A National Park in the middle of a city? I thought the same thing upon discovering there was a National Park in downtown St. Louis. A stop at the Arch has long been a part of many day trip and weekend in St. Louis itineraries. But visiting Gateway Arch National Park sounds a little different. One of the newest addition to the National Park Service, many people may not even realize the Gateway Arch became a National Park in February of 2018.
Unlike the natural wonders we’ve come to associate with National Parks, Gateway Arch National Park is different. Practically in the heart of downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is an urban wonder. As a man-made structure, its designation as a National Park has many people wondering what is a National Park. Also, what is the difference between the Arch, and our beloved national monuments like the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore.
By the way, I am Laura, the creator of the former website Under Cover Travel Agent. As a resident of the Midwest and a travel professional, I visited Gateway Arch National Park one year after its new designation so I could answer these questions for myself, and my clients, as well as provide information to readers.
Although previously a monument, the decision to designate the area a National Park was largely due to its size and available activities. There are quite a few things to do at Gateway Arch National Park! Usually monuments are a single structure that encompass very little area. While the Gateway Arch is a structure, the National Park comprises of not only of the Arch and the tram within it, but also the Old Courthouse, the grounds along the Mississippi River and the new Gateway Arch museum. Its protection as a National Park is also due to its significance in United States history.
There are many people who would probably argue man-made structures should not be National Parks, but I don’t believe that. A National Park is by definition a scenic or historically important area protected by the federal government for the enjoyment of the general public or preservation of wildlife. And while you may consider your kids to be wild and full of life, the government doesn’t classify them as wildlife. However, I promise they will enjoy Gateway Arch National Park and be glad for its preservation.
The History of the “Gateway to the West”
Previously the Jefferson Expansion Memorial, the Gate Arch paid tribute to Thomas Jefferson’s contribution to westward expansion. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson essentially doubled the size of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase. After that, he launched the expedition of Lewis and Clark to explore the newly purchased territory, starting in St. Louis. Westward expansion was always a goal of Thomas Jefferson and he contributed more to it than any other person in history.
Once the frontier was opened, St. Louis rapidly grew to the 5th largest city in the United States. St. Louis Union Station was at one time the busiest train station in the entire country, and people flocked to the western states in search of land and prosperity. The impact of all of this was celebrated after 100 years, at the 1904 World’s Fair, officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exhibit, held in what is now St. Louis Forest Park. The city was truly a gateway to the western states, and in some ways, the future.
It would be another 60 years before construction of a monument to this expansion was begun, although plans had been being laid for almost 20 years. An international contest to design a monument fitting of the Louisiana Purchase and St. Louis’ role in westward expansion brought in dozens of entries, but after 2 rounds of evaluation the groundbreaking design for the arch was unanimously selected.
Things to Do at Gateway Arch National Park
Entrance to Gateway Arch National Park normally cost $3.00 per person, but there are select free days, and it is sometimes free during low tourist season.
Obviously the Arch itself is the highlight of the park, but there are plenty of other things to do at Gateway Arch National Park, including the award-winning “Monument to the Dream” documentary film, a new museum, the Old Courthouse, the surrounding riverfront area and walking trails, and the Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises. Although not technically part of the park, there are also helicopter viewing rides available along the riverfront.
The new Gateway Arch Museum celebrates St. Louis and Westward Expansion, and documents the history of the Arch’s design. More than the Memorial Arch and museum, the Old Courthouse is a historic site that symbolizes the continuing fight for freedom in our country.
Perhaps most important for families, there is a Junior Ranger program, and upon completion, children can be sworn in as Junior National Park Rangers!
In addition, there are two gift shops in the park, The Arch Shop, and the Old Courthouse Shop. There are also 2 cafes in the park. The Arch Cafe, LLC, features a number of St. Louis specialties, including St. Louis style ribs and toasted ravioli, and more basic burgers and sandwiches, while the seasonal Paddlewheel Cafe on the riverboat dock offers made to order sandwiches and snacks.
In the sunlight, the Arch is truly dazzling offering selfie takers and photographers a spectacular backdrop, from a multitude of different perspectives. It is spectacular in every season, and photos never do justice. Getting out on the trails, which are accessible, and along the river presents a set of entirely new vantages.
