The Gateway Arch, St Louis Travel Guide

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Experience the iconic Gateway Arch: ride to the top, explore the museum, and discover the history of westward expansion in St. Louis.

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The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch, a towering stainless steel monument in St. Louis, Missouri, commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. As the centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park, it stands as a symbol of the American pioneering spirit and St. Louis's pivotal role in the country's history.

A brief summary to The Gateway Arch

St. Louis, Downtown, Missouri, 63102, US
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Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Gateway Arch.

Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot for the tram ride to the top.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tram time to allow for security screening.
Visit the free museum under the Arch to learn about the history of westward expansion and the construction of the monument.
Take a walk along the riverfront and explore the park grounds for scenic views of the Arch and the Mississippi River.
Consider visiting the Old Courthouse to learn about the Dred Scott case and its significance in American history.

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Explore The Gateway Arch on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Gateway Arch, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Gateway Arch is accessible via St. Louis's MetroLink light rail. Exit at the 8th and Pine Streets or Laclede's Landing station and walk south following signs to the Arch (approximately 10 minutes). A trip from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to the Gateway Arch takes about 28 minutes. A single MetroBus or MetroLink ride costs $3.
Walking

From downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is easily accessible on foot. Follow the signs towards the riverfront and the Arch. A grand staircase leads from the St. Louis levee to the base of the Arch. Walking from Stadium East Parking Garage to the Gateway Arch entrance takes approximately 7 minutes.
Parking

While Gateway Arch National Park doesn't have its own parking, discounted parking is available at the Stadium East Parking Garage at 200 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. Pre-purchase parking at iparkit.com/TheArch for a rate of $10 for 5 hours. Standard rates apply for visits longer than 5 hours. Other parking garages are available downtown, but require a longer walk. Parking along the levee may be available for a cash fee.

Discover more about The Gateway Arch

Rising 630 feet above the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and Missouri's tallest accessible structure. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1947, construction began in 1963 and was completed in October 1965. The Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase and St. Louis's role in westward expansion.The Gateway Arch National Park, formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, includes the Arch, the Old Courthouse, and a free museum underneath the Arch. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The museum details the history of westward expansion, while the Old Courthouse was the site of the Dred Scott case. The park's grounds offer scenic walking paths and riverfront views.The Gateway Arch is more than just a monument; it's an experience. From the tram ride to the top to the museum and the park grounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.