The Shopping List
Get ready to shop 'til you drop in Greater Des Moines. Long considered the premier shopping and entertainment mecca in the state, the growth of West Des Moines and the revitalization of suburban Main Streets have elevated the region to the top of any Midwest shopping list. You’ll need at least a weekend to browse all the boutiques, explore the big box stores, and delight in all the entertainment options. If shopping is your bag, Greater Des Moines is the place to be!
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Day One: Jordan Creek Town Center
Jordan Creek Town Center is more than just a mall, it’s the anchor of an entire entertainment district and the heartbeat of West Des Moines. Think Disney World for the shopping set. This isn’t the past-its-prime deserted mall from your hometown. This is a vibrant and bustling place to see, be seen, and peruse big city stores with a healthy dose of Iowa Nice. Anchored by department stores like Von Maur, Dillard’s, and Scheels, you’ll find high end stores like the Apple Store, Anthropologie, lululemon, Pottery Barn, and Williams Sonoma alongside everyday favorites like American Eagle, H&M, and Aeropostale. Inside the mall you’ll find a food court with local eateries like Zombie Burger and 5 Borough Bagels mingling with national chains like Cheesecake Factory, Panera Bread, and Chick-Fil-A. And we haven’t even gotten to the 20-screen movie multiplex with all the fanciest seats, loudest speakers, and freshest popcorn.
Outside the mall, the options for food, drink, and frivolity are practically endless. Check out Iowa’s largest patio at Smash Park, offering pickleball, bocce ball, cornhole, Ping-Pong, and giant Connect Four. And that’s before you even step inside, where there are even more games, loads of TVs tuned to the big games, and a smashing good food menu. If golf is your game of choice, there’s a new Topgolf with 70 all-weather golf bays, 100 HDTVs, and a 22-foot video wall; or Putts & Pins, with its tech-infused, neon saturated mini golf, along with duckpin bowling. Speaking of bowling, there is also Spare Time, which has an arcade game zone with 75 games, laser tag, escape rooms, and luxury bowling.
You’ve probably worked up an appetite just reading about all of this activity, but don’t fear, West Des Moines is where hunger pangs go to die. Whether you prefer high end steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, and Prime and Providence or the family friendly stylings of Giordano’s, Dave & Buster’s, or Texas Roadhouse, there’s something for every taste within a few miles.
If, after all that, you need even more retail therapy, there’s a Costco, Dick Sporting Goods, REI, Nordstrom Rack, and West Glen Town Center, a little town-square like oasis with even more shopping options and places like Hurts Donut and Crumbl Cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Where to stay: Residence Inn by Marriott – located right along the trail encircling the pond at Jordan Creek!
Name brand highlights: Nike, DSW, Apple, Scheel's, LEGO, Athleta, Coach, Pottery Barn, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Williams Sonoma
Fun stuff nearby: Smash Park, Operating Room, Topgolf, Dave & Busters, Sunday summer concerts, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Putts & Pins
