Places That Make West Des Moines Feel Like Fall
Pumpkins. Coffee. Trails. Dinner. Fall in West Des Moines hits different, and we've mapped out how we like to spend it so you don't have to. Here are the places that make West Des Moines feel like fall.
Cozy Coffee: St. Kilda Collective, Coffee Cats Cafe, and Corazon Coffee Roasters
Head to Historic Valley Junction for a good cup of coffee on a crisp fall day. St. Kilda Collective's Spanish latte will warm you right up. Want some cat cuddles with your coffee? Stop by Coffee Cats Cafe, where you can hang out with adoptable cats from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Or want a bag of roasted goodness to bring home? Swing by Corazon Coffee Roasters for small-batch roasted coffee.
Bakery Stop: 515 Bakery and Tous les Jours
515 Bakery is a West Des Moines home-based bakery. Order online, then pick up fresh cookies and breads. Want to walk in and browse? Tous les Jours at Jordan Creek has pastries, cakes, and coffee all under one roof.
Trails Made for a Fall Walk
Raccoon River Park has West Des Moines' own lake, beach, and walking trails, and it's beautiful once the leaves turn. For something quieter, do the shaded 3-mile Raccoon River Trail loop through Walnut Woods State Park.
Windsor Heights Fall Fest
Windsor Heights Fall Fest is October 2 and 3 at Colby Park, right next door to West Des Moines. Expect hayrides, pumpkin decorating, a bonfire, and fireworks, so bundle up and bring the family.
Howell's Pumpkin Patch: Worth the Short Drive
Okay, technically this one is not in West Des Moines. It's about 20 minutes south in Cumming. But it's a classic fall family outing where you can pick your own pumpkins, enjoy cider and donuts, and let the kids run. We take our kids here every year!
Dinner With Fall Energy
Head back to Valley Junction and hit Cooper's on 5th for cozy comfort food and craft cocktails. If you want a little fancier vibe, head to Prime & Providence for date night.
Bonus: Barn Town Brewing
West Des Moines' own local brewery is laid-back, family-friendly, and a good excuse for a seasonal pint after a fall walk.
Don't Miss Illumifest
Illumifest is one to put on the calendar every September. Hot air balloon rides, inflatables, and circus performances at West Des Moines City Campus, free, and about as fall-kickoff as it gets. This year's was September 19, so mark your calendar for next year.
This Is Why We Love Calling West Des Moines Home
Which one are you trying first? Drop your pick in the comments, or tell us what we missed! And if you're thinking about buying or selling here this fall, I'm always happy to chat. Call or text me at 515.708.4572 or email steven@sbreiowa.com.
