West Des Moines, Iowa travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

West Des Moines is a small city in Central Iowa, the largest suburb of Des Moines.

2 sights · 2 things to do

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about West Des Moines

Jordan House

Underground railroad stop.

Walnut Woods State Park

Des Moines Menace

Semi-professional soccer team, family friendly games.

Lexi Faust Home

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Des Moines)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 4 mi away (major hub). Directions
FOD Fort Dodge Regional Airport, Fort Dodge — 72 mi away. Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Jordan House, Walnut Woods State Park
Afternoon Des Moines Menace, Lexi Faust Home

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

See

See Lexi Faust Home

⚠ Last checked Oct 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

See Jordan House

Underground railroad stop.

⚠ Last checked Oct 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

Do

Do Walnut Woods State Park

⚠ Last checked Oct 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

Do Des Moines Menace

Semi-professional soccer team, family friendly games.

📍 Valley Stadium, 4440 Mills Civic Pkwy💲 $10☎ +1 515-226-9890

Maps Website

Buy

Shop Jordan Creek Town Center

The largest shopping complex in Iowa.

⚠ Last checked Oct 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Shop Valley West Mall

Enclosed shopping mall.

⚠ Last checked Oct 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

Sleep

Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines, 5505 Mills Civic Pkwy. Complimentary hot dogs some nights. +1 515-457-9500

Go next

Place Bob Feller Museum

Iowa's most famous baseball player, "Rapid Robert" was an all-star pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. Before making the big leagues, he learned how to throw a baseball in Van Meter before starting off on his eventual Hall of Fame career.

📍 310 Mill St, Van Meteroff I-80 several miles west🕒 Tue-Sat 10AM-3PM, Sun noon-4PM💲 $5, children and seniors $3☎ +1 515 996-2806

Maps Website