Visitors can experience a thrill by taking the tram inside the Arch to the top for $19.00. For children, the rate is discounted to $15.00 and infants are $11.00 on weekends. Space is very limited, so in this cases, even babies are not free.
Each tram capsule is essentially a small pod which holds 5 seated guests in a groundbreaking design. Each leg of the arch has a train of 8 connected capsules. A ride to the top takes 4 minutes, while the ride down takes 3 minutes.
At the top of the Arch there is a small observation are with 16 windows on each side, facing the Mississippi River and Illinois farmlands to the east, and the city of St. Louis to the west. On a clear day, the view is said to encompass 20 miles in each direction. Visitors can stay at the top as long as desired, but there are no facilities in the observation area.
In my opinion the observation area at the top of the arch doesn’t offer the very best views of St. Louis, so if you’re afraid of heights or claustrophobic you may want to skip the tram. Regardless, the brilliance of the tram is it’s ingenious design, which you can learn all about during the 35 minute documentary “Monument to the Dream,” or the “Building the Arch” section of the museum.
It is recommended that visitors watch the feature film prior to visiting the top of the Arch. The movie explains the complex design and engineering facets of the Arch and its tram system, and the challenges of building it. This helps visitors understand just what a wonder the Arch itself actually is. Movie entrance is $7, which includes the park entrance fee.
To get another unique vantage of the Arch and the city from March through October, be sure to take a ride on one of the Gateway Arch Steamboat cruises. The Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher are named for the iconic Mark Twain hero from nearby Hannibal, is home on the St. Louis riverboat dock. There are a number of different cruises which offer insight into city life when Mississippi was the primary means of transport and trade, and the foundation of the area economy. A basic cruise begins at $19, but on weekends, a sunset dinner cruise and a Sunday brunch cruise are offered.
Tickets for all 3 of these attractions, the tram to the top, the feature documentary, and the basic steamboat ride, can all be purchased on site. However, on high traffic days, such as weekends and peak summer travel periods, tickets can sell out, or they can require a very long wait. If you are traveling during a busy time, it is best to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Tickets for all attractions include the $3 park admission fee in them, so once you pay “full price” for one attraction, the others are all $3 less than the advertised price. You can purchase the “See Everything” combo ticket which includes entrance, the tram to the top, the “Monument to the Dream” documentary, and the basic Mississippi River cruise, for $35.00 for adults and $28 for children.
In my opinion, the best view of the city, and the Arch, is from the riverfront overlook across the river in East St. Louis, at the Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park. Take the Eads Street Bridge across the river, and turn left on Riverpark Drive. The park features an immense pond center fountain, the Gateway Geyser, and 5 story observation deck. Not only does the deck offer stunning views of the city, particularly at sunset, but there are some other fun optical illusion photo opportunities too.
The Arch Visitor Center and Museum are accessible, tram rides to the top are not, as wheelchairs cannot be accommodated in the capsules. Taking the tram requires a total of 96 steps, and standing for as long as 20-30 minutes continuously. All other aspects of the Gateway Arch Museum and the visitor’s center have been made as accessible as possible for all levels of abilities. Those with aspects of the Autism spectrum or claustrophobia will find a simulation of the tram capsule in the museum, so they can try it out before attempting a real ride.
- Be aware that while these activities are not free with a National Park Pass, the park entrance is. All other official park attractions are free.
- Helicopter rides are available on the riverfront, but tickets cannot be purchased through the Arch website, and are an independent cost.
- Everyone entering the visitor’s center below the arch must go through security procedures. No potential weapons of any kind are allowed, including pocket knives.
- Tram tickets have a designated time, so arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for full completion of the security, and not be in a rush.
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The New Gateway Arch Museum
The New Gateway Arch Museum underneath the Arch was pleasantly surprising and the highlight of the National Park in my opinion. Too often history is told by the victors, and the multiple perspectives of the museum are refreshing.
It recounts the history of the arch itself, which is actually a very small section of the museum. It also features the history of westward expansion and St. Louis from the late 1700s to the early 1900s.
The Colonial Times exhibit narrates the Louisiana Purchase from the perspective of not only the colonial Americans, typically taught in schools, but also from the French, Spanish and Native American points of view.
