Location: West Des Moines
Top Things to do in West Des Moines
Countries
5 Budget-friendly Things to do in West Des Moines That You Shouldn't Miss
West Des Moines is a city in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 56,609. West Des Moines is the second-largest city in the Des Moines metropolitan area and the tenth-largest city in Iowa. It ranked 94th in Money magazine's list of the "100 Best Places to Live and Launch" in 2008, 77th and 57th on the 100 Best Places to Live in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and 18th on the Hipster Cities of 2015.
Restaurants in West Des Moines
1. Valley Junction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Ezfill - West Des Moines, United States
Fun for lunch many places to eat, lots of antiques, fudge, brews services and fun. Close to Des Moines it has a great farmers market in the summer.
2. Raccoon River Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By cindycL6571FV - Waukee, United States
We have been here several times to just hang out or take a walk. It is peaceful here and views are great. Good place to take some pics as well. Dog park is very big and the dogs absolutely love it here. Come on by and drive through, walk through or stop and relax for awhile. Take a softball game or 2 if you like that as well. Have a picnic with friends or family. Take your company for an outing here.
3. Jordan Creek Town Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By sabrina365 - Iowa, United States
After researching online for a specific item, I finally found it at Scheels. I was able to get the last one, plus a few extras that I wasn’t looking for. We then stopped by Coach and stocked up on some birthday goodies. I only wish we had more time, but that simply means a return visit!
4. Smash Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Smash Park is an indoor/outdoor entertainment venue that combines craft food and drinks with pickleball courts, endless games, live entertainment and community events to provide the ultimate gathering place for people of all ages!
Reviewed By NWArkKyle - Rogers, United States
Really fun place to go with a group of people. The food is really good and reasonably priced. They have a ton of drink options and were passing out Jell-O shots (for free) the night we were there. I honestly had never heard of pickle ball but it is a blast. They also have tons of ping pong tables, baggo sets, connect 4, an arcade, and even more. Overall, this place is a really fun environment with really good food and good drink options. Service isn’t the best but it can be overlooked by the venue.
5. Jordan House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
The Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country and the oldest in West Des Moines. Built by one of West Des Moines’ first settlers, James C. Jordan, the house today serves both as a museum for West Des Moines and as the office of West Des Moines Historical Society. The sixteen period rooms serve as a fitting backdrop of displaying the many antique treasures gathered from the rich heritage of West Des Moines. Visitors will also be interested in both the Underground Railroad Exhibit and the many artifacts from the regular railroad which played an important role in the early years of West Des Moines. One hour guided tours are offered beginning at 11am and then again at 1pm. Doors open 15 minutes before tour begins. Dates of tours: Memorial Day-Labor Day: Friday, Saturday and Sunday Labor Day-Memorial Day: Friday and Sunday
Reviewed By joannschmitt - West Des Moines, United States
The tour was about an hour. I liked learning about the Jordan family. The tour guide was very personable. Be sure you check ahead of time, depending on the time of year. The house is only open limited hours for tours. It is also open monthly for special events.
