West Des Moines Travel Guide

West Des Moines is a rapidly growing city in Iowa. The city has a modest population and recognizes the importance of diversity, with many of its residents being of foreign ethnicity. WDM is a friendly city where guests are welcomed with open arms and bright smiles, and recreational activities and entertainment are abundant.

Things to Do in West Des Moines

Visitors with an affinity for the outdoors will be pleasantly surprised with the number of fun outdoor activities that West Des Moines offers. Outdoor loving guests can spend the day at Raccoon River Park where they can go kayaking, practice their archery, or take a relaxing two-mile long walk or bike ride around the lake, or they can play outdoor basketball and have a picnic in Quail Cove Park, which also happens to have a wonderful kid-friendly playground and updated bathroom facilities.

For guests interested in the founding and development of the city, the Jordan House is a great place to spend the afternoon, as it offers guided tours, while the Foundry Distilling Companies offers riveting tours for those who are interested in the brewing process of the facility’s unique spirits. Guests can also beat the summer heat by swimming at the Valley View Aquatic Center, be inspired by the original works showcased at the Des Moines Art Center or the handmade sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, admire the beauty of the hundreds of plant and flower species found at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, catch a baseball game at Principal Park, and shop the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

Best Places to Stay in West Des Moines

West Des Moines isn’t short of great places to stay by any means. The city offers an array of modern vacation homes located in the best areas of the city including downtown and beside the various public parks. The rentals are incredibly comfortable, offering complimentary internet, comfortable beds, and spacious living areas. They’re perfect for hosting family and friends.

Best Time to Visit West Des Moines

The best time to visit WDM is the summer months of June, July, August, and September for warm weather activities.

Things to Do for Families in West Des Moines

For families, there is plenty to do in the Des Moines and West Des Moines area. Families who love animals can visit the Blank Zoo Park, where they can see dozens of beautiful, well cared for wild animals and feed the friendlier species such as the giraffes.

Families with small children can spend a few hours burning excess energy at Monkey Joe’s where children have free reign to jump, bounce, crawl, and run on the amusement center’s inflatables, obstacle courses, playgrounds, and arcade games.