Entry No. 61 — the Des Moines file — filed under: hands-on

Candle Bar DSM

A pour-your-own candle bar tucked into Historic Valley Junction with a fragrance wall of more than 100 scents spanning clean, fruity, floral, and seasonal notes. You pick a one-, two-, or three-wick vessel, layer your own scent blend with staff help, and pour; the finished candle needs about two hours to set, so it doubles as an excuse to wander the Valley Junction shops while it cools. Reservations run on the hour and the bar holds up to fifteen.

The move: Each build a custom multi-scent candle off the 100-plus fragrance wall, then stroll Valley Junction's antique shops while they set.

📍 Before you go Open Wed-Sat 11am-7pm and Sun 11am-4pm (closed Mon/Tue). Reservations are one hour and booked on the hour; have your exact headcount ready. Candles take ~2 hours to fully solidify.

• 📍 Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 130 5th St Suite A, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23