Western Gateway Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Western Gateway
Popular places to visit
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore the great outdoors at John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
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.
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.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Iowa State Capitol Building
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in 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
Staff friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The staff was helpful. The shuttle service was excellent.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Fast and friendly check in. Good breakfast time and choices. Clean and friendly area.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Nice
Reviewed on 6 Nov 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Just alot of people so they were out of alot of things.
Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025
Des Lux Hotel
Really enjoyed the Des Lux. All of the staff were wonderful from the front desk, breakfast staff, housekeeping and bar. We splurged on Room 504--a decadent suite on the top floor with high ceilings, tons of windows looking down Locust, fireplace, wet bar, jacuzzi tub and separate shower. The room ...
Reviewed on 8 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 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 State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's 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
- Places of interest
- Hotels in Western Gateway by Star Rating
- Hotels in top Des Moines neighborhoods
- Search Western Gateway Hotel Brands
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Des Moines Public Library
- Western Gateway Park
- Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
- Adventureland
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Iowa Events Center
- Blank Park Zoo
- Principal Park
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- EMC Expo Center
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Saylorville Lake
- Merle Hay Mall
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Wooly's
