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
The hotel is beautiful and I had the best night sleep.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Handicap room... bathtub?
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Front desk employees were very courteous. Rooms were nice, carpet is very out dated and shower was very yellow, but clean so. But I was on first floor people above me were going until 1:40 at night, after 3 hours of loud banding and what sounding like them dropping stuff I had had enough, called ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Room was large and comfortable, great for a relaxing stay. Breakfast was reasonable and long hours were convenient. Would gladly stay again.
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Wildwood Lodge
What a cozy place to stay. The Logcabin feel was all around. The staff were dressed professionally and we had a great stay. Ice/water and coffee all hours. Other than some bathroom tile work needed, our stay was great. Wish hot tub was available. Breakfast was delicious. Many options for picky eaters ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Nice big rooms with lots of gathering space
Reviewed on 28 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 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.
