Great small communities near bustling Des Moines

By B.J. Smith

This central Iowa county boasts a bit of just about everything Iowa has to offer: small-town living, productive farms, bustling suburbs and big mall shopping. Dallas County was home to at least two genuine sports heroes and now is home to friendly, hard-working people who share a strong sense of community.

Dallas County’s location just outside of Des Moines has brought it some benefits of growth as the metropolitan area’s population expands, but it continues to keep its rural flavor and great small communities.

It is home to the state’s largest shopping center, Jordan Creek Town Center, in West Des Moines on the county’s eastern edge. Visitors and residents alike enjoy Dallas County’s wooded river valleys, historical sites and acres of some of the world’s most productive farmland. Baseball great Bob Feller’s home in Van Meter has been attracting tourists for decades. Nile Kinnick, the state’s first Heisman Trophy winner, was born and raised in Adel.

Outdoor attractions include the Racoon River Valley Recreational Trail, a popular route for runners, walkers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers; and the North Racoon River Water Trail, one of a growing number of such trails in the state. If history’s more your thing, plan to visit the Carnegie Library Museum and Forest Park Museum in Perry, the Grand Army of the Republic Museum in Redfield, and the Adel Historical Museum.

Adel also is home to the Penoach Winery, where you can stop for a sample and stroll through the vineyard. Before you go, also check the Conservation Board’s website for information on Dallas County’s picturesque parks.

Many Dallas County residents work in agriculture for companies including Hy-Line North America, which has headquarters in West Des Moines and a production operation in Dallas Center. Other big employers include Pioneer Hi-Bred in Dallas Center, the Stine Seed Company in Adel and United Brick and Tile, also in Adel.

Sources: Mark Hansen, Dallas County Board of Supervisors; Julie Bailey, Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.

Cities in Dallas County

Adel pop. 3435
Bouton pop. 136
Clive pop. 14125
Dallas Center pop. 1595
Dawson pop. 155
De Soto pop. 1009
Dexter pop. 689
Granger pop. 583
Linden pop. 226
Minburn pop. 391
Perry pop. 7633
Redfield pop. 833
Urbandale pop. 35904
Van Meter pop. 866
Waverly pop. 8132
West Des Moines pop. 51744
Woodward pop. 1200

Source: Iowa League of Cities