Gateway Arch National Park

Previously known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the famous white arch in St. Louis, Missouri has officially achieved national park status as of February 2018. It towers 630 feet over the Mississippi River, marking the starting point of the early 19th century Lewis and Clark expedition. The park encompasses a total of 91 riverside acres, and includes not only the arch but also historic city buildings and modern-day museums. The iconic arch itself is a classic road trip stop, serving as a reminder of our pioneer history and an unofficial entryway between the eastern and western United States.

St. Louis is prone to stereotypically midwestern weather, including hot, humid summers and damp, gray winters. Fortunately, most of the exhibits and activities at Gateway Arch National Park are indoors, so the climate doesn’t matter so much. That said, the summer is, of course, the busiest travel season, bringing long lines and crowded arch-top views that can be frustrating. For best results in the summer, visit early or late in the day -- or consider making your journey in the wintertime, when there’s little visitor traffic.

Gateway Arch National Park is situated in the heart of bustling St. Louis, Missouri, a major city with a population of over 300,000. The town is home to endless restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions, all of which are worth taking time to explore while you’re in town to visit the iconic landmark.

Visitors flock to Gateway Arch National Park to enjoy the stunning view from 630 feet in the air, as well as to learn more about the important history of this part of our country -- the beating heart between the east coast and the west. The park is also home to the Old St. Louis Courthouse, which was the site of the pivotal Dred Scott case in the mid-1800s. Guided tours of the courthouse as well as trolley rides to the top of the arch are available, though some of these activities come at an additional fee.

The National Park Service also orchestrates a variety of riverboat cruises, whose availability and frequency depend on the season. Click here to learn more about the different tours available at Gateway National Park, as well as the fees involved, and click here to see the upcoming special events held on the park property. In all cases, we recommend booking any guided tours well ahead of time, especially during busy travel seasons.