Western Gateway, IA

Des Moines

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 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
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 theater scene.

Western Gateway Park
#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!

Jordan Creek Town Center

You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater 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 theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

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

Iowa Events Center
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
The price is NT$4,498 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$4,498
NT$5,038 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,082 reviews)
Comfortable beds, clean, the most well dressed and courteous staff. I love the character this hotel has. It’s gorgeous.

Reviewed on 2026/2/16

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 NT$2,290 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$2,290
NT$2,564 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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 (725 reviews)
For

Reviewed on 2026/2/17

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
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 NT$2,238 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
NT$2,238
NT$2,507 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (979 reviews)
Good everything

Reviewed on 2026/2/11

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 NT$2,802 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$2,802
NT$3,138 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Great Rooms, pool and awesome breakfast

Reviewed on 2026/2/9

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 NT$4,768 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
NT$4,768
NT$5,340 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,041 reviews)
The hotel was beautiful and located in a walkable area of downtown. The room was clean and we enjoyed our weekend!

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

Des Lux Hotel
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 NT$2,771 per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
NT$2,771
NT$3,104 total
Mar 4 - Mar 5
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! (1,836 reviews)
All ok

Reviewed on 2026/2/15

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
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.

Other neighborhoods 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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sherman Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Sherman Hill
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 Principal Park 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
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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

Western Gateway, IA