Railroad Park

A Glimpse of Railway History

Located in the Historic Valley Junction area of West Des Moines, Railroad Park might be small in size, but it's big on character. This little green space is popular with both locals and visitors throughout the year.

True to its name, the park celebrates the railway roots that once defined Valley Junction. The star attraction? A beautifully restored train caboose that stands as a charming reminder of the area's bustling railroad past.

Summer Nights & Live Tunes

During summer, Railroad Park becomes especially lively on Thursday evenings. The "Music in the Junction" concert series takes over, running alongside the popular Valley Junction Farmers Market.

Locals affectionately call these gatherings the "Thursday Function in the Junction" - and for good reason. Various bands take to the stage, filling the warm evening air with live music while friends spread out blankets and settle in for a relaxing night outdoors.

You'll discover plenty of food and drink vendors scattered throughout, adding to the festive vibe. Word to the wise: plan to arrive early on Thursdays. The events are pretty popular, and parking spots can disappear quickly!

What You'll Find

The park's performance pavilion hosts summer concerts and other community events. Look around and you'll notice the period lighting that adds a warm, historic glow to the space - a thoughtful touch that complements Valley Junction's overall character.

On regular days, there's plenty of parking available, making Railroad Park a convenient starting point for exploring the Valley Junction neighborhood. Portable restrooms are also available on-site when nature calls.

While it may be one of West Des Moines' smallest parks, Railroad Park makes clever use of its space. The landscaping provides a nice green space within Valley Junction's urban setting.