Discover a variety of things to do in and around West Des Moines

Set near the intersection of I-80 and I-35, the Country Inn & Suites, Des Moines West, IA gives you easy access to the area’s top things to do, starting with shopping and dining in downtown Des Moines. If you’re here with kids, you can spend a day on roller coasters at Adventureland Park, take a ride on the Heritage Carousel, or meet the animals at Blank Park Zoo. For a taste of Iowa culture, tour the stunning Iowa State Capitol and browse the works at the Des Moines Art Center. If you need a break from on-site meetings, Jordan Creek Town Center offers great shopping and dining less than three miles from the hotel, or you can enjoy an evening outing to a star-studded event at Wells Fargo Arena.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Food & Drinks
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping

Adventureland Park

15.21 mi / 24.48 km from the hotel
Board a roller coaster or a fun family ride at this seasonal amusement park. During the summer, don’t miss Breaker Beach Wavepool and the Caribbean Cruiser lazy river at Adventure Bay water park.

Blank Park Zoo

9.9 mi / 15.93 km from the hotel
Meet giraffes, African lions, red pandas, sea lions, and more at this 22-acre Des Moines zoological park, home to more than 1,400 inhabitants from over 100 animal species.

Des Moines Metro Opera

19.82 mi / 31.89 km from the hotel
If you’re visiting the area during the Summer Festival Season, make plans to see Des Moines Metro Opera perform pieces like Manon and Billy Budd.

Drake University

6.48 mi / 10.43 km from the hotel
Attend a concert, an art exhibition, or a Bulldogs basketball game on Drake’s 150-acre campus near downtown Des Moines.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

8.62 mi / 13.87 km from the hotel
A world of plant life, including an impressive bonsai collection, awaits you at this 12-acre garden beside the Des Moines River.

Simpson College

19.82 mi / 31.89 km from the hotel
Cheer on the Storm athletes at Cowles Fieldhouse and Buxton Stadium, or take a tour of this liberal arts institution.

Wells Fargo Arena

8.28 mi / 13.32 km from the hotel
Part of the Iowa Events Center complex, this world-class arena accommodates up to 17,000 guests for sporting events, concerts, and conventions.

Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

8.81 mi / 14.18 km from the hotel
Set in the 51-acre Union Park, this replica early-1900s carousel provides nostalgic fun the whole family will enjoy.

Jasper Winery

7.18 mi / 11.56 km from the hotel
Learn more about the world of winemaking in the tasting room before enjoying a glass of wine made from locally grown grapes. If you’re visiting in summer, the winery hosts a free outdoor concert series on site.

Prairie Meadows

15.44 mi / 24.85 km from the hotel
At this popular entertainment complex, you can enjoy exciting Thoroughbred and quarter horse races, a vibrant casino, lively concerts, and a variety of special events.

Jordan Creek Town Center

2.6 mi / 4.19 km from the hotel
After browsing through the latest fashions at American Eagle or picking up a good book at Barnes & Noble, you can relax over dinner at one of the restaurants in this two-million-square-foot shopping center.

Iowa State Capitol

9.18 mi / 14.78 km from the hotel
This beautiful building is well worth a visit both for the spectacular architecture and for the art and artifacts that line its halls. Take a guided tour to hear amazing stories and get a glimpse of lawmakers at work.