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Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park: Gateway to the Arch View

Experience the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline from this unique park on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

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Located in East St. Louis, Illinois, Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park offers arguably the best view of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline. Named after the visionary who sought to extend the Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois, the park provides a serene green space for visitors to admire the iconic monument.

A brief summary to Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

Local tips

  • Visit the park during sunset for stunning views of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline bathed in golden light.
  • Take the MetroLink to the East Riverfront station to avoid parking hassles, especially during events.
  • Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the park's open green space.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown St. Louis, take the MetroLink light rail to the East Riverfront station in East St. Louis. From the station, walk south for approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) along the paved path to reach the park. The MetroLink fare is $3 for a one-way trip.

  • Walking

    From the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, it is possible to walk across the Eads Bridge to East St. Louis. Once across the bridge, follow the signs towards the riverfront and Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park. Be aware that the walk is approximately 3 miles and will take about an hour.

  • Driving

    From I-64/I-55/I-70, follow signs for East St. Louis. Take the exit for Trendley Avenue. Parking is available in limited quantities near the park. Parking is free. Be aware that on-street parking is prohibited.

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Discover more about Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, often called "the park with a view", is a unique public space situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in East St. Louis, Illinois, directly across from the Gateway Arch. The park's story is deeply connected to Malcolm W. Martin, a St. Louis attorney who, since before the completion of the Gateway Arch in 1965, dreamed of expanding the memorial park to include the Illinois side of the river. He established the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis in 1968 to realize this vision. For nearly three decades, the park's major feature was the Gateway Geyser, one of the tallest fountains in the world, reaching a height of 630 feet to match the Arch. Though the geyser is currently closed for refurbishment, the park still offers an elevated viewing point known as the Mississippi River Overlook, providing unparalleled views of the Gateway Arch, the river, and the St. Louis skyline. The tiered structure of the Overlook is ADA accessible and features illuminated stainless-steel railings. In addition to the Overlook, the park provides open green space perfect for recreation and picnics. Limited parking is available on-site, and the park is also accessible via the MetroLink light rail system. Martin's dedication to the park was further solidified by a $5 million donation he made to the Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis after his death in 2004. In 2005, the Gateway Center transferred the park to the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD), which continues to maintain and operate it. There are plans for the park to be handed over to the National Park Service as an extension of the Gateway Arch National Park.

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