Western Gateway Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art, a garden and a city
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art and a garden
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art, a garden and a city
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring cuddly or friendly animals, a park and hiking or walking
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes outdoor art and a park

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

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 great live music and lively festivals.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Western Gateway Park

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
Adventureland

Adventureland

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Adventureland
Principal Park

Principal Park

You can take time to visit Principal Park during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Principal Park
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 NZ$228 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$228
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,012 reviews)
"Nostalgic property. Love the history and room was squeaky clean. Bed was very comfy. Will visit this property again!"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$226 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$226
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice property, clean room. Staff just weren't very friendly"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is NZ$127 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$127
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,512 reviews)
"This hotel is very handy as a park and fly hotel for flights out of the Des Moines Airport. The $5 daily parking rate is very reasonable."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,720 reviews)
"The feel of the place is inviting. I’m guessing the place was pretty popular/nice a few years back. Definitely in need of some modernization and cleaning. Overall, the stay was good. Kids enjoyed the indoor/outdoor pool. Again, I feel the place needs a thorough cleaning."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

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Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
2.5 out of 5
4995 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA
The price is NZ$130 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$130
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (930 reviews)
"The hotel was good."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines - Merle Hay Road
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is NZ$97 per night from 25 June to 26 June
NZ$97
25 June - 26 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (395 reviews)
"Room was very nice, clean and quiet"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
See all 745 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Western Gateway

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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, landscape views and a city

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 Polk County Courthouse or 801 Grand might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
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Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse 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
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

Grays Lake

While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Grays Lake

Western Gateway Travel Guide

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