Iowa Shopping Malls and Outlets

Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines is Iowa's largest shopping mall with over 1.34 million square feet of retail space and 140+ stores. Opened in 2004, it features upscale retailers including Iowa's only Apple Store, along with anchors like Dillard's, Von Maur, Scheels All Sports, and Century Theatres. The mall also includes a unique lakefront boardwalk, making it a premier shopping destination in the Midwest. It's the 24th largest shopping complex in the United States.

Iowa has two major outlet shopping destinations: Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona (at I-80 and US-65) and Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg (I-80 Exit 220). The Outlets of Des Moines offers convenient access for the Des Moines metro area with brands like Michael Kors, kate spade, Nike Factory, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg, Iowa's first outlet mall since 1991, features over 260,000 square feet with 30+ stores including Nike Clearance, Columbia, Coach, and Old Navy. Both centers offer savings up to 70% off retail prices and provide free Wi-Fi and amenities for shoppers.

Most Iowa shopping malls operate Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Hours vary by location and individual stores may have different operating times. During the holiday season (late November through December), malls typically offer extended hours to accommodate gift shoppers. All Iowa malls are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Many malls also open early (around 9:00 AM) for mall walkers. It's recommended to check the specific mall's website or call ahead for exact hours, especially during holidays or special events.

Yes, parking is free at all Iowa shopping malls including Jordan Creek Town Center, Coral Ridge Mall, Southern Hills Mall, and all outlet centers. This is a standard amenity across the state's retail landscape. Most major malls also offer ample parking spaces with ADA-compliant accessible parking near entrances. Many malls are conveniently located near interstate highways (I-80, I-35, I-235, I-29) making them easily accessible for both local shoppers and travelers. During peak shopping periods like Black Friday or the holiday season, parking lots can become crowded, so arriving during off-peak hours (weekday mornings or early afternoon) is recommended for easier parking access.

Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville is the largest and most comprehensive shopping destination in Eastern Iowa. As the second largest mall in the state, it features over 100 specialty stores anchored by Dillard's, JCPenney, and Scheels All Sports. What sets Coral Ridge apart are its unique attractions including an indoor ice arena, children's museum, and indoor carousel, making it a family-friendly destination beyond just shopping. Located approximately 5 miles from Iowa City near the University of Iowa, it offers free parking and is easily accessible. The mall serves the Iowa City/Coralville area and draws shoppers from throughout Eastern Iowa. For Cedar Rapids area shoppers, Lindale Mall (serving the community since 1960) offers nearly 100 stores with both national chains and local retailers.

Iowa malls offer diverse entertainment beyond traditional shopping. Movie theaters are common, including Century Theatres at Jordan Creek Town Center, AMC Theatres at Southern Hills Mall, and North Grand Cinema in Ames. Family attractions include Coral Ridge Mall's indoor ice arena, children's museum, and carousel. Merle Hay Mall has transformed into an entertainment hub with FLIX Brewhouse (micro-brewery and movie theater), Game Day Lanes bowling alley, Dinks Pickleball (74,000 sq ft facility), and Kids Empire play area. Many malls feature food courts and full-service restaurants like Olive Garden, Chick-fil-A, and P.F. Chang's. Additional amenities include Barnes & Noble bookstores, arcades, and specialty entertainment venues. Some malls like Kennedy Mall host special events such as the Dubuque Winter Farmers Market (November-April) and mall walking programs for fitness enthusiasts.

The best times to find deals at Iowa outlet malls include Black Friday (typically 7am-9pm with special promotions), seasonal clearance events, and year-round promotional sales. Both Outlets of Des Moines and Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg regularly offer savings up to 70% off retail prices. To maximize savings, visit the Food Court information area to pick up additional discount coupon pages. For weather considerations, spring through fall offers the most comfortable shopping experience at these open-air outlets, as winter weather can be challenging with limited protection from cold and snow. Weekday mornings typically see fewer crowds than weekends. Major sale periods include back-to-school (August), holiday season (November-December), and post-holiday clearance (January). Many individual outlet stores also run their own sales and promotions, so checking store websites or signing up for email lists can alert you to additional savings opportunities.

Iowa shopping malls feature several major department store anchors. Von Maur, a Midwest department store chain, anchors multiple Iowa malls including Jordan Creek Town Center, Lindale Mall, Westdale Mall, and NorthPark Mall. Dillard's serves as an anchor at Jordan Creek Town Center, Coral Ridge Mall, and NorthPark Mall. JCPenney maintains a strong presence with locations at Southern Hills Mall, NorthPark Mall, North Grand Mall, and several other centers. Scheels All Sports, a sporting goods chain, anchors Jordan Creek Town Center, Coral Ridge Mall, and Southern Hills Mall. Kohl's operates at Merle Hay Mall and North Grand Mall, while Target anchors Merle Hay Mall. Other anchors include specialty retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods (Kennedy Mall) and discount stores like TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and Shoe Carnival at various locations throughout the state.

Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville stands out as the most family-friendly shopping destination in Iowa with unique attractions specifically designed for children. The mall features an indoor carousel that kids love, a children's museum offering educational activities, and an indoor ice arena for skating year-round. Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines also offers excellent family shopping with its lakefront boardwalk, 20-screen Century movie theater, and diverse dining options in a spacious, upscale environment. Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines has transformed into an entertainment destination with Kids Empire play area, FLIX Brewhouse theater, and Game Day arcade and restaurant, making it ideal for combining shopping with family fun. Many Iowa malls offer family amenities including food courts, clean restrooms with changing facilities, stroller-friendly wide corridors, and family parking areas. During the holiday season, several malls host special family events and activities.

Iowa has approximately 38 shopping malls and centers across the state, ranging from large regional malls to smaller community shopping centers. The state's major enclosed malls include Jordan Creek Town Center (Iowa's largest), Coral Ridge Mall, Southern Hills Mall, NorthPark Mall, Lindale Mall, Merle Hay Mall, Kennedy Mall, North Grand Mall, and Westdale Mall. These malls serve major population centers including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City/Coralville, Davenport (Quad Cities), Sioux City, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Ames. Additionally, Iowa has two outlet shopping centers: Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona and Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg. The state's malls collectively house over 500 retail stores, offering everything from national department store chains to local specialty boutiques, along with dining and entertainment options serving communities throughout the Hawkeye State.