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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,893 per night from 30 May to 31 May
P3,893
per night
30 May - 31 May
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 (1,013 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 P5,138 per night from 27 Jun to 28 Jun
P5,138
per night
27 Jun - 28 Jun
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! (1,005 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 P6,276 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
P6,276
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
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.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
"It is nice, roomy, and reasonable."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Kasa Downtown 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.

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