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

5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

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

4.5/5(522 reviews)

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

4.5/5(271 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Fairgrounds
The City Of Des Moines

Iowa Events Center

4.5/5(192 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Iowa Events Center
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

4.5/5(194 reviews)

After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

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 AED 494 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
AED 494
AED 553 total
25 Feb - 26 Feb
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! (1,081 reviews)
The room was very clean

Reviewed on 5 February 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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 AED 328 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
AED 328
AED 368 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
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! (1,007 reviews)
Great reception. Speedy and efficient checkin. Staff was all wonderful

Reviewed on 30 January 2026

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
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 AED 238 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
AED 238
AED 267 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
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! (1,739 reviews)
clean room pleasant staff. nothing fancy. airport runs 24/7 on the half-hours

Reviewed on 1 February 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is AED 559 per night from Feb 7 to Feb 8
AED 559
AED 626 total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
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! (1,030 reviews)
Terrific

Reviewed on 3 February 2026

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 AED 359 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
AED 359
AED 402 total
9 Feb - 10 Feb
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! (1,831 reviews)
Clean courteous staff

Reviewed on 28 January 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
The price is AED 321 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
AED 321
AED 360 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Room was good. Staff was very nice.

Reviewed on 31 January 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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

It’s the simple things that make a great dinner. Perfect spring rolls and cold beer are a great start!

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

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