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 great live music.
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 lively festivals and great live music.
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
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 acclaimed theatre scene.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Top hotels in Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Clean room, beautiful property. Front desk staff preferred to text me than talk to me. Odd. The Hob Nob coffee shop was wonderful and makes great coffee!! Thank you Eve!
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Room was clean, bedding comfortable, breakfast was good and location was good
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Yes
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Good
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Breakfast was good and parking was close and snow removed.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel was so nice! The room was clean, and the breakfast was soooo good. I love the vibes of the hotel and the decor.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 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.
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.
