Gateway Arch National Park is an American national park located in St. Louis, Missouri, near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The memorial was established to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase, and the subsequent westward movement of American explorers and pioneers; the first civil government west of the Mississippi River; and the debate over slavery raised by the Dred Scott case.
The national park consists of the Gateway Arch, a steel catenary arch that has become the definitive icon of St. Louis; a 91-acre park along the Mississippi River on the site of the earliest buildings of the city; the Old Courthouse, a former state and federal courthouse where the Dred Scott case originated; and the 140,000 sq ft museum at the Gateway Arch.
The immediate surroundings of the Gateway Arch were initially designated the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (a national memorial) by executive order on December 21, 1935. The Gateway Arch was completed on October 28, 1965, and the area surrounding it was redesignated as the "Gateway Arch National Park" in 2018. The park is maintained by the National Park Service (NPS).
The Arch has an observation deck at the top via a small tram. Each tram tour has an anticipated duration of 45-60 minutes. For the best experience, purchase your Tram Ride to the Top tickets before you visit.
Things to do and see:
Clearly visiting the museum and taking a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch is a must. But keep in mind the national park is situated in downtown St. Louis. The city also offers the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Grants Farm, Saint Louis Art Museum, Forrest Park, and Lone Elk Park.
Contact Information:
One Memorial Drive Suite 730 St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 655-1600
Website:
https://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm
Tram to top - contributed photo.
Observation deck - contributed photo.