Western Gateway Travel Guide

Des Moines

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring outdoor art and a park
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring a city, outdoor art and a park
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park showing a park, cuddly or friendly animals and outdoor art
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art and a garden

Popular places to visit

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city

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.

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Pappajohn Sculpture Park

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.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Western Gateway Park

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.

Western Gateway Park
Adventureland

Adventureland

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Adventureland
Principal Park

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

Principal Park
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

5/5(1 review)

A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Iowa State Capitol Building

Top hotels in Western Gateway

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,518 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,518
฿5,060 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,023 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
The price is ฿2,528 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿2,528
฿2,832 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
5.6/10 (569 reviews)
Just manage expectations and it’ll be fine!
"We booked to stay during the state fair with our 3 year old. The hotel is older, for sure. Certainly not a luxury establishment. That said, though, our rooms were clean. The AC worked very well in our room, almost freezing us out the first night until we adjusted it. Our room opened to the waterpark ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is ฿2,560 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿2,560
฿2,867 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,586 reviews)
"This property was well-maintained and immaculate. The rooms were spotless and the service was excellent. The only issue I encountered was a musty odor in the hallways that gave the building an “old” smell. Overall, however, my stay was excellent and I would gladly return if I’m in the area ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is ฿2,019 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,019
฿2,261 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (538 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundable
The price is ฿3,647 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿3,647
฿4,085 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is ฿3,166 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿3,166
฿3,546 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,764 reviews)
"We love the themed atmosphere and cleanliness."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 768 properties in Western Gateway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

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.

Downtown Des Moines
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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.

Court District
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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.

Woodland Heights
Historic East Village

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.

Historic East Village
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

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.

Grays Lake
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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.

Columbus Park

Western Gateway Travel Guide