Things To Do
in West Des Moines
West Des Moines is a suburb located just west of the capital city of Des Moines in the state of Iowa. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and well-maintained parks and recreational facilities. The city offers a diverse range of shopping and dining options, including the upscale Jordan Creek Town Center.
West Des Moines is a growing community with a strong economy and a thriving job market, making it an attractive place to live for residents of all ages.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at Waterworks Park, enjoying the scenic views and nature. Bring some coffee to savor while relaxing by the lakeside.
Visit the Valley Junction, exploring unique shops and local cafés. Don't forget to grab lunch at one of the beloved farm-to-table restaurants in the area.
Wind down with a sunset picnic at Raccoon River Park. Enjoy the beauty of the park while having a relaxed meal surrounded by friends or family.
Begin with breakfast at a local diner before hitting the Jordan Creek Town Center. Explore a variety of shops, from high-end brands to cozy boutiques.
Stop for lunch at one of the center’s restaurants offering diverse cuisine options. Continue shopping or catch a movie at the theater inside the mall.
Dine at a nearby steakhouse, enjoying a hearty meal after a busy day. Treat yourself to some dessert at a local bakery before heading home.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong economy with a diverse job market
- Excellent education system and public schools
- Family-friendly community with various recreational activities
- Low crime rate and safe neighborhoods
- Proximity to Des Moines offers urban amenities while maintaining a suburban feel
- Harsh winters with significant snowfall
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities
- Public transportation options are limited
- Potential for urban sprawl and traffic congestion
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Iowa
Best Activities in West Des Moines
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, and bird-watching at this beautiful park with a large lake and scenic trails.
Explore outdoor activities like camping, fishing, boating, and hiking in this expansive park with diverse natural landscapes.
Have fun at this family-friendly aquatic center offering water slides, a lazy river, lap swimming, and other aquatic activities.
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along this scenic trail that winds through nature preserves and urban landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of West Des Moines with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in West Des Moines
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful lake views, scenic trails, and open green spaces for photography
Features a picturesque lake with bridges and a fountain, providing excellent photo opportunities
Has charming historic buildings, street art, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a great spot for capturing unique shots
Food in West Des Moines
West Des Moines Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Midwestern dish, this consists of a breaded and fried pork tenderloin served on a bun. The crispy exterior and juicy pork make it a must-try.
Must-Try!
A beloved fairground snack, the corn dog features a hot dog coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Unique Experiences
Get to know West Des Moines better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open on Thursdays in the summer, this market offers an array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and ready-to-eat snacks that showcase the region's culinary diversity.
Explore a variety of global street food offerings from local food trucks parked at select locations on Fridays. The rotating selection ensures there's always something new to savor.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In West Des Moines, it is important to maintain a respectable distance from others and to ask for consent before engaging in physical contact.
Using polite language, maintaining eye contact, and acknowledging others with a friendly greeting are all important aspects of respectful behavior in West Des Moines.
Recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs of the people in West Des Moines is an essential part of demonstrating respectful behavior.
Safety
Tipping in West Des Moines
Ensure a smooth experience
In West Des Moines, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and other service-oriented businesses. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service, although some patrons may choose to tip more for exceptional service.
Payment practices in West Des Moines are similar to other parts of the United States. Cash, credit cards, and mobile payment methods are widely accepted. Contactless payments and online/mobile ordering and payment options have become increasingly popular, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit West Des Moines, as the weather starts to warm up and nature comes to life with beautiful blooms and blossoms. You can expect milder temperatures and outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking become popular.
Summer is another popular time to visit West Des Moines, with warm temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. You can expect lively festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts during this season.
Fall brings beautiful foliage and mild temperatures to West Des Moines, making it a wonderful time to visit. You can expect to see the leaves change color and participate in fall-themed events like pumpkin patches and harvest festivals.
Winter in West Des Moines can be cold, but it's also a magical time with holiday lights and festive events. You can expect to enjoy winter sports like ice skating and skiing, as well as cozy indoor activities like visiting local museums and restaurants.
West Des Moines at Night
Hiking in West Des Moines
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large urban park with trails, open spaces, and natural landscapes, perfect for hiking and walking.
A scenic trail that follows the Jordan Creek, offering a peaceful environment for hiking and observing nature.
A beautiful state park with rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Des Moines River.
A popular spot for outdoor activities, featuring various trails around the lake for hiking and biking.
A tranquil park with wooded trails along the banks of the Raccoon River, ideal for peaceful hikes.
Aiports
How to reach West Des Moines by plane.
The primary airport serving the greater Des Moines area, located approximately 8 miles from West Des Moines.
Located about 195 miles southwest of West Des Moines, this is a major international airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Located approximately 330 miles to the northeast, it is one of the busiest international airports in the world, serving Chicago.
Located around 240 miles to the north, this airport serves the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Another major airport in Chicago, located around 325 miles to the northeast of West Des Moines, serving as a hub for Southwest Airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in West Des Moines, predominantly of European descent.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, comprising a significant portion of the population.
Represents a smaller percentage compared to White and Asian populations.
A growing demographic group, representing individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin.
Includes individuals identifying with two or more racial categories.
A smaller demographic group within West Des Moines.
Represents a minority group in the demographic landscape of the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a popular sport in West Des Moines, with many local youth leagues and high school teams. The city has several parks and gyms that facilitate play.
Soccer has gained popularity in West Des Moines, with youth leagues and competitive teams available for various age groups, supported by city facilities.
Baseball is a staple in the community, with local little leagues and school teams providing opportunities for young athletes to participate in the sport.
American football is widely played at the high school level and has a strong following in the community, with the West Des Moines Valley High School team being particularly popular.
Cycling is a favored recreational activity in West Des Moines, with a growing number of bike trails and paths that encourage both leisure and competitive cycling.
Swimming clubs and teams are prevalent in West Des Moines, with access to community pools and summer swim leagues for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting West Des Moines.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in West Des Moines offer a range of plant-based dishes, from hearty veggie burgers to tofu-based stir-fries, providing ample choices for vegetarians and vegans.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free menus or dishes at several restaurants in the city, ensuring they can dine confidently without compromising on taste.