Western Gateway, IA

Des Moines

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

Popular places to visit

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring outdoor art, a city and a park

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
Some amazing artwork that oddly resembles something out of a Tim Burton movie. Great park to explore and find inspiration.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Pappajohn Sculpture Park during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park
#urbanjungle

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 theater scene.

Western Gateway Park
The Tornado and Dragon roller coasters at Adventureland.

Adventureland

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

Adventureland
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Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater 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

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$139 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$156 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and 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! (1,023 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$78 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$87 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and 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 (569 reviews)
Just manage expectations and it’ll be fine!
"We booked to stay during the state fair with our 3 year old. The hotel is older, for sure. Certainly not a luxury establishment. That said, though, our rooms were clean. The AC worked very well in our room, almost freezing us out the first night until we adjusted it. Our room opened to the waterpark ..."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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
$73 nightly
The price is $82 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$82 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and 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! (1,577 reviews)
"We was able to leave our car here during our vacation they offered a breakfast at 4am for people having a early flight its a AMAZING breakfast We will us this hotel everytime we fly"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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
$68 nightly
The price is $76 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$76 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and 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! (543 reviews)
"Good price clean room for 8/10"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
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
$113 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$126 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and 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. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
$109 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$122 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total with taxes and 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! (1,763 reviews)
Love the hotel
"We love the room. Although the carpet in the hallways and it make it a little difficult to walk it still was a great stat."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 768 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 neighborhoods around Western Gateway

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes landscape views, a skyscraper and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4.5/5(711 area reviews)

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

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

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while in the area.

Court District
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Woodland Heights

While Woodland Heights might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Woodland Heights
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.

Historic East Village
Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Grays Lake

Though Grays Lake might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Grays Lake
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Columbus Park

Though Columbus Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Columbus Park
See our Where To Stay guide

Western Gateway, IA

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