Title: Western Gateway Travel Guide: Best of Western Gateway, Des Moines Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Western Gateway](https://expedia.co.uk/Western-Gateway-Hotels.d943633779787128832.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Western Gateway Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Western-Gateway.d943633779787128832.Car-Hire-Guide)[Western Gateway Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Western-Gateway.d943633779787128832.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Western Gateway Travel Guide ## Des Moines ![Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/943633779787128832/6a18315e-1004-4aa8-9db4-df4436335dc5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/943633779787128832/6a18315e-1004-4aa8-9db4-df4436335dc5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3fd53d65-2892-4196-a7e5-581ca425d8ec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![A twisted yet cool looking sculpture with the Des Moines skyline behind.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/88e94e8a-6d80-4cc6-aaec-1b91b451b613.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![#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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/1c2879b0-285d-4456-a0c2-be4a41fc7df2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Western Gateway Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Des Moines travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines.dx601690) --- ### Popular places to visit ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287745/70da177b-291c-41d5-bfe8-a67bedc0da89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6287745.Attraction) ![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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3fd53d65-2892-4196-a7e5-581ca425d8ec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Western-Gateway-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d943633316897447936.Attraction) ![#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7697/fe78d7ee-0a03-4f79-8969-84173b479d67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Jordan Creek Town Center You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Jordan-Creek-Town-Center-Des-Moines.d6075052.Attraction) ![Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075034/2051c68f-71ac-45d5-9669-f8a38d0018a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Fairgrounds 5/5(1 review) Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Fairgrounds-Des-Moines.d6075034.Attraction) ![The City Of Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6182643/5f25345e-4b87-46c8-a453-6ece959e8868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa Events Center Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-Events-Center-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6182643.Attraction) ![Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/f301caa2-002c-4d78-bd31-24a2e8360fe6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Des-Moines.d6075016.Attraction) --- ## Top hotels in Western Gateway ![Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9375/9e4e0ef2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton 1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA £111 25 Feb - 26 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,083 reviews) The room was very clean Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F02%2F2026&endDate=26%2F02%2F2026&selected=9375&PinnedHotelID=9375&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=943633779787128832) ![Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/49000000/48260000/48251500/48251406/b9f3330e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University 2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA £74 15 Feb - 16 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews) Clean, spacious, great amenities, and the sheets were super soft. Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=15%2F02%2F2026&endDate=16%2F02%2F2026&selected=48251406&PinnedHotelID=48251406&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=943633779787128832) ![Des Lux Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9790000/9781500/9781455/e7f9fb30_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Des Lux Hotel 800 Locust St Des Moines IA £125 9 Feb - 10 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,035 reviews) The front desk lady was very nice and helpful! This was one of my favorite places to stay. So thank you all. Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=9781455&PinnedHotelID=9781455&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=943633779787128832) ![Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1160000/1152300/1152222/8b967b66_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston 5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £73 10 Feb - 11 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,831 reviews) Clean courteous staff Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=10%2F02%2F2026&endDate=11%2F02%2F2026&selected=1152222&PinnedHotelID=1152222&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=943633779787128832) ![Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/49900/49826/23994ff1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport 1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA £53 23 Feb - 24 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,741 reviews) We stay here several times a year whenever we travel anywhere! The staff is always great and the room and breakfast is always excellent. Add to that a reasonable price and you can’t beat it! We also can park our car there while we’re gone making it so very convenient ❤️ Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=23%2F02%2F2026&endDate=24%2F02%2F2026&selected=49826&PinnedHotelID=49826&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=943633779787128832) ![Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1840000/1836200/1836184/2af2a76d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines 5505 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines IA £82 12 Feb - 13 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews) Front desk ladies were so helpful Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F02%2F2026&endDate=13%2F02%2F2026&selected=1836184&PinnedHotelID=1836184&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=943633779787128832) [See all 832 properties in Western Gateway](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026®ionId=943633779787128832) 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. ## Check Western Gateway hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=943633779787128832&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=943633779787128832&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=943633779787128832&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[9 Feb - 10 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=943633779787128832&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=943633779787128832&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=943633779787128832&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods 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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/dfa4efe1-572b-45b7-88a3-5585ce209258.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Sherman-Hill.dx553248635976473805) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/bb738539-0a8e-4cbb-ac84-e1faee874e8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Downtown-Des-Moines.dx6060027) ![View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/607b74cc-d813-4d23-bb1e-516dbcef5c66.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Court District Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Court-Avenue-Entertainment-District.dx6170624) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Woodland-Heights.dx897427645883760640) ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/ebea9667-4252-4df6-8e4a-88c1c6460fd2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Historic-East-Village.dx6170617) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Columbus Park While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Columbus-Park.dx897427496291811328) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Western Gateway Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app