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 great live music.
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 great live music 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 great live music 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 great live music and lively festivals.
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
A jewel nestled in downtown Des Moines. All of the staff was friendly and accommodating. Will definitely stay here again.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The second night of stay my room card did not work I had to go back to the desk to get re-programmed. After checking out I realized the next day I had left my phone charger. I stopped back by & they had to look in 3 different locations all to come up empty. They said call back maybe on housekeeping ...
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Loved our visit. We usually stay here when we go to Iowa, but our last visit was terrible. Unfriendly staff made sure we went somewhere else. I contacted corporate, and they said changes were being made at the property, so I thought we'd give it another shot. I'm glad we did. Friendly folks from ...
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Wildwood Lodge
We were disappointed that the hot tub was out of order during our stay. After a long day of wrestling the hot tub would have felt great on tired sore muscles and help keep them from cramping the following day during an another long day of wrestling. We also said that our room didn’t need to be turned ...
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Great as always
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
I had to extend my stay several times and the staff accommodated me just fine. Also the whirlpool, sauna and steam room and fitness/exercise rooms in the lower level are excellent [the sauna and steam weren't always on and heated up when I went down but maybe I was the first for the day = I didn't ...
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, 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.
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.
