Western Gateway Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
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.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Our pick of the best Western Gateway Hotel Deals
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room is clean and comfortable designed very nicely, check-in was easy. We felt secure and it was very nice and quiet.
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Everything was great!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
The room was clean, staff helpful!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Lo único que no me gustó fue que la piscina no estaba funcionado al maximo
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Nice older building.
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Room was clean and spacious. Liked the free parking and breakfast options.
Reviewed on 6 Jan 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 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.
