Western Gateway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.
Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.
Pappajohn sculpture park in Des Moines,28 sculptures located in a wee park. Worth a wee look if your passing through. Thought these two were quite good/creepy.
A twisted yet cool looking sculpture with the Des Moines skyline behind.
#adventure “Nomade,” by the Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, a 27-foot-tall hollow human form made of a latticework of white steel letters, which looms over Locust Street, the one-way eastbound thoroughfare through Des Moines’s compact business district. The park is named for John and Mary Pappajohn, a Des Moines venture capitalist and his wife, who have given the 24 sculptures — valued at some $40 million — to the community through the Des Moines Art Center.

Popular places to visit

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art, 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 in Des Moines,28 sculptures located in a wee park. Worth a wee look if your passing through. Thought these two were quite good/creepy.

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
#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!

Jordan Creek Town Center

5/5(1 review)

You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center
Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area

Iowa State Fairgrounds

Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

Iowa Events Center
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes 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

Our pick of the best Western Gateway Hotel Deals

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
The price is AU$228 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$228
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,088 reviews)
Great room, restaurants, and staff.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines

Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines

2 out of 5
7625 Office Plaza Dr N West Des Moines IA
The price is AU$127 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$127
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
Everything was perfect!

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
The price is AU$142 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$142
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
Clean room. Friendly, professional, caring and accommodating staff! Free breakfast was amazing!

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is AU$241 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
AU$241
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,050 reviews)
The room was spotless, the bed was super comfortable, breakfast was good and the staff was so nice. Would definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Des Lux Hotel
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek

3 out of 5
295 South 64th st West Des Moines IA
The price is AU$148 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$148
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
loved the room

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
The price is AU$146 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$146
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Room and entire hotel was very clean. Staff very friendly.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
See all 832 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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway

Great, unique coffee joint in Des Moines. I love the vintage Midwest feel, old tin coka-cola signs and all. The snickers latte is worth a try or cool off with a Sioux City Sarsaparilla.

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.

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

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 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

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.

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 Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

Historic East Village
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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

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