Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch

Family Friendly Missouri

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Overview

Gateway Arch National Park in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, is the smallest national park by area — just 91 acres — but it contains the tallest man-made monument in the United States. The Gateway Arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965, soars 630 feet above the Mississippi River in a graceful catenary curve of stainless steel that symbolizes St. Louis's historic role as the Gateway to the West. The arch is as wide as it is tall, and its mirror-polished surface reflects the city on one side and the river on the other. A tram ride inside the hollow arch carries visitors to the observation deck at the top, where small windows offer views up to 30 miles in every direction — the Mississippi River, the Illinois bluffs to the east, and the St. Louis skyline to the west. The ride takes four minutes in capsule-like compartments that rotate to stay level as they ascend the curved legs. Below the arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch tells the story of westward expansion, Lewis and Clark, Native American displacement, and the construction of the arch itself. The park grounds, recently redesigned to better connect the arch to the St. Louis downtown waterfront, include walking paths, green spaces, and the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was first tried. The park is an easy half-day visit and pairs well with exploring St. Louis's other attractions.

Things to Do

  • Ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch
  • Visit the Museum at the Gateway Arch
  • Walk the grounds along the Mississippi River
  • Tour the Old Courthouse (Dred Scott trial)
  • Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi
  • Photograph the arch from Laclede's Landing
  • Watch the documentary film in the visitor center
looking at the north leg of the Arch behind a green lawn with a sign with exhibit text on it

Catenary Curve Wayside

Wayside exhibit

A wayside exhibit that discusses the curved shapes found in the architecture and landscape design of the park. Includes ...

the arch curving overhead against a blue sky, city buildings behind

Directly below the Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch

A perfect spot to stand and take in the engineering marvel of the Gateway Arch. Walk around or lie down on the green law...

the back of the statue of a man and woman embracing and the Gateway Arch in the background

Dred and Harriet Scott Statue

Statue

A statue of Dred and Harriet Scott in honor of their historic fight for their family's freedom.

and old black and white photo of the Eads bridge with a boat and materials to be loaded stacked

Eads Bridge

James Buchanan Eads

The Eads Bridge is an architectural wonder with a fascinating history. Still in use serving vehicular, pedestrian and li...

A green space with the city and gateway arch in the background

Explorer Garden

Point of Interest

The Explorer Garden was designed to support native pollinators with primarily native plants, ensuring blooms from Februa...

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Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Peregrine Falcon Mississippi River Fish Red-tailed Hawk Eastern Gray Squirrel

Pro Tips

  • 💡 Book tram tickets in advance online — walk-up availability is limited, especially on weekends and holidays
  • 💡 The tram compartments are small and not ideal for claustrophobic visitors; the museum is excellent on its own
  • 💡 Sunset is the best time to photograph the arch from the east side across the Mississippi in Illinois
  • 💡 The park is in downtown St. Louis and easily walkable from hotels, restaurants, and other attractions
  • 💡 The museum is free and much more extensive than expected — budget at least an hour

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Hot, humid summers with highs in the 90s. Cold winters with occasional ice storms. Spring and fall are pleasant with temperatures in the 60-80°F range. The arch and museum are climate-controlled.

Best seasons: Spring, Fall