West Des Moines is a city located in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in the state of Iowa, United States. It is a suburb of the state cap…
Best for you if…
West Des Moines is a strong pick for shopping & outdoor activities — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 80/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈20 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December
10°C - 25°C
10°C - 25°C
20°C - 35°C
-5°C - 10°C
Located in the heart of Iowa, West Des Moines is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Whether you are traveling from within the United States or from abroad, there are several ways to reach this charming destination.
If you are coming from another state or country, the easiest way to reach West Des Moines is by flying into Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Situated just a short drive away, this airport serves numerous domestic and international flights, making it convenient for travelers. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service to reach your destination in West Des Moines.
West Des Moines is well-connected to major highways, making it easily accessible by car. If you are driving from nearby cities or states, you can take Interstate 80 or Interstate 35, both of which pass through the city. These highways offer a smooth and convenient journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas as you make your way to West Des Moines.
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a bus to West Des Moines is a viable option. Several bus companies, such as Greyhound and Jefferson Lines, operate routes that connect West Des Moines with other cities in the United States. The city has a well-established bus terminal where you can easily catch a bus and reach your destination comfortably.
While West Des Moines does not have a train station of its own, you can still reach the city by train. Amtrak, the national railway service, operates a station in nearby Osceola, Iowa. From there, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to West Des Moines, which is approximately an hour's drive away.
For adventure enthusiasts or those looking to explore the scenic beauty of Iowa, cycling to West Des Moines is a fantastic option. The city is well-connected to a network of bike trails, allowing cyclists to enjoy a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you are coming from a nearby city or embarking on a long-distance cycling trip, pedaling your way to West Des Moines can be an unforgettable experience.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching West Des Moines is relatively easy and convenient. The city welcomes visitors with its warm hospitality, exciting attractions, and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Plan your trip today and explore all that West Des Moines has to offer!
West Des Moines is a city located in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in the state of Iowa, United States. It is a suburb of the state capital, Des Moines, and is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. With a population of over 67,000 residents, West Des Moines is the second-largest city in the state of Iowa.
The city of West Des Moines covers an area of approximately 39 square miles, making it one of the larger suburbs in the Des Moines area. It is known for its diverse neighborhoods, ranging from historic homes to modern developments. West Des Moines is also home to a variety of parks and recreational facilities, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
West Des Moines has a strong economy, with a significant presence of corporate headquarters and retail businesses. The city is home to several major employers, including Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee, and Athene USA. The Jordan Creek Town Center, a large shopping mall, is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide range of retail and dining options.
In addition to its economic strengths, West Des Moines boasts a strong education system. The city is served by the West Des Moines Community School District, which includes several highly-rated public schools. There are also several private schools in the area, providing families with a variety of educational options.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
20 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~0.7 km · 2 places
~0.9 km · 2 places
~0.1 km · 3 places
~2.9 km · 3 places
~3.4 km · 5 places
~3.7 km · 3 places
~1 km · 2 places
~8.4 km · 7 places
~7.8 km · 3 places
~12.1 km · 6 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~8.4 km path
~10.4 km path
~15.1 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in West Des Moines, United States.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.
West Des Moines suits Shopping, Outdoor activities, Museums, Restaurants.
A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.
Don't forget to visit Jordan Creek Town Center for shopping
Add West Des Moines and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.
United States
Allentown is a city located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. With a population of over 120,000, it is the third-largest…
United States
Arlington is a vibrant city located in the United States. It is situated in the state of Texas and is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropo…
France
Aix-en-Provence is a historic city located in the south of France. It is known for its beautiful architecture, cultural heritage, and numer…
United States
Abington is a small town located in the southeastern part of the United States. Situated in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, it is a suburb…
United States
Adams Morgan, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that offers a unique blend of cultures and ex…
Mexico
Aduana Del Sasabe is a significant border crossing point located in Mexico. It serves as an essential gateway between Mexico and the United…
Nearby places worth adding to your trip
United States
Located in the heart of Iowa, Waukee is a thriving city that has seen rapid growth in recent years. With a population of over 20,000 people…
United States
The United States holds a significant position in the world, both politically and economically. As a global superpower, it exerts immense i…
United States
Windsor Heights is a small city located in Polk County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburban community situated just northwest of the stat…
United States
Urbandale is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area.
United States
Beaverdale is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of the United States. Situated in the city of Des Moines, Iowa, Beaverdale is kn…
United States
Van Meter is a small city located in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. It is situated about 15 miles west of Des Moines, the state capita…
United States
Grimes, the stage-name of Canadian musician Claire Boucher, has been gaining a lot of attention in the United States music scene.
United States
Des Moines is a vibrant city located in the heart of the United States. As the capital and largest city of Iowa, Des Moines holds a pivotal…