Likewise Manifest Destiny is explained from the perspective of the Americans, Mexicans and Native Americans. The purpose of the museum is obviously educational While it is not home to ancient artifacts, it is ideal for families with children.
- The museum is free with entrance to the park.
The Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse is a historic site and the pivotal location where the Dred Scott case was first heard. Dred Scott, a slave living in a free state sued for his freedom and although he initially won the case in St. Louis, the Supreme Court tragically overturned the decision. Many believe the verdict of the case to be the kindle that lit the fire of the Civil War.
Though ultimately unsuccessful, the Dred Scott case was one of several fought at the Old Courthouse, and one that gained national notoriety. Numerous cases would come to trial in the historic courtrooms, such as that of Caroline Williams who sued the city for segregated public transportation 12 years later. The Old Courthouse was significant in the fight for freedom and equality.
Additionally, Virginia Minor sued for a woman’s right to vote in the same Courthouse. Although she was not the first to file such a suit in the United States, she was the first to take her case all the way to the Supreme Court. Sadly, her case is another tragic disappointment.
Visitors can explore the original courtrooms where these trials took place, as they have been restored to their original state. There are other exhibits, films and educational materials about these groundbreaking trials throughout the Old Courthouse.
Visitors can also climb the antique iron cast spiral staircase to the fourth floor and witness the beautiful architecture of one of the most spectacular buildings in St. Louis. If its dramatic dome looks familiar, that is because it was built at the same time as the White House dome, and both were modeled after the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The Old Courthouse is only partially accessible. A lift is available at the Broadway Street entrance, and the first floor rooms and exhibits can be maneuvered. However, there is no way for visitors with mobility issues to get to the upper floors.
- Entrance to the Old Courthouse is included in the National Park entrance fee.
- Ranger led tours are not offered everyday, especially during the off-season. Call ahead if you want to ensure one is available for you.
- Educational programs and classes are offered at the Old Courthouse regularly.
Getting to Gateway Arch National Park
Conveniently located in the middle of the country, St. Louis is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the United States. A relatively easy road trip from all corners of the country, St. Louis is within driving distance of many major cities:
| Chicago | 4 Hours |
| Memphis | 4 Hours |
| Atlanta | 8 Hours |
| Pittsburgh | 9 Hours |
| Dallas | 10 Hours |
| Denver | 12 Hours |
For those too young to drive or without a car, St. Louis is also an Amtrak train hub with direct train routes from surrounding cities like Kansas City, Little Rock and Chicago. The St. Louis Amtrak station is only a ten-minute ride to the Arch or a 30-minute walk.
Though not direct, Amtrak also has train stops in smaller cities across the country and Amtrak even offers Greyhound bus service to connect many train stops. Linked to the city Metro and the bus system the National Park is easily accessible once inside St. Louis.
If you do live too far to drive or travel by train, or just don’t enjoy road trips the metro also connects Gateway Arch National Park directly to St. Louis Lambert International Airport for convenient air travel.
Visit Gateway Arch National Park – The Time is Right Now!
While it is ideal for families, there are so many things to do at Gateway Arch National Park, that it offers something for everyone. Adventure seekers will reach new heights during the tram ride to the top of the Arch. History buffs will go back in time in the Old Courthouse. The land encompassed by the National Park is also home to the oldest church in the United States that still offers regular Masses.
- Be aware the National Park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Otherwise, the Park is open 7 days a week.
- The grounds are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., while the Arch is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the winter, and until 10 p.m. during the summer.
- The Old Courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 each day.
With such a convenient location and available hours there is no excuse not to visit Gateway Arch National Park. So get there, and pioneer Gateway Arch National Park.
Our suggestions: Make your visit into a St. Louis Weekend getaway. You won’t run out of things to do, and in fact, you will probably schedule another weekend for more. Reserve a hotel at a great price now!
While you are in the city, make sure to take in as any of the 35 Awesome Free Things to do in St, Louis as you can. When hunger strikes, get off the beaten path and try some of the cooler places in town to eat.
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About the Author
My name is Laura, creator of the former website Undercover Travel Agent. I’m a travel agent and travel blogger living in Chicago. I created UTA as a way to share travel advice and travel tips. After joining the Travel Industry in early 2017 I learned so much and now I want to share my knowledge with others.
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Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with you!