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 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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals 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
"The coolest hotel with so much character. Staff were amazing, very friendly and helpful. Room was perfect. Clean, fresh and great view. Breakfast was delicious. The sandwich and coffee were great. Walking distance to many other restaurants. This will be the hotel I stay at in Des Moines from now ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Staff was friendly. Bed and pillows were comfortable. Bathroom and room were clean but our room smelled like mildew."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
"This Motel 6 was exactly as advertised. I was very pleased with my room and the property. Double lock door was nice too. Thank you! I will stay here again when traveling to WDM."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Wildwood Lodge
"Staff was accommodating, room was clean and staff at breakfast were constantly checking on foods and keeping things clean. We had an excellent experience!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Des Lux Hotel
"Staff and room were exceptional in everyway!"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
"Always a pleasure to stay here. Everything in the room was great and the staff is very nice and helpful. We will stay again."
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 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 John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park 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.
