West Des Moines, IA

• About the City
• Geography
• Climate and Weather
• Landmarks and Historical Sites
• Transportation
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
• Museums
• Sport and Sports Legends
• Universities and Academic Institutions
• Medical Institutions and Healthcare

West Des Moines is a vibrant suburb of Iowa's capital, known for its historic Valley Junction district, extensive park system, and rapid growth as a commercial hub along the I-35/I-80 corridor.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is West Des Moines, Iowa. It is a city located in the state of Iowa, situated at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 80 . The city extends into three counties, with the majority in Polk County, a significant portion in Dallas County, and small sections reaching into Warren and Madison counties . Iowa is a state in the American Midwest, known for its agricultural production, particularly corn and soybeans, and its role as a key state in the U.S. presidential caucuses.

Historical Names and Nicknames

West Des Moines was originally incorporated under a different name and is known for its well-preserved historic core.

• Historical Name: The city was incorporated as Valley Junction on October 9, 1893 . This name reflected its origin as a railroad town, situated at the junction of several railroad lines for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad .
• Name Change: The city officially adopted the name West Des Moines on January 1, 1938. Community leaders believed the new name would help shed the "old-fashioned" image associated with "Valley Junction" during the decline of the railroad industry and the Great Depression, promoting a more progressive, suburban identity .
• Historic District: The original downtown area is preserved and marketed as Historic Valley Junction, a vibrant district filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants, keeping the city's original name and character alive .

Founding Date and Age

The City of West Des Moines was officially incorporated on October 9, 1893 . As of 2026, the city is 132 years old. Its early development was spurred by its role as a railroad junction, with early leaders quickly establishing modern amenities like sidewalks, gas and water mains, telephone service, and electricity shortly after incorporation . Before Anglo-European settlement, the area was home to the Sac and Meskwaki peoples .

Geographical Position and Coordinates

West Des Moines is located in central Iowa, within the Des Moines metropolitan area.

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 41°34′N 93°46′W . The specific coordinates provided are 41.5521°N and -93.7806°W.
• Location: The city lies at the confluence of the Raccoon River and Walnut Creek . It is situated on the rolling hills of the Iowa prairie.
• Elevation: The elevation of the city is around 955 feet (291 meters) above sea level .
• Type of Settlement: West Des Moines is a principal city in the Des Moines metropolitan area, functioning primarily as an affluent suburban city and a major regional hub for commerce and retail .

City Type and Economic Specialization

West Des Moines functions as a major commercial and retail hub within the Des Moines metropolitan area.

• Commercial & Retail Hub: The city is home to the largest shopping mall in the state, Jordan Creek Town Center, which opened in 2004 and spurred significant commercial and residential development in western West Des Moines . Major corporate campuses, such as a large Wells Fargo facility, are also located in the city .
• Suburban Center: It is one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa, offering a high quality of life with extensive amenities, parks, and highly-rated schools .
• Historic Destination: Historic Valley Junction serves as a cultural and tourist destination, attracting visitors to its unique shops, restaurants, and weekly farmers' market .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 census, the population of West Des Moines is 68,723 . This makes it the sixth-most populous city in Iowa and the second-largest city in the Des Moines metropolitan area (after Des Moines itself) . It is one of the state's fastest-growing communities, having grown from a population of just 5,615 in 1950 .

City's "Business Card" (Brief)

West Des Moines offers a blend of historic charm and modern suburban growth. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to the preserved 19th-century storefronts and unique local businesses of Historic Valley Junction, while the city's western edge features Iowa's largest shopping destination, Jordan Creek Town Center. With its extensive network of parks along the Raccoon River and its strategic location at the intersection of two major interstates, West Des Moines is a dynamic and family-focused center within Iowa's capital region .

Geography

Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Creeks)

The city's landscape and recreational opportunities are significantly shaped by its water features.

• Raccoon River (Rivière Raccoon): This river flows through the southern part of the city . It's a central feature for outdoor activities, with parks lining its banks. The river offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking . The river is also prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, a historical challenge for the community .
• Jordan Creek: A notable stream in the area, Jordan Creek flows through western West Des Moines and provides opportunities for boating and fishing . The Jordan Creek Town Center mall and the surrounding development are named after this waterway.
• Blue Heron Lake: This is a reservoir within Raccoon River Park, created from a former gravel pit. It's a central recreational spot with a beach and a boathouse .

Parks and Green Spaces

West Des Moines boasts an extensive and well-connected park system.

