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 acclaimed theatre scene.
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 lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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.
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 acclaimed theatre scene.
Top hotels in Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Everything wonderful!
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Clean room, friendly staff, so-so breakfast with very limited offerings. Very convenient to the airport, Gray’s Park, Blank Park Zoo, and easy access to downtown.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Des Lux Hotel
Love this place so much! We always stay here when visiting des moines, its beautiful, relaxing, clean, and very reasonably priced! This will forever be our des moines ‘go to’ hotel!
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Wildwood Lodge
Great staff. They worked hard to feed us and keep everything clean. I feel they went out of their way to make sure our stay was enjoyable.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Yes to both
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and Temple Theater, 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 Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden 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.
