Pictured: Jordan Creek Mall
Explore the best of the city with this action-packed weekend.
Whether you’re into shopping and dining, biking and paddling, playing games with friends and family, playing a round of traditional or mini golf, or finding bliss at a spa, West Des Moines has enough for a multiday trip.
Friday
Book a room on the west side of town at one of the numerous chain options. Tonight is all about Jordan Creek Town Center and the surrounding area.
Happy hour. Start the night on a relaxing note with a glass of wine, brew or cocktail. Some of the top spots are the rooftop patio at Wellman’s Pub (classic pub), Bar Louie (martinis and microbrews), and BeerStyles Taproom and Gastropub (Iowa beers and deep-dish pizza).
Diverse dining. There’s something for everyone at Jordan Creek. Fast casual, fine dining, ethnic cuisine and steakhouses supreme are all delicious. And both local and higher-end chains are available. For more on the local dining scene, see our guide here.
Super shopping. Jordan Creek mall is the state’s premier place to shop national brands such as the Apple Store for tech, Scheels for outdoor gear, Dillard’s for fashion and Sephora for beauty. Fashionistas can peruse H&M, J.Crew, Anthroplogie and more.
Great entertainment. Cap off the night to match your mood. Looking for a laugh? Funny Bone Comedy Club consistently delivers. Wanting an adventure buzz before bed? Try the Escape Rooms — it takes about an hour to work your way through the tricky spaces. And for a movie after dinner and shopping, pick your flick at Century 20 Jordan Creek inside the mall.
Saturday
Explore some of the city gems, including nature getaways, then shop and dine at independent businesses in Historic Valley Junction.
Fresh starts. Head out early and fuel up your family’s way. For those who love sweets, try Hurts Donut Co. or Mahalo’s Coffee (both in the Jordan Creek area) for little bites. For a lighter option, order a smoothie or bowl of healthy goodness at Big Acai in Valley Junction.
Outdoor pursuits. Natural areas bordering the Raccoon River provide a number of ways to get outside and refresh. Hikers love exploring the somewhat hilly 4 miles of trails at Brown’s Woods Nature Preserve. Nearby, find a few miles of flat trails at Walnut Woods State Park. Raccoon River Park is the premier place to paddle in the area; rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard to explore Blue Heron Lake. And cyclists can hop on and connect to a larger network of trails in Greater Des Moines — it’s possible to spend an entire day pedaling through the landscape.
Leisurely afternoon. Plan on spending the rest of the day in Historic Valley Junction. Grab a bite and a beverage at one of the local restaurants or pubs (pizza, sandwiches, Asian and more). Then stroll through the shops to discover one-of-a-kind finds, whether antiques, jewelry, artwork, vintage jeans or other. After shopping, end your day at the Hall, a communal space with drinks, comfort cuisine and an always-joyous ambience. You’ll make some new friends.
Sunday
After a hearty breakfast, pack in one more adventure or take in some self-care.
Just say brunch. Feeling hungry? There’s all-you-can-eat at Gilroy’s Kitchen, plus bottomless bloody marys, screwdrivers and mimosas for an extra charge. Barn Town Brewing features build-your-own omelets, skillets, pancakes and more (there’s also a kid menu). And for the most over-the-top bloody marys (including one topped with a chicken sandwich), try Early Bird on University Avenue.
Family time. Play off some of that breakfast at one of the area’s fun zones. Smash Park in Jordan Creek has pickleball, cornhole, an arcade, darts and shuffleboard. For another outdoor experience, play 18 holes of mini golf or just focus on your swing at West Grand Golf. For indoor play with myriad possibilities, head to the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex west on Grand Avenue. It’s got hockey and ice skating, soccer fields, pickleball, bags, esports and more. And free fun is always on deck at the city’s 1,500 acres of parks.
Self-care bliss. If you love yoga, Power Life in Jordan Creek offers a free week, so you can work in a barre or other class before heading a few doors down for a treatment at the Spa at West Glen (it’s a perfect combo). Other area spas include Estilo Salon and Day Spa, and Serenity Couture.
Adult fun and games. Play a full round or two of golf at one of the area’s courses. Willow Creek is public; book a tee time online. And for a more aggressive activity, perfect your ax-throwing skills at Ironside Axe Club.
