Gateway Arch National Park

Rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River, Gateway Arch commemorates America’s westward expansion and St. Louis’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” Beneath the stainless-steel arch, discover inspiring stories of exploration, innovation, and determination that shaped the nation.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Ride the Tram to the Top – Step into a futuristic pod for a four-minute ride up to the top of the arch, where 16 east- and west-facing windows offer sweeping city and river views.
• Explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch – Wander exhibits beneath the Arch that trace America’s westward expansion and St. Louis’s transformation into a thriving frontier city.
• Visit the Old Courthouse – Walk through the beautifully restored landmark that hosted early proceedings of the Dred Scott case and learn about the fight for freedom and equality.
• Stroll the St. Louis Riverfront Trail – Enjoy a scenic walk along the Mississippi River , explore the Explorer Garden, and pause at the peaceful reflection ponds flanking the Arch.
• Watch the Park Film – View Monument to the Dream, a 28-minute documentary that captures the vision, engineering ingenuity, and determination behind building the Gateway Arch.

Itinerary Idea: Explore Gateway Arch National Park starting with a guided tram ride to the top. Visit the Museum at the Gateway Arch, plus stops at key St. Louis landmarks for a look into the city’s past.

Photo Credit: Missouri Division of Tourism