Des Moines West KOA

Living History Farms

Discover American’s agricultural heritage as you walk through three working farms - each with authentic crops and livestock. Learn how Native Americans began growing crops in Iowa at the 1700 Farm. See how early farmers opened the prairie with oxen at the 1850 Farm. Find out how the horse-power and cast-iron machines revolutionized agriculture at the 1900 Farm. In the 1875 town of Walnut Hill, join in the excitement of a bustling Iowa frontier town with 14 homes, shops and businesses. Visit Living History Farms online for more information.

Bridges of Madison County

Visit the historic covered bridges, popularized by Robert James Waller's novel, "The Bridges of Madison County" and the feature film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Roseman Covered Bridge was built in 1883 across the Middle River, southwest of Winterset, Iowa. Visit The Bridges of Madison County online for more information.

Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, signifies the prodigious spirit of Iowa. Built between 1871 and 1886, this magnificent building represents, both inside and out, one of the nation's finest examples of 19th century architecture. One of the most commanding features of the building is the towering dome constructed of steel and brick and is externally gilded with 23-karat gold leaf. Visit The State Capitol online for more information.

Science Center of Iowa and IMAX Dome Theater

A 110,000 square foot facility will house three theaters - IMAX Dome Theater, John Deere Adventure Theater and Star Theater, seven themed interactive galleries, the Iowa Learning Center, gift shop and food cafe. Visit Iowa's Science Center online for more information.

John Wayne Birthplace

While in Des Moines, you should check out the birthplace of an American Icon, John Wayne. See where life began for this world famous star. The four-roomed home built in 1880 has been brought back to its appearance of 1907. Here you can reminisce on the 'Duke's' life by viewing the memorabilia and photographs. Visit the gift shop and welcome center, too. The house is open for public tours. Visit The Birthplace of John Wayne online for more information.

Blank Park Zoo

Plan a trip to the Blank Park Zoo on your visit. Animals from five different continents roam through magnificently landscaped habitats. These simulated habitats feature natural exhibits where visitors can observe over 1,000 different species. For children of all ages, there is also a petting area. A gift shop and snack bar complete the Zoo's attractions.Visit Blank Park Zoo online for more information.

Art Center

The Art Center complex is composed of three buildings situated at the entrance to Greenwood Park, an impressive hilltop location for this award-winning design by the internationally known architects, Saarinen, Meier and Pei. It's a fitting structure to house the wonderful collections inside. The works of many famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries are inspiration for taking one of the many classes offered here from painting to sculpture to photography, papermaking, ceramics and many more. Whether a family workshop or an individual project, there's a great variety to choose from. The Art Center is well known for its neighborhood outreach programs. The Arts after Hours program happens on the first Friday of each month bringing live entertainment to the Art Center. There's also a cash bar and coffee bar. A wide variety of lectures, readings, poetry and films are regularly scheduled at the Center, a gem of culture in the heart of Des Moines. Visit The Art Center online for more information.

Botanical Center

"The Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for the people of Iowa. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown. Roughly 15,000 plants, tropical, sub tropical and desert plants.  The center is open all year around 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Visit The Botanical Center online for more information.

Historic Valley Junction

If you fancy just strolling and browsing, then come down to Historic Valley Junction. Here you'll find over 120 shops! Antiques, art galleries, framing, bakeries, gourmet foods, clothing, floral and bouquets, furniture and home decor, gifts and collectibles, hair and beauty, jewelry, photography, restaurants and bars, specialty stores and more! Fun by day or night! Visit Valley Junction online for more information.

Salisbury House

Salisbury House is a 42-room mansion located in Des Moines, Iowa. Modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, this American Castle is nestled on a ten-acre estate of virgin woodlands in the heart of Iowa's capital city. Iowans Carl and Edith Weeks built Salisbury House between 1923 and 1928. True to the history and design of the King's House, Salisbury House reflects the Tudor, Gothic, and Carolean periods of architecture. The mansion contains authentic 16th century English oak, English flintwork, and rafters that date back to the time of Shakespeare. Salisbury House is filled with the Weeks' original furnishings and collection of rare objects of art, paintings, tapestries, books, and letters. Salisbury House has been called a "national treasure" by the National Trust For Historic Preservation and was featured on the national television series America's Castles on the A & E Cable Network and Home and Garden Television's Christmas Castles. Visit Salisbury House online for more information.

