Introduction to West Des Moines, Iowa
West Des Moines, Iowa, in Polk county, is located 5 miles W of Des Moines, Iowa (center to center) and is 117 miles E of Omaha, Nebraska. The people of the city are in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
West Des Moines History
West Des Moines was originally inhabited by the Sac and Fox Indians. In its early years, the city served as a trading and shipping junction. On October 9, 1893, it was incorporated as the city of Valley Junction. It was home to the switching facilities of Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. It was renamed to West Des Moines on January 1, 1938. During the 1990s and 2000s, the city expanded into Dallas County. It also annexed land in Warren County in 2005.
West Des Moines and nearby Attractions
- Historic Valley Junction
- Blank Park Zoo
- Historic Jordon House
- Des Moines Art Center
- Des Moines Botanical Center
- Walnut Woods State Park
Things To Do In West Des Moines
West Des Moines is home to many parks and open spaces including the Nineteenth Street Park, Ashawa Park, Fairmeadows Park, Meadow View Park, and Florer Park. The Ponderosa Public Golf Course, Glen Oaks Country Club, and Des Moines Golf and Country Club are the ideal destinations for golf lovers. One can enjoy shopping at the Valley West Mall and Westown Shopping Center. The Des Moines Botanical Center and Blank Park Zoo are also close by.
West Des Moines Transportation
Des Moines International Airport is nearby.
West Des Moines Higher Education
Drake University, Iowa State University, and Des Moines Community College are some of the nearest universities and colleges.
