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 great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Things to do
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Top hotels in Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great staff. Beautiful rooms
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Overall great stay , staff was very accommodating!
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Wildwood Lodge
We had a great stay at Wildwood. The WiFi worked well, the rooms were clean, the pool was fun, the fire pit and fireplace were on and ready for guest, and the staff was helpful and kind. The breakfast had a lot of options (waffles, biscuits and gravy, eggs, cereal, apples, toast, bagels, yogurt, ...
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel is is our favorite in Des Moines. Full of fantastic art and super comfortable! You're going to love the rooms, lounge, and the breakfast. It's perfect for a couple's getaway or professional trip.
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
This hotel is the mid point on our trip. We've stayed here several times and it's always fine.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
First time staying at a Drury. Fantastic experience. Included quality food and drinks in the evening, Great room, comfortable bed, GREAT staff and the breakfast was very good. We will definitely stay here again. Most bang for the buck we’ve seen.
Reviewed on 7 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.
