Welcome to Des Moines West KOA Campground in Adel Iowa. This beautiful well manicured Campground offers all of the amenities and comforts of home. Visit them soon and relax. Find Iowa RV Parks near Adel Iowa 50003. You'll be sure to create memories the whole family can enjoy for generations.
Des Moines West KOA has a country charm that's certain to make you feel right at home! We offer all pull-through/full hook-up RV sites, camping cabins, deluxe cabins (lodges) and endless tent camping sites. Relax in your lawn chair, fish at the private lake, splash in the heated pool or visit with your neighbor. Enjoy the small-town charm of Winterset - home of the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne's birthplace. Experience all West Des Moines has to offer with shopping malls, specialty/antique shops and restaurants galore!
Spend the day at Living History Farms in Urbandale to learn how Iowans lived and farmed in the 1800's. In Des Moines, tee off at one of the many golf courses, visit the new Pappajohn Sculpture Park, tour the gold-domed capital, visit the Science Center/IMAX Theater, Art Center, Blank Park Zoo and much more!
Directions: 17 miles west of West Des Moines on I-80 Exit 106(P-58 or L Avenue). North 1.5 miles on right is 34308 L Avenue Adel - Des Moines IA.
Amenities:
100% Full Hookup RV Sites
100% Pull Through RV Sites
Basketball Court
Beer
Cabins
Clean Restrooms & Showers
EZ On & Off I-80
Families Welcome
Fire Pits & Picnic Tables
Fishing Pond
Full Amenity Lodges
Gifts & Souvenirs
Groceries
Heated Swimming Pool
Horseshoe Pits
Huge Dog Park
Ladder Golf Courts
Laundry Facilities Open 24 Hours
Local Wines
Military Discounts
Motorcycle Clubs
No Interstate Noise
No Trains
Organized Activities
Peaceful & Quiet
Playground
RV Clubs & Rallies
RV/Camping Supplies
Spacious Tent Sites
Wide & Spacious Sites w/ Grass
Local Attractions:
Living History Farms
Discover American’s agricultural heritage as you walk through three working farms - each with authentic crops and livestock. Learn how Native Americans began growing crops in Iowa at the 1700 Farm. See how early farmers opened the prairie with oxen at the 1850 Farm. Find out how the horse-power and cast-iron machines revolutionized agriculture at the 1900 Farm. In the 1875 town of Walnut Hill, join in the excitement of a bustling Iowa frontier town with 14 homes, shops and businesses.
Bridges of Madison County
Visit the historic covered bridges, popularized by Robert James Waller's novel, "The Bridges of Madison County" and the feature film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Roseman Covered Bridge was built in 1883 across the Middle River, southwest of Winterset, Iowa.
Science Center of Iowa and IMAX Dome Theater
A 110,000 square foot facility will house three theaters - IMAX Dome Theater, John Deere Adventure Theater and Star Theater, seven themed interactive galleries, the Iowa Learning Center, gift shop and food cafe.
John Wayne Birthplace
While in Des Moines, you should check out the birthplace of an American Icon, John Wayne. See where life began for this world famous star. The four-roomed home built in 1880 has been brought back to its appearance of 1907. Here you can reminisce on the 'Duke's' life by viewing the memorabilia and photographs. Visit the gift shop and welcome center, too. The house is open for public tours.
Blank Park Zoo
Plan a trip to the Blank Park Zoo on your visit. Animals from five different continents roam through magnificently landscaped habitats. These simulated habitats feature natural exhibits where visitors can observe over 1,000 different species. For children of all ages, there is also a petting area. A gift shop and snack bar complete the Zoo's attractions.
Art Center
The Art Center complex is composed of three buildings situated at the entrance to Greenwood Park, an impressive hilltop location for this award-winning design by the internationally known architects, Saarinen, Meier and Pei. It's a fitting structure to house the wonderful collections inside. The works of many famous artists from the 19th and 20th centuries are inspiration for taking one of the many classes offered here from painting to sculpture to photography, papermaking, ceramics and many more. Whether a family workshop or an individual project, there's a great variety to choose from. The Art Center is well known for its neighborhood outreach programs. The Arts after Hours program happens on the first Friday of each month bringing live entertainment to the Art Center. There's also a cash bar and coffee bar. A wide variety of lectures, readings, poetry and films are regularly scheduled at the Center, a gem of culture in the heart of Des Moines.
Botanical Center
"The Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for the people of Iowa. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown. Roughly 15,000 plants, tropical, sub-tropical and desert plants. The center is open all year around 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day).
Historic Valley Junction
If you fancy just strolling and browsing, then come down to Historic Valley Junction. Here you'll find over 120 shops! Antiques, art galleries, framing, bakeries, gourmet foods, clothing, floral and bouquets, furniture and home decor, gifts and collectibles, hair and beauty, jewelry, photography, restaurants and bars, specialty stores and more! Fun by day or night!
