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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Things to do
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Top hotels in Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Staff, vallet, and room service was amazing!
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Can’t get any better on the road. Terrific staff, super room, loved the noise deafening. A drunk guy and his girl came in very loud in the middle of the night. As soon as they closed their door, couldn ’t hear a thing. Eco-friendly.
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Wildwood Lodge
Breakfast was good and had more choices than most, hot tub and pool area looked really nice, but we didn't use. Room was clean and had everything needed would definitely stay again
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
The staff was friendly. The hotel was clean. Breakfast was great. Beautiful lobby. Would definitely go again!
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Left to early for breakfast - shuttle was great
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
Staff was very friendly from check-in to check -out. Great variety for breakfast. Kick backs are great.
Reviewed on 3 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 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.