Shopping Malls

Jordan Creek Town Center
A new shopping mall has opened in West Des Moines! Jordan Creek Town Center is a $200 million, 200-acre retail, dining, entertainment, and recreation development. The "shopping district" is a two-level enclosed shopping center featuring a dynamic combination of upscale fashion and lifestyle retailers in a streetscape design. The "lake district" highlights a 3.5 acre lake surrounded by bike trails, pedestrian walkways, and a boardwalk offering waterfront dining, a hotel and amphitheater. The "Village" hosts a collection of large and specialty retailers in an open-air lifestyle design with 120+ stores and dozen of eateries! Just 15 minutes from the KOA! Visit Jordan Creek's website for more information.

Merle Hay Mall
With over 100 merchants and a shopper-friendly facility of more than 1.2 million square feet, Merle Hay Mall offers our guests the opportunity to not only shop but to eat, explore, play and so much more. Visit Merle Hay Mall's website for more information.

Valley West Mall
There are 135 choices of specialty shops, department stores, restaurants and service stores located in West Des Moines. Visit Valley West Mall's website for more information.

West Glen Town Center
This "new urban" town center promotes its chic retail and unique establishments featuring home furnishings, art, wine, clothing, spa services, and more. Visit their website for a complete listing of shops and events! Visit West Glen online.

Discover Adel! Adel, Iowa
Adel Historical Museum

The Adel Historical Museum located at 1129 Main Street.
This two-story brick building was built in 1857 as the schoolhouse for the Adel community. While known to have been the residence of Leroy Lambert, an early community leader, the building will be remembered by many as Thornton's boarding and rooming house from 1898 until 1943. It is one of Adel's oldest standing buildings. This building is home to many of Adel's historic treasures. See http://discoveradel.com/welcome for more information.

The Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul Depot

Ninth Street - Adjacent to Bike Trail (Hefner, Bergkamp & Braland, P.C.)
This early 1900s depot was built to serve the railroad running through Adel until 1952 when the last passenger train ceased service. The railbed is currently the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

The Dallas County Courthouse

An outstanding example of French Chateau architecture, the (fourth) Dallas County Courthouse was built in 1902 at a cost of $109,000 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior of the courthouse has undergone a complete restoration and is the corner stone of Adel's Historic District.

The Methodist Episcopal Church

Raccoon Valley State Bank Community House (Eleventh and Main)
Constructed in 1862, this was the first church built in Adel. It was used by the congregation for 25 years and later became a private residence. In 1995 the building was renovated by the bank for use by community groups. Interior decor includes a collection of historic photographs of Adel which can be viewed by appointment.

Boyhood Home of Nile Kinnick

219 North Twelfth Street
Nile Kinnick was born in Adel on July 9, 1918 to Nile Sr. and Frances Clarke Kinnick. He was a standout athlete at Adel High School and at the University of Iowa where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1939, having scored 107 of the 130 points scored by the Hawkeyes that year. Kinnick was a Navy pilot during World War II and died on June 2, 1943 when his plane went down. In 1972 the University of Iowa football stadium was named in his honor.

George W. Clarke House

207 North Fifteenth Street
This residence was the home of George W. Clarke, Iowa Governor from 1913-1917, both before and after his term in office. He practiced law in Adel and maintained his office in the Adel State Bank where he nearly was killed in the famous 1895 robbery (see Adel State Bank). Beginning in 1900 he was elected to four terms in the state house, and in 1913, Governor. Following his public service, Clarke served as Dean of the Drake Law School and practiced law in Des Moines before returning to Adel. The house remains a private residence.

Adel State Bank

107 North Ninth Street (Cameo Rose)
This building was the scene of a famous bank robbery in which one robber was killed and six Adel men wounded. George Clarke, later Governor of Iowa, practiced law on the second floor. During the robbery, one of the hold-up men pulled the trigger on Clarke at pointblank range but the gun misfired and the future governor was saved. The incident happened in March, 1895.

Visit West Des Moines, Iowa

If you have a day trip in mind, you are sure to have a comfortable, quality, and enjoyable time in West Des Moines. The entertainment, dining, and shopping options make West Des Moines a great place to visit year-round and the special events are a big draw for people looking to celebrate. Visit the city of West Des Moines online for more information.