Water Works Park

One of the world's largest collections of crab apple trees.

Visit Water Works Park

Popular places to visit

Beautiful mansion built in the 1920's after the King's House in Salisbury, England. Architecture from medieval and renaissance periods were shipped and featured in the manor including a vaulted ceiling Shakespeare performed under in his day.
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Salisbury House

You can learn about the history of Des Moines with a stop at Salisbury House. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Des Moines Art Center

Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.

Grays Lake which includes a garden and a lake or waterhole

Gray’s Lake Park

Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.

Iowa West Des Moines Raccoon River Lake State Park

Raccoon River Park

Raccoon River Park is just one of the places to see in West Des Moines, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.

Valley Junction

During your visit to West Des Moines, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Valley Junction. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.