Salisbury House
Salisbury House is a 42-room mansion located in Des Moines, Iowa. Modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, this American Castle is nestled on a ten-acre estate of virgin woodlands in the heart of Iowa's capital city. Iowans Carl and Edith Weeks built Salisbury House between 1923 and 1928. True to the history and design of the King's House, Salisbury House reflects the Tudor, Gothic, and Carolean periods of architecture. The mansion contains authentic 16th century English oak, English flintwork, and rafters that date back to the time of Shakespeare. Salisbury House is filled with the Weeks' original furnishings and collection of rare objects of art, paintings, tapestries, books, and letters. Salisbury House has been called a "national treasure" by the National Trust For Historic Preservation and was featured on the national television series America's Castles on the A & E Cable Network and Home and Garden Television's Christmas Castles.
Shopping Malls
Jordan Creek Town Center
A new shopping mall has opened in West Des Moines! Jordan Creek Town Center is a $200 million, 200-acre retail, dining, entertainment, and recreation development. The "shopping district" is a two-level enclosed shopping center featuring a dynamic combination of upscale fashion and lifestyle retailers in a streetscape design. The "lake district" highlights a 3.5 acre lake surrounded by bike trails, pedestrian walkways, and a boardwalk offering waterfront dining, a hotel and amphitheater. The "Village" hosts a collection of large and specialty retailers in an open-air lifestyle design with 120+ stores and dozens of eateries! Just 15 minutes from the KOA!
Merle Hay Mall
With over 100 merchants and a shopper-friendly facility of more than 1.2 million square feet, Merle Hay Mall offers our guests the opportunity to not only shop but to eat, explore, play and so much more. Visit Merle Hay Mall's website for more information.
Valley West Mall
There are 135 choices of specialty shops, department stores, restaurants and service stores located in West Des Moines. Visit Valley West Mall's website for more information.
West Glen Town Center
This "new urban" town center promotes its chic retail and unique establishments featuring home furnishings, art, wine, clothing, spa services, and more. Visit their website for a complete listing of shops and events!
Discover Adel! Adel, Iowa Adel Historical Museum
The Adel Historical Museum located at 1129 Main Street.
This two-story brick building was built in 1857 as the schoolhouse for the Adel community. While known to have been the residence of Leroy Lambert, an early community leader, the building will be remembered by many as Thornton's boarding and rooming house from 1898 until 1943. It is one of Adel's oldest standing buildings. This building is home to many of Adel's historic treasures.
The Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul Depot
Ninth Street - Adjacent to Bike Trail (Hefner, Bergkamp & Braland, P.C.)
This early 1900s depot was built to serve the railroad running through Adel until 1952 when the last passenger train ceased service. The railbed is currently the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
The Dallas County Courthouse
An outstanding example of French Chateau architecture, the (fourth) Dallas County Courthouse was built in 1902 at a cost of $109,000 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior of the courthouse has undergone a complete restoration and is the corner stone of Adel's Historic District.
The Methodist Episcopal Church
Raccoon Valley State Bank Community House (Eleventh and Main)
Constructed in 1862, this was the first church built in Adel. It was used by the congregation for 25 years and later became a private residence. In 1995 the building was renovated by the bank for use by community groups. Interior decor includes a collection of historic photographs of Adel which can be viewed by appointment.
Boyhood Home of Nile Kinnick
219 North Twelfth Street
Nile Kinnick was born in Adel on July 9, 1918 to Nile Sr. and Frances Clarke Kinnick. He was a standout athlete at Adel High School and at the University of Iowa where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1939, having scored 107 of the 130 points scored by the Hawkeyes that year. Kinnick was a Navy pilot during World War II and died on June 2, 1943 when his plane went down. In 1972 the University of Iowa football stadium was named in his honor.
George W. Clarke House
207 North Fifteenth Street
This residence was the home of George W. Clarke, Iowa Governor from 1913-1917, both before and after his term in office. He practiced law in Adel and maintained his office in the Adel State Bank where he nearly was killed in the famous 1895 robbery (see Adel State Bank). Beginning in 1900 he was elected to four terms in the state house, and in 1913, Governor. Following his public service, Clarke served as Dean of the Drake Law School and practiced law in Des Moines before returning to Adel. The house remains a private residence.
Adel State Bank
107 North Ninth Street (Cameo Rose)
This building was the scene of a famous bank robbery in which one robber was killed and six Adel men wounded. George Clarke, later Governor of Iowa, practiced law on the second floor. During the robbery, one of the hold-up men pulled the trigger on Clarke at pointblank range but the gun misfired and the future governor was saved. The incident happened in March, 1895.
Visit West Des Moines, Iowa
If you have a day trip in mind, you are sure to have a comfortable, quality, and enjoyable time in West Des Moines. The entertainment, dining, and shopping options make West Des Moines a great place to visit year-round and the special events are a big draw for people looking to celebrate.