• Raccoon River Park: This is the city's premier recreational area. It features hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, a beach on Blue Heron Lake, and a boathouse . It's a hub for outdoor activity in the city.
• Walnut Woods State Park: Located nearby, this expansive state park offers more natural surroundings for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the woods .
• Athene Pedestrian Bridge: Opened in late 2024 or early 2025, this 620-foot-long truss bridge spans the Raccoon River, creating a scenic 3-mile trail connection between Walnut Woods State Park and Raccoon River Park. It offers picturesque views of the river and is a popular spot for walking, running, and biking .
• Other Parks: The city maintains numerous other green spaces, such as Valley View Park, for local recreation .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

West Des Moines experiences a humid continental climate, which is characteristic of the American Midwest . This climate is defined by four distinct seasons with large temperature variations between summer and winter. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.

Average Monthly Temperatures

The city experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.

• Hottest Month: July is the warmest month, with average daytime highs reaching 31°C (88°F) and nighttime lows around 19°C (66°F) .
• Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average daytime highs around -1°C (30°F) and nighttime lows plunging to -10°C (14°F) .
• Annual Average: The average daily temperature over the entire year is about 11°C (52°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with a distinct peak in late spring and early summer.

• Average Annual Precipitation: The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation, averaging about 1074 mm (42.3 inches) per year .
• Wettest Month: May is by far the wettest month, with average precipitation of 158 mm (6.2 inches) .
• Driest Month: January is the driest, with average precipitation of only 37 mm (1.5 inches) .
• Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, accounting for over 40% of all precipitation in January and February .
• Humidity: Humidity levels are generally high during the summer months, averaging around 81% annually, which can make the heat feel more intense .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit West Des Moines for pleasant weather are typically late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October).

• Spring (April-May): Temperatures warm up from mild to warm, but this is also the wettest time of the year, especially in May . The landscape turns lush and green.
• Summer (June-August): This is the warmest and sunniest period. June, July, and August see high temperatures, often reaching into the 80s and 90s°F (upper 20s to mid-30s°C), combined with high humidity . This is a good time for water-based recreation at Raccoon River Park.
• Autumn (September-October): This season is characterized by mild, sunny days and cool nights. It's a beautiful time to visit as the foliage changes color.
• Winter (November-March): Winters are cold, cloudy, and snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing . This period is best for indoor activities or for those who enjoy winter sports.

Landmarks and Historical Sites

The Jordan House

The Jordan House is the most significant historical landmark in West Des Moines.

• Full Name: The James C. Jordan House.
• Historical Significance: Built in 1850 and expanded in the 1870s, it is the oldest home in West Des Moines. It was the residence of James Cunningham Jordan, an early settler who, in a symbolic act in 1845, fired a gunshot to declare the area open for Anglo-European settlement .
• Underground Railroad: The Jordan House is famously known as a stop on the Underground Railroad. James Jordan was an abolitionist, and he sheltered freedom-seeking slaves in his home. The famed abolitionist John Brown was a guest at the house on multiple occasions, at least once while escorting a group of escaped slaves to Canada .
• Current Use: Today, the Jordan House is owned by the city and serves as the headquarters for the West Des Moines Historical Society. It is open for tours and events, offering a deep dive into the city's pioneer and pre-Civil War history .

Historic Valley Junction

This is the city's original downtown and its cultural heart.

• Location: Centered around 5th Street, south of Railroad Avenue.
• Significance: This area is the physical origin of the community, preserving the look and feel of a late 19th-century railroad town . It was the city center when West Des Moines was still known as Valley Junction.
• Current Use: Today, Historic Valley Junction is a thriving business district filled with locally-owned specialty shops, art galleries, antique stores, and diverse restaurants . It hosts a popular weekly farmers' market and other community events throughout the year, serving as a vibrant link to the city's past .

Val Air Ballroom

A historic entertainment venue with a unique origin story.

• Full Name: Val Air Ballroom.
• History: Opened on June 6, 1939, the Val Air Ballroom was built on the abandoned concrete slab of the Wilson Rubber Company factory, a project intended for World War I tire production that was left unfinished in 1918 . Tom Archer transformed this "eyesore" into a musical mecca.
• Significance: During the Big Band era, patrons could dance under the stars to the sounds of legendary bands led by Guy Lombardo, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller . It remains a concert venue today, hosting a variety of musical acts.

Glen Oaks Country Club

A premier modern landmark for golf enthusiasts.

• Full Name: Glen Oaks Country Club.
• Significance: This private golf club is home to one of the highest-rated golf courses in Iowa . It represents the city's growth and the development of upscale amenities in its western corridor, contributing to West Des Moines' reputation as a desirable place to live and conduct business.

Transportation

Main Airports

West Des Moines is primarily served by the commercial airport located in its neighboring city, Des Moines.

• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Located just a few miles from West Des Moines, this is the primary airport for the entire metropolitan area . It offers flights to major hubs across the United States. Travelers can check airline schedules or call (515) 256-5050 for information .

Public Transportation

The city is integrated into the regional public transit system.

• Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART): DART provides local bus service throughout the Des Moines metro, including West Des Moines . They offer various routes connecting West Des Moines to downtown Des Moines and other suburbs. DART also provides reduced fare programs for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and students, as well as Paratransit services for those unable to use the regular buses . For schedule information, call (515) 283-8100 .

Intercity Bus Services

Several nationwide bus lines serve West Des Moines, providing connections to other cities across the country .

• Greyhound Bus Lines: (800) 231-2222
• Jefferson Bus Lines: (515) 283-0074
• Trailways Bus System: (800) 992-4618

Major Highways

West Des Moines's strategic location is defined by its access to the U.S. Interstate Highway System.

• Interstate 35 and Interstate 80: These two major coast-to-coast and border-to-border interstates merge and run concurrently just to the north and west of West Des Moines . This crossroads location has been a major catalyst for the city's growth, making it a convenient hub for travelers, trucking, and businesses .
• Interstate 235: This interstate highway connects West Des Moines directly to downtown Des Moines, serving as a primary commuter route . The construction of these interstates in the 1960s spurred significant commercial and residential development along their corridors .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

The Original Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite)

West Des Moines is home to a location of the iconic Iowa-based fast-food chain, Maid-Rite, famous for creating the original "loose meat sandwich" . This isn't a traditional hamburger patty; instead, it's steamed, crumbled seasoned ground beef served heaped onto a soft bun. The texture is tender and moist, distinctly different from a grilled burger . The recipe is said to include a secret blend of spices unique to the company . Patrons typically dress it simply with mustard, ketchup, pickles, and onions . This sandwich is a beloved piece of Iowan heritage, often described as "Americana, plain and simple," and is a must-try for anyone wanting to taste the state's culinary history . The West Des Moines location, found in the Valley West Mall food court, offers a casual, no-frills dining experience .

Broasted Chicken and Creative Comfort Food

For a taste of modern local flavor, The Chicken is a highly-regarded roadhouse-style restaurant in West Des Moines . Its signature dish is "broasted chicken"—chicken that is pressure-fried to achieve an exceptionally crispy, well-seasoned exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside . Beyond the chicken, the restaurant is known for its creative comfort food with a kick, including:

• Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches: Served in varying heat levels, with the "Iowa Hot" being the spiciest option .
• Bang Bang Chicken Tacos and Sliders: Featuring the restaurant's signature crispy chicken tossed in a flavorful sauce .
• Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs: A creative twist on a classic, blending spicy and creamy flavors . Located in a setting that feels like a "down home farm to table atmosphere—in the middle of a cornfield," it's praised for its large portions, friendly service, and extensive local beer list, making it a destination for both locals and visitors .

The Iowa Classic: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

While a dedicated search result for a specific West Des Moines restaurant is not present here, any discussion of Iowa cuisine is incomplete without mentioning the state's iconic Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. This beloved staple consists of a boneless pork tenderloin that is pounded thin, breaded, deep-fried until golden, and served on a bun—which it often vastly overhangs. It's a menu fixture in diners, pubs, and family restaurants throughout the state and the Des Moines metro area. It represents the heart of Midwestern comfort food: simple, hearty, and satisfying.

Museums

State Historical Museum of Iowa (Nearby in Des Moines)

While not within the West Des Moines city limits, the premier museum for regional history is the State Historical Museum of Iowa, located just east of the State Capitol in neighboring Des Moines . It serves as the central repository for Iowa's rich heritage and is an essential visit for anyone in the metro area.

• Key Artifacts and Exhibits: The museum houses a collection of over 80,000 artifacts, with about 1,500 on display at any time . Its exhibits cover a vast timeline, including:
  • Life in Iowa before it became a state and the impact of early settlers .
  • Iowa's role in the Civil War, exploring the experiences of the more than 76,000 Iowans who fought for the Union .
  • The state's legacy on film, from the early 1900s to the present day.
  • The colorful history of RAGBRAI (The Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), a world-famous cross-state biking event . Admission to the museum is free, and it offers a comprehensive look at the state's natural resources, governmental history, and cultural evolution .

Des Moines Children's Museum

West Des Moines is the new home of the Des Moines Children's Museum (DSMCM) , which is relocating from the Valley West Mall to a permanent, expanded facility at 1200 12th Street in the spring of 2026 . This move represents a significant investment in the city's family-friendly attractions. The new location will feature over 13,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space on the main level, a similarly sized lower level, and more than seven acres of outdoor space . This will allow the museum to enhance its current interactive exhibits and introduce new ones, solidifying its role as a key destination for hands-on learning and play for children and families in the region .

