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West Des Moines is a city of about 70,000 people on the western side of the Des Moines metro area in central Iowa. It began in the 1890s as Valley Junction, a railroad town where the Rock Island line built shops and yards, and took its current name in 1938. Today it is a prosperous suburb and business center, home to large insurance and finance companies.
The historic heart of the city is Valley Junction, a walkable district of early 20th-century brick buildings filled with boutiques, antique shops, galleries and restaurants, which hosts a popular farmers market and festivals. The Jordan House, an 1850s home that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, tells the area's pioneer story.
Outdoors, Raccoon River Park offers a lake beach and trails, and Walnut Woods State Park protects bottomland forest along the Raccoon River. Jordan Creek Town Center is one of Iowa's largest shopping centers, and downtown Des Moines, the Iowa State Capitol and the Iowa State Fairgrounds are about 15 minutes east.
The original railroad town that became West Des Moines, with several blocks of early 20th-century brick buildings along Fifth Street filled with boutiques, antique shops, galleries, bakeries and restaurants. It hosts festivals and holiday events. Park once and explore on foot for a relaxed afternoon.
A popular evening farmers market held on summer Thursdays along Fifth Street in Valley Junction, with local produce, baked goods, food trucks, crafts and live music. The street is closed to traffic so you can stroll. Arrive early for the best produce and to find parking on side streets.
The 1850s home of James C. Jordan, an early settler and abolitionist, which served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Run by the West Des Moines Historical Society, it holds period rooms and exhibits on local history and the Underground Railroad in Iowa. Open for tours on a limited schedule.
A large city park around Blue Heron Lake, with a sandy swimming beach in summer, a boardwalk, fishing, walking and biking trails, sports fields and a nature lodge. The lakeside trail loop is popular with runners. Beach season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day; there is a small fee to swim.
A state park along the Raccoon River protecting one of the largest stands of black walnut trees in North America, with wooded trails, a campground, a historic stone lodge and river access. It is a quiet escape on the edge of the city. Good for birding; trails can be muddy after rain.
One of the largest shopping centers in Iowa, combining an indoor mall with an outdoor lifestyle area on a small lake, with department stores, many brand shops, restaurants and a movie theater. It is popular on rainy and cold days. Expect heavy traffic on weekends and in the holiday season.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Iowahwyman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Goddesshanna, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Goddesshanna, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Goddesshanna, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Goddesshanna, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Goddesshanna, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Iowahwyman, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