Shopping Mall - Merle Hay Mall
Merle Hay Mall
With over 100 merchants and a shopper-friendly facility of more than 1.2 million square feet, Merle Hay Mall offers our guests the opportunity to not only shop but to eat, explore, play and so much more.
Shopping Mall - Valley West Mall
Valley West Mall
There are 135 choices of specialty shops, department stores, restaurants and service stores located in West Des Moines.
Golf - West Grand Golf
West Grand Golf
Rated "Best Miniature Golf" by Cityview magazine. Enjoy this 18-hole miniature golf course, driving range, putting green, and picnic area located in West Des Moines.
Golf - Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course
Fun, fast, scenic and inviting - that's Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course. When you're in the mood for a quick nine on a beautiful day, you'll find just what you need at Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course. Sugar Creek Golf Course includes rolling hills, several wooded areas, numerous water hazards along with a few bunkers to test players of all skill levels. Sugar Creek also boasts some very large bent-grass greens to challenge your short game. The conditioning of the fully irrigated Bluegrass fairways and tees have also been improved in recent years. The practice facility at Sugar Creek has over an acre of tee space to ensure golfers of the finest turf conditions. The practice tee overlooks 5 irrigated target greens at varying distances. The practice putting green at Sugar Creek is one of the largest in the Midwest! Putting, chipping, pitching and sand bunker areas are all clearly marked. There is a pro shop and snack bar on site, with indoor (non-smoking) and outdoor clubhouse seating for your comfort. Well maintained golf carts are always on hand with continuous cart paths from tee to green. Located in Waukee.
Winery - Penoach Vineyard and Winery
As you crest the hill just north of Adel, you'll come across a place where the roots of the past meet the ways of today. That place is Penoach Vineyard & Winery. The 1900-era farmstead nestled into 10 acres of grapevines and is surrounded by gently rolling hills. The barn, originally built in 1917, has been transformed into a relaxing place where you can gather with friends for a sample of Penoach wine and good conversation. At Penoach, they take care of their wine from start to finish. Eight different varieties of grapes are grown just steps from the patio. Visitors can walk through the grape vines and see first-hand the quality of their product. If you are looking for something new to try or want to learn about the wine-making process, they invite you to come and enjoy a sample of wine in a place with the heart of Iowa and the soul of wine country! The Des Moines West KOA proudly sells a great selection of Penoach Wine.. Check out the wine rack display in their camp store!
Winery - Dale Valley Vineyard
Located in Stuart, Iowa, a 100-year old, one-room school house serves as the tasting room and gift shop for Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery. Sample wines, enjoy a bottle of wine on the deck while relaxing and taking in the spectacular view! The Des Moines West KOA proudly sells a great selection of Dale Valley Wine.. Check out the wine rack display in the camp store!
Winery - Madison County Winery
Madison County Winery is a startup native Iowa winery with vineyards located in both Madison and Story counties. Both vineyards are now in production and were planted in 2001 and 2000 respectively. Our Madison County site is located just west of St. Charles, IA while the Story County site is located just south of Colo, IA. The Des Moines West KOA proudly sells a great selection of Madison County Wine. Check out the wine rack display in their camp store!
Adventureland Altoona Adventureland Altoona is located approximately 4 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Adventureland Altoona in Altoona, IA Banner Mine State Wildlife Mgt Area Banner Mine State Wildlife Mgt Area is located approximately 16 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Banner Mine State Wildlife Mgt Area in Carlisle, IA Big Creek State Park Big Creek State Park is located approximately 14 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Big Creek State Park in Polk City, IA Blank Park Zoo Blank Park Zoo is located approximately 11 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Blank Park Zoo in Norwalk, IA Confluence Brewing Confluence Brewing is located approximately 4 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Confluence Brewing in Ankeny, IA Court Avenue Brewing Court Avenue Brewing is located in Des Moines. Read more about Court Avenue Brewing in Des Moines, IA Granite City Food & Brewery Granite City Food & Brewery is located approximately 12 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Granite City Food & Brewery in Clive, IA HeiderHouse Brewing HeiderHouse Brewing is located approximately 4 miles from Des Moines. Read more about HeiderHouse Brewing in Ankeny, IA Lake Ahquabi State Park Lake Ahquabi State Park is located approximately 26 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola, IA Ledges State Park Ledges State Park is located approximately 27 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Ledges State Park in Luther, IA Margo Frankel Woods State Park Margo Frankel Woods State Park is located in Des Moines. Read more about Margo Frankel Woods State Park in Des Moines, IA Olde Main Brewing Olde Main Brewing is located approximately 25 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Olde Main Brewing in Ames, IA Raccoon River Brewing Raccoon River Brewing is located in Des Moines. Read more about Raccoon River Brewing in Des Moines, IA Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is located approximately 11 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery in West Des Moines, IA Walnut Woods State Park Walnut Woods State Park is located approximately 13 miles from Des Moines. Read more about Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines, IA White Water University White Water University is located approximately 10 miles from Des Moines. Read more about White Water University in Windsor Heights, IA