Sport and Sports Legends

High School Sports Powerhouse: Valley High School

The epicenter of sports culture in West Des Moines is undoubtedly Valley High School, home to the Tigers. The school is a dominant force in the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), with a storied history of state championships across numerous sports . Its consistent success makes it a central point of pride for the community.

Valley High School's State Championships (Team Titles) :

Beyond these team titles, Valley athletes have accumulated an astounding number of individual state championships, including 52 in boys' track and field and 59 in girls' swimming, highlighting the depth of talent in the program .

West Des Moines Soccer Club

For youth sports, the West Des Moines Soccer Club (WDMSC) is a major community organization. Established in 1986, this nonprofit provides a player pathway for children aged 3 to 19 . The club is affiliated with the Club Development League of Iowa (CDL), US Club Soccer, and the U.S. Soccer Federation . It operates out of two well-maintained local facilities:

• Hidden Valley Soccer Complex (HV)
• Raccoon River Soccer Complex (RR) These complexes serve as the home fields for the club's recreational and academy teams, as well as for the more competitive Sporting Iowa Select teams, making them bustling hubs for local soccer activity .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Des Moines University

West Des Moines is home to Des Moines University (DMU) , a prestigious private graduate school specializing in health sciences. Located at 8025 Grand Avenue, it is one of the most significant medical and health sciences institutions in the region . Des Moines University is a "Special Focus Four-Year: Medical Schools & Centers" institution, offering master's degrees, doctoral degrees (research/scholarship), and professional practice doctorates . Its mission is "to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals" .

Key colleges and programs include:

• Osteopathic Medicine: The university has a long-standing program accredited since 1903, graduating 202 new osteopathic physicians in 2023 .
• Physical Therapy: A well-regarded program graduating 52 new therapists in 2023 .
• Physician Assistant: Graduated 58 PAs in 2023 .
• Podiatric Medicine: Graduated 50 podiatrists in 2023 .
• Public Health & Health Administration: Offers master's degrees and certificates in these fields .

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains numerous program-specific accreditations, underscoring its high academic standards .

Nearby Colleges and Universities

Residents of West Des Moines have access to a wide array of higher education institutions in the greater Des Moines metro area. The city's official website lists several notable schools nearby :

Local Colleges and Universities:

• Drake University (Des Moines) - A highly regarded private university.
• Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) - A major community college with multiple campuses.
• Grand View University (Des Moines) - A private Lutheran university.
• Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary (Ankeny/Des Moines area).

State Universities (within about 2 hours):

• Iowa State University (Ames) - A leading public research university, especially strong in science and technology.
• University of Iowa (Iowa City) - A major public research university known for its health sciences, writing program, and law school.
• University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls) - A public university renowned for its teacher education programs.

Regional Private Colleges:

• Grinnell College (Grinnell) - Nationally recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
• Simpson College (Indianola) - A respected private liberal arts college.

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Methodist West Hospital

Methodist West Hospital is a key healthcare facility serving the West Des Moines community. Located at 1660 60th Street, it is part of the broader UnityPoint Health system and provides a full range of medical services to residents on the western side of the metro area . As a full-service hospital, it offers emergency care, surgical services, and various other medical specialties, ensuring that the community has access to quality care close to home.

The Iowa Clinic

The Iowa Clinic is the largest physician-owned, multi-specialty medical group in the Des Moines metropolitan area, and its primary location is a state-of-the-art 170,000 square foot facility in West Des Moines . Founded in 1994, the clinic represents a collaborative model where over 270 board-certified or board-eligible physicians practice in more than 40 specialties .

Key features of The Iowa Clinic include:

• Comprehensive Care: It brings together a vast network of specialists under one roof, including cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, orthopedics, and primary care .
• Specialized Expertise: The clinic has received national and statewide recognition for its teams, such as the Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep department, which is staffed by 10 physicians and advanced practice providers .
• Innovation: The clinic prides itself on being the first in its market to introduce new treatment options, preventive measures, and advanced diagnostic technologies . For example, its endoscopy lab has interventional capabilities, allowing for innovative procedures .
• Large Patient Base: With 11 other clinic sites throughout the metro and numerous rural outreach clinics, The Iowa Clinic serves a population base of 1.3 million patients, handling over half a million visits per year .

This makes The Iowa Clinic a central pillar of the healthcare landscape, not just in West Des Moines, but for the entire central Iowa region.

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