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 lively festivals and great live music.

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

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

Principal Park
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

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.

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$262 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$262
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice property. Great location in downtown, very walkable. Checked in late with no problems. Would certainly stay here again"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
The price is NZ$147 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
NZ$147
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.6/10 (538 reviews)
"The water park is nice because my kids love to swim. We were there for 3 nights and i beer the kids swam for 12 hours. I wish the arcade was cheaper but it was okay. Had some plumbing issues but overall a good stay."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
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$139 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$139
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (1,586 reviews)
"Drain in shower was really slow."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is NZ$254 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$254
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Staff were very nice! Rooms were clean. It was busy the night we stayed, but we had no issues with noise disturbances."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
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$128 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$128
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (507 reviews)
It's good enough
"It is adequate and rooms have been updated. The pool is closed and there is no snack bar. There is complimentary coffee. The lication is close to the nterstate, Jordan Creek Mall, and several food options."

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is NZ$184 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$184
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,773 reviews)
"A great stop for the night after a long day of driving"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 772 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, 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 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 State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's while you're in town.

Historic East Village
Grays Lake featuring 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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