and train from nearby Des Moines. If you are flying in, use the Des Moines International Airport and take a bus into West Des Moines.

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is CA $92 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $92
CA $103 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
6.8/10 (1,008 reviews)
"Super clean and accessible!"

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr, West Des Moines, IA
The price is CA $127 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $127
CA $142 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Good breakfast, clean rooms, good rates"

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
3 out of 5
5505 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
The price is CA $148 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $148
CA $165 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"free appetizers and free drinks for adults!"

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
PARTY BARN 4 GROUPS… PL TBl, PNG PNG, ARCADE, HOT TUB, PATIOS. ACCESS TO POOLS!
PARTY BARN 4 GROUPS… PL TBl, PNG PNG, ARCADE, HOT TUB, PATIOS. ACCESS TO POOLS!
West Des Moines
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Absolutely enjoyed it
"The property itself was very clean and beautiful. We enjoyed our time and stay. The party barn and playset outside the kids really enjoyed. Us adults spent a lot of time in the hot tub. We are planning on renting another property of steven's at the end of the month. Overall experience was 5 stars ..."

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

PARTY BARN 4 GROUPS… PL TBl, PNG PNG, ARCADE, HOT TUB, PATIOS. ACCESS TO POOLS!
Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home
Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home
West Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley Stadium are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Attending Graduation
"Everything was great in this quiet neighborhood. The house was cozy and very welcoming. Loved that there was plenty of towels and all the bath toiletries provided was a plus. There was coffee/hot chocolate pods provided which was nice plus since they are not always offered. The deck area with table ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home
✧Odyssey at Keystone | Elegant 1BD Apartment✧
✧Odyssey at Keystone | Elegant 1BD Apartment✧
West Des Moines
Stay at this apartment in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Val ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Cozy Modern
"The location was perfect, right off the interstate and centrally located between everywhere we wanted to be. Very Modern style apartment but able to feel like home and still sit back and watch TV. The washer and dryer in the apartment made it very easy to head home and not have to dread doing all ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 12, 2024

✧Odyssey at Keystone | Elegant 1BD Apartment✧
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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