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.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. 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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Top hotels in Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Excellent stay as always! Amazing bar/speakeasy.
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
It WASNT missing any plug ins or USB ports!!!!
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Staff
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel is absolutely beautiful. The most aesthetically pleasing place I've ever stayed. Everything was perfectly clean and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Best hotel breakfast I've had since pre-covid. I would have expected to pay much more for how lovely this place is. Cannot recommend ...
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
The room was nice and staff was nice
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Easy parking, great location. Sandy at the front desk was amazing and so helpful.
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025
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 Terrace Hill 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.
Grays Lake
While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Western Gateway Travel Guide
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Adventureland
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- EMC Expo Center
- Val Air Ballroom
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Living History Farms
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Simpson College
