Getting Here

Easy to Find – Hard to Forget!

Valley Junction is compact, level, full of great businesses, and eminently walkable.

We are a quick drive south from the 63rd St. exit on I-235 in Des Moines, heading north on Rte. 28, or heading east on EP True Parkway/Railroad Ave. in West Des Moines. Valley Junction is about a ten minute drive from the Des Moines International Airport. Look for the arch at Fifth and Railroad, and you’ll know you’ve arrived!

If you’re driving here, please note that Fifth St., which runs up the middle of the commercial district, is one way headed north. You’ll find ample on-street parking, as

well as off-street lots accessible from Fourth and Sixth Sts., which are two way. Pedestrian walkways connect the public lots to the activity along Fifth St., and there are public restrooms. All parking is free.

A comprehensive parking study of the district was undertaken as part of the Historic West Des Moines Master Plan to examine capacity, availability, and projected needs. You can read it here.

The district is served by two DART bus lines – the Ingersoll/Valley Junction Local Route 11 and the West Des Moines Loop Local Route 72. Both routes pick up and drop off at Fifth and Elm, right in the heart of Valley Junction. To improve access to public transit for all residents, adults (65+), persons with disabilities, veterans, middle and high school students within Polk County, and refugees can ride DART at a reduced rate through one of DART’s reduced fare programs.

For cyclists, the Jordan Creek Trail runs just south of our district. We strongly encourage cycling!