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 great live music or attend a sporting event.
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.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
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 Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Top hotels in Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was very clean
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Had to get a different room because our had not been cleaned. The grandkids had a blast though. Loved playing in the pool area and the arcade.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
Good everything
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Great Rooms, pool and awesome breakfast
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Des Lux Hotel
The front desk lady was very nice and helpful! This was one of my favorite places to stay. So thank you all.
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
This is the 2nd year I booked for my husband’s birthday. Really enjoyed it last year. This year the fireplace did not work, they made it right and the staff was very friendly. We’ll be back next year!
Reviewed on 8 Feb 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.
