Go to the Top of the Gateway Arch

Go to the pinnacle of the 630-foot Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis where you can have far-off views of Missouri and Illinois.

It is the smallest national park in the U.S. and is located in downtown St. Louis, Mo.

My son and I spent the morning exploring this amazing feat of architecture.

About the Arch

The Arch commemorates St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States in the 1800s. Because of its strategic location near the confluence of the nation’s two largest rivers – Mississippi and Missouri- St. Louis was a successful trading center from the time of its founding in 1764.

In 1803 the Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and ensured the prominence of St. Louis.

Making of a Monument

The Gateway Arch, built between 1963 and 1965, is a sandwich made of stainless steel on the outside, carbon steel on the inside, and concrete in the middle. Nothing like this had ever been built or even attempted.

The tram system, created in just two weeks by elevator designer Dick Bowser, takes one million people to the top every year.

Finding Parking

I parked using street parking along Market Street near Keiner Plaza Park and walked east towards the Gateway Arch Grounds. Parking is only $2 for two hours, but limited to that time.

Walk to Grounds

On the way, you pass by the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott Case was heard. This case went to the Supreme Court which held that the U.S. Constitution was not meant to include American citizenship for African Americans. This sparked the Civil War four years later. The building is currently closed for restoration.

Next, we entered the grounds and headed to the entrance below the Gateway Arch.

We went to the left to buy our tickets. Today we were only checking out the museum and going up to the top on the tram.

Then we headed down an escalator to the museum and tram stations.

MUSEUM OVERVIEW

The interactive museum features 200+ years of history within six themed galleries, commemorating America’s pioneering spirit and acknowledging the positive and negative impacts of westward expansion.

The galleries span from 1764 to 1965 with topics covering Colonial St. Louis, Jefferson’s Vision, Manifest Destiny, The Riverfront Era, New Frontiers, and Building the Gateway Arch. Admission to the museum is free.

Museum Time

We checked out an exhibit on the Oregon Trail. Earlier in the summer we went to Fort Vancouver shown in the exhibit.

Andrew learned about how the pioneers traveled by stagecoach.

A pulley shows the inter-workings of the tram system that takes you to the top.

Other architecture created by Gateway Arch designer Eero Saarinen. — *Other architecture was created by Gateway Arch designer Eero Saarinen.*

Photos show the Gateway Arch’s architect Eero Saarinen’s other designs and his work on the arch.

*Andrew in a recreated boat used by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.*

Then Andrew sat in a recreation of the wooden boat used by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their expedition to explore the lands of the Louisiana Purchase.

To The Tram Station

Next, we headed to South Tram Station. First, they take your ticket and you wait in line.

A Park Ranger gives you an overview of the Arch and tram system with videos projected behind her.

*This screen relates the Gateway Arch size to the Washington Monument.*

Then we go to where you wait for the next tram. Projected on a nearby screen on the doorway to the tram are Arch facts.

On the Tram

Next, we board the tram to go up. It is sort of like an indoor Ferris Wheel. I think of them as pods with simple seats. Make sure to lower your head since the entrance is narrow.

As you go up you can see the inside of the Arch. At one point I see a workstation.

Then after only a few minutes, we reach the top, and the doors open.

*A barge going down the Mississippi River.*

At the Top

Up here I take pictures of the Missouri River and a barge going downriver on the east side.

Notice the Old Courthouse and the St. Louis skyline towards the west. I look to the left and snap a photo of Busch Stadium.

In the distance, I spy the tall buildings of suburban Clayton.

My son takes a moment to poise in the space.

I even look directly down at the grand stairs that lead from the river to the Gateway Arch.

You can also see Busch Stadium from here.

The ten minutes go quickly and then we head back down.

*My son looking out the window on the pod.*

Going Down

This time Andrew is more comfortable with it. He watches closely as we make our way down once more.

Then we head out across the grounds and back to the car.

If you don't want to go to the top of the Arch, in the museum a camera shows the view. — *If you don’t want to go to the top of the Arch, in the museum a camera shows the view.*

Final Thoughts

If I come back, I would like to watch the movie. Also, I am interested in doing the riverboat cruise in the future. It was a fun experience for my son who liked the ride to the top and the views.

Museum Store

It offers Arch-themed souvenirs, books, and gifts.

I found a Gateway Arch magnet clip and Andrew found a necklace with an Arch and crystal pendent.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Daily; Closed, Tuesdays

Arch Café

The cafe offers everything from St. Louis ribs, hamburgers, paninis, and St. Louis’s special toasted ravioli to vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Daily

*Looking north with the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge in view.*

Arch Trivia

Designed to sway up to 18 inches in high winds or an earthquake.
In ideal conditions, you can see 30 miles from the top.
The Gateway Arch is the tallest human-built monument in the U.S.

DRIVE

Take Interstate 64 to downtown St. Louis then take exit 40 then make a left onto Gratiot Street then a right onto S. Fourth Street. I made a left onto Market Street and looked for street parking near Kiener Memorial Park. I planned to do the full visit within the two-hour parking limit. You can also use nearby parking garages.

ADMISSION

See Everything Combo—Includes Tram Ride to the Top, Documentary Movie, and One-Hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruise- $14, Adults; $26, Children, 3-15; $38, America the Beautiful Pass( Yearly National Park Pass)

Cruise and Tram Combo—$37, Adults; 3-15, Children; $26; $34, (Yearly Park Pass)

Movie and Tram Combo – $19, Adults: $14, 3-15, Children; $16 (Yearly Park Pass)

Tram Ride to the Top – $15, Adults; $11, 3-15, Children; $12 (Yearly Park Pass)

Document Movie – $7, Adults; $3, 3-15, Children; $4 (Yearly Park Pass)

St. Louis Riverfront Cruise – $24; $14, 3-15, Children; N/A (Yearly Park Pass)

$2 off adult ticket price for seniors, ages 60 & Up. Senior discount available for cruise tickets only.

Any unaccompanied tram rider who presents a child’s ticket must have an adult, at least 18 years of age, with them to provide permission to ride alone. Children under the age of 10 may not ride unaccompanied.