Welcome to West Des Moines! Located in the heart of Iowa, West Des Moines is a thriving community that boasts a wide variety of attractions and activities for both residents and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors, indulge in shopping and dining, or immerse yourself in history and culture, West Des Moines has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in West Des Moines:
- Jordan Creek Town Center: Shop 'til you drop at the Jordan Creek Town Center, one of the largest malls in Iowa. With over 200 stores and restaurants, this mall is the perfect destination for fashion-forward shoppers, foodies, and families. From high-end boutiques to department stores, there's something for every budget and style.
- Raccoon River Park: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great outdoors at Raccoon River Park. This expansive park offers 630 acres of natural beauty, including a lake, beach, and hiking trails. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats to explore the water or take a dip in the lake.
- Valley Junction: Step back in time and explore the historic Valley Junction neighborhood. This charming area features a variety of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in century-old buildings. You can also catch live music, theater performances, and other events throughout the year.
- West Glen Town Center: If you're looking for a more contemporary shopping and dining experience, check out the West Glen Town Center. This outdoor mall offers a variety of boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants, as well as a cinema and fitness center.
- Living History Farms: Experience Iowa's agricultural heritage at Living History Farms. This outdoor museum features historic buildings and exhibits that demonstrate how Iowa farmers lived and worked from the 1700s to the 1900s. You can also take a horse-drawn wagon ride or sample traditional foods like homemade bread and apple cider.
- Iowa Cubs: Catch a ballgame at Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs minor league baseball team. With affordable tickets and a family-friendly atmosphere, this is a great way to spend a summer afternoon or evening.
- Wine Tasting: Sample local wines and spirits at the Winterset Cidery or Summerset Winery. Both locations offer guided tours and tastings, as well as events and concerts throughout the year.
- Art in the Park: Enjoy live music, food, and art at Art in the Park, a free annual festival held at the Historic Valley Junction. This event features over 100 artists, crafters, and vendors, as well as children's activities and a silent auction.
- Climb Iowa: Get a workout and test your climbing skills at Climb Iowa, an indoor rock climbing gym. With a variety of walls and routes for climbers of all levels, this is a fun and challenging way to stay active and meet new people.
- Golf Activities: Hit the links on one of West Des Moines' multiple renowned golf courses! Glen Oaks Country Club is a premier private golf club that has hosted numerous PGA Tour events while the Des Moines Golf and Country Club has two 18-hole golf courses, the North Course and the South Course. Both courses feature tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and challenging greens. The club also has a practice facility, a pro shop, and dining facilities for its members. Glen Oaks Country Club also offers tennis, swimming, and dining facilities for its members. Glen Oaks homes for sale are in high demand due to the beauty of the area and endless social activities.
Whether you're a local, just passing through, relocating to West Des Moines, or are in the area looking at West Des Moines homes for sale, there are plenty of things to see and do. From shopping and dining to outdoor recreation and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse city. So what are you waiting for? Come explore all that West Des Moines has to offer!
