Western Gateway Travel Guide
Des Moines





Visit Western Gateway
Popular places to visit

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Whimsical, entertaining and provocative can easily describe the artwork at this outdoor gallery that provides new meaning and life to sculptures.

Western Gateway Park
After visiting Western Gateway Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed theatre scene.

Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Top hotels in Western Gateway

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Amazing is not the word for this place! Staff was amazing! Totally excited our expectations
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Room a little dirty
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Des Lux Hotel
The room was nice. Very romantic. The heat in the room, like literal heater was very good when it was so cold outside.
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Friendly, helpful front desk agent. Room was clean and comfortable.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Room was clean but temperature was too warm
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Nice
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway

Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Downtown Des Moines
The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.

Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
