Free & Cheap Things to Do in West Des Moines, IA

  • The list below includes 60 free or cheap things to do in or near West Des Moines, Iowa, including 52 different types of inexpensive activities like Mini Golf, Art Gallery, Bowling and Children's Play Area.
  • From Raccoon River Park to West Grand Golf, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in West Des Moines and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Indianola.
  • The list below includes 60 free or cheap things to do in or near West Des Moines, Iowa, including 52 different types of inexpensive activities like Mini Golf, Art Gallery, Bowling and Children's Play Area.
  • From Raccoon River Park to West Grand Golf, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in West Des Moines and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Indianola.
Showing 91-100 of 101
36.1 Miles
78% 176 votes
Scenic Railroads 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036 MoreLess Info
Preserved and maintained by the Iowa Historical Society, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a working rail line and mobile museum that offers rides on vintage locomotives. It is open seasonally and closes each winter.
36.4 Miles
100% 3 votes
Parks 56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010 MoreLess Info
Featuring the 6.5-acre McFarland Lake, McFarland Park provides 5.5 miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking. It can be used for fishing, picnicking, camping and exploring the woodland, tallgrass prairie and stream habitats located in the park.
36.8 Miles
76% 301 votes
Race Tracks 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr, Newton, IA 50208 MoreLess Info
Motorsports rule at the Iowa Speedway, a world-class automobile racing facility in Newton, Iowa. The Iowa Speedway hosts many NASCAR events, offers driving classes and is a popular concert venue.
40.3 Miles
97% 157 votes
Camping Site 1105 Highway T-15, Knoxville, IA MoreLess Info
Iowa's largest lake, Lake Red Rock, is located within an hour's drive from Des Moines. The lake spans 15,000 acres, with an additional 35,000 acres of coastland. It is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, fishing and kayaking.
41.4 Miles
92% 48 votes
Landmarks US Highway 25, Greenfield, IA MoreLess Info
Greenfield, Iowa's most unusual feature is Freedom Rock, a massive chunk of granite painted to honor Iowans who have served in the Armed Forces. Its creator, artist Bubba Sorensen, re-paints the rock annually.
42.8 Miles
100% 12 votes
Libraries 603 Main Street, Pella, IA 50219 MoreLess Info
Running since 1855, Pella Public Library provides visitors with a plethora of books to choose from in different formats like digital and audio. The city hosts a genealogy club where members of the town can learn about their family history.
42.8 Miles
100% 1 votes
Movie Theaters 708 Main Street, Pella, IA 50219 MoreLess Info
Pella Cinema is a quaint theater located in Pella. Locals enjoy taking in a new film on one of the theaters three screens while enjoying refreshments from the snack bar.
42.9 Miles
100% 2 votes
Historic Districts 714 E 1st Street, Pella, IA 50219 MoreLess Info
The Vermeer Mill was constructed in 2002 in the local historic district, based on the windmills familiar in old Europe. An actual working facility, guides offer tours and insight on the milling process and its history in the area.
43.0 Miles
11% 951 votes
Historic Sites 507 Franklin Street, Pella, IA MoreLess Info
Pella, Iowa's Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House is a living history museum. Its two-story main building is available for docent-guided tours. Each tour lasts roughly 45 minutes. Visitors are also welcome to explore many parts of this attraction on their own.
43.0 Miles
100% 2 votes
History Museums 507 Franklin Street, Pella, IA 50219 MoreLess Info
The Pella Historical Society is a group dedicated to preserving and promoting the local history of the area. Tours are offered of the many local historical attractions, including a history museum, flower gardens, and the childhood home of Wyatt Earp.
Showing 91-100 of 101
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE West Des Moines AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!