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.
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 lively festivals.
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 acclaimed theatre scene.
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
Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025
Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025
Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025
Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025
Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025
Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway
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 Polk County Courthouse or 801 Grand 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 Polk County Courthouse 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.
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.