West Des Moines — Population: 46,403
Historic Valley Junction, the original downtown of West Des Moines, Iowa, features six square blocks of unique antique and specialty shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, hair salons, service businesses and restaurants. Besides serving the West Des Moines community, which is Iowa's fastest growing city and Des Moines' largest suburb, Historic Valley Junction draws visitors from throughout the United States.
Neither a small town nor a big city, the historic district, located in the valley of the Raccoon River, is a gentle reminder of days gone by and a hub of present day hustle and bustle. A reoccurring theme in Valley Junction is its rich railroad history. Key to the success of the area is the Historic Valley Junction Foundation, founded when West Des Moines was named a Main Street Iowa community in 1987. The organization is well-known for its street events, which include antique and art festivals, a farmers market, open houses and special sales promotions. Visit Historic Valley Junction!
Valley Junction Foundation
217 5th Street
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
phone: 515/222-3642
fax: 515/274-8407
Town History
Like many Iowa towns in the late 1800s, Valley Junction experienced a major economic boom from 1891 to 1896. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad moved its East Des Moines roundhouse, switching yards and repair shops to the Valley Junction area, which at that time was primarily a community of coal miners. With the news of the railroad's move into the area, several area businessmen formed the Hawkeye Investment Company and purchased 40 acres of land east of Eighth Street; thus, downtown Valley Junction was born.
Incorporated on October 9, 1893, the town's name, Valley Junction, was selected to describe a junction town located in the valley of the Raccoon River. The Valley Junction of that era boasted a trolley line, 8-foot-wide wooden sidewalks, three banks, three drugstores and numerous "boarding houses" of questionable character. By 1938, many changes had been made in the community and its name was changed to West Des Moines. As the importance of the railroad dwindled, Valley Junction fell on hard times and virtually fell asleep until the late 1960s. Today, it is a thriving retail and service district and a popular tourist destination.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Specialty Shops & Restaurants - Over 120 to choose from!
Annual Events
- May to September - Farmers Market with Music in the Junction - Over 60 vendors sell produce, homemade foods and crafts to the sounds of live bands every Thursday.
- June, August and September - Antique Jamborees - Street antique shows are held on the second Sunday of these three months, featuring 150 vendors from all over the Midwest.
- November and December - Holiday Open Houses - Valley Junction is aglow with holiday magic on the Thursday evenings immediately before and after Thanksgiving. Carolers, Santa, a talking Christmas tree, and special treats and sales at merchants are part of the holiday fun.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property, contact the Valley Junction Foundation at 515/222-3642.
Local Links
Valley Junction
|
