RAGBRAI LII July 19 - 26, 2025

RAGBRAI XLI Pass-Through Town Spotlight – Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines (Tuesday)

  • 25 June, 2013
  • Jared

VJ KC and the Sunshine Band-Valley Junction-West Des Moines IowaThe last stop before our overnight in Des Moines will be Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines.  Most of the Historic Valley Junction (established in 1893)  will be blocked off to host the RAGBRAI party.  It’s only 4 more miles to the main campground in Des Moines, so have some fun!

Join in the fun for the 1st Annual TOTALLY TUBULAR TUESDAY Celebration on Tuesday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  This FREE celebration of bicyclists includes a diverse group of exhibitors, food, drink and live music featuring THREE favorite local bands.  Ample and secure bicycle parking will be available in the 100 Block of 5th Street in Historic Valley Junction.  Vendors and beverage gardens will be set up in the 200 block with the stage located at 5th and Elm Streets.

Featured performers will be ABBY NORMAL at 11:30 a.m.; COMFORT ZONE at 1:30 p.m. and FAHRENHEIT at 3:30 p.m.

A leading Main Street Iowa community for twenty-six years, Historic Valley Junction, in West Des Moines, is six square blocks of antique and specialty shops, art galleries, fashion boutiques, hair salons, service businesses and restaurants.  As a Cultural and Entertainment District and an Iowa Great Place, Historic Valley Junction district boasts a safe, family friendly environment that pays homage to its true history, culture and heritage. The Historic Valley Junction Foundation hosts (65) events annually.

Please, visit our welcome center, at 137 5th Street, while you are in the area. Historic City Hall is one of the strongest visible reminders of where the City of West Des Moines began. Built in 1905, the building served as home to the fire department, jail and council chambers. In 2007, the City purchased the building. Great care was taken to restore and reuse as much of the original building as possible including the tin ceiling, hardwood floor and numerous other original fixtures. The primary tenant is the Historic Valley Junction Foundation. The building also serves as the welcome center in addition to community meeting space. The marvelously restored building is a source of pride to citizens, serves as a short history lesson to visitors and is a prime example of sustainability with LEED Platinum certification.

Be sure to stop in the Longest Yard, G Migs, Tavern Pizza or Nan’s Nummies for some fudge!

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