Gateway Arch National Park
Iconic stainless steel arch symbolizing westward expansion, offering stunning city views and a rich historical museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Gateway Arch National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic stainless steel arch symbolizing westward expansion, offering stunning city views and a rich historical museum.
"The Arch is absolutely stunning—its size, shape, and sleek stainless steel design are even more impressive up close."
🎯 Book Tram Tickets Online
Tram rides to the top sell out daily. Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot! :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and museum. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tram Ride to the Top
Gateway Arch
Experience a unique elevator pod ride to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Gateway Arch Museum
Beneath the Arch
An immersive and modern museum detailing the history of westward expansion and the Arch's construction.
The Arch Itself
Gateway Arch National Park grounds
Marvel at the world's tallest arch, a stunning stainless steel monument symbolizing American ambition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tram Tickets in Advance
Allocate Enough Time for the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tram Tickets Online
Tram rides to the top sell out daily. Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot! +1 :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and museum. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Arch from All Angles
The Arch is incredibly photogenic. Explore the park grounds for unique perspectives.
⏳ Allow Ample Museum Time
The museum is vast and engaging. Plan for at least 2 hours to explore its exhibits fully. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tram Tickets Online
Tram rides to the top sell out daily. Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot! +1 :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and museum. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Arch from All Angles
The Arch is incredibly photogenic. Explore the park grounds for unique perspectives.
⏳ Allow Ample Museum Time
The museum is vast and engaging. Plan for at least 2 hours to explore its exhibits fully. :clock1:
💧 Stay Hydrated in Summer
St. Louis summers can be hot and humid. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking scale and architectural beauty of the Gateway Arch, with many calling the tram ride to the top an unforgettable experience. The well-curated and informative museum beneath the Arch is also a major highlight, offering deep historical context. While generally positive, some find the photo packages offered at the top to be expensive.
"This was a really nice experience at an iconic landmark in St. Louis. I chose the Captain’s View, which included a riverboat cruise, the museum, and the arch tram ride to the top. The customer service was great - I accidentally selected the wrong date, and Marc helped me fix the date with a friendly attitude. The cruise added something different to do that you can’t do in all large cities. Note: the Mississippi River is muddy, so don’t expect pretty water - just enjoy the experience, the commentary, and the arch views from the water! The staff member in the river boat gift shop was nice, personable, and friendly. The museum was modern and pretty - I didn’t expect it to be so engaging. Our tour guide to the tram was Valerie - she was fun, friendly, and had a great spirit to keep things fun! How cool that the arch tram is one of a kind - an escalator, an elevator, and a Ferris wheel all in one! There are glass windows on the tram buckets, so you can see the internal architecture of the arch - having the ability to see out helped with clostrophobia. Views from the top are beautiful - you can even see straight down to the bases of the arch because of how the top is angled. We loved this experience and highly recommend it."
John T
"While staying in a nearby hotel for a conference, I went out and walked around the park. It's a very well maintained clean park with a lot of green space and paved walking trails. Along the way, there are a lot of signs with an interesting glimpse into the history of the area. It's nice to be able to walk all the way around and see the arch from every angle. A lot of people were hanging out in the park and it just had a good vibe."
Renae Price
"Its a beautiful park. The arch is about 630 ft tall and made of stainless steel. Can walk all around and touch the arch. There’s well maintained lawn through out. They also have a nice museum. There’s riverfront in the back. If you are planning to go for tram ride, better to book tickets in advance. We visited on a weekend and all the tickets were sold out for the day,"
Nidhi Kikkeri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in downtown St. Louis, easily accessible by car, public transportation, or ride-sharing services. Parking is available in nearby garages.
Yes, the iconic Arch is visible from miles around, making it a prominent landmark in the St. Louis skyline.
There are several parking garages near the park, including the Gateway Arch Garage. Rates vary.
Yes, several MetroLink and MetroBus lines stop near the park. Check the Metro Transit website for routes and schedules.
The park grounds are walkable. For transportation to the Old Courthouse, consider local taxis or ride-sharing if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park grounds and museum is free. However, a ticket is required for the tram ride to the top of the Arch.
It is highly recommended to purchase tram ride tickets online in advance through the official Gateway Arch National Park website, as they often sell out. +1
Yes, 'Value Day' pricing is often available on select weekdays, making tickets more affordable. Check the official website for details.
Operating hours vary by season. The museum and tram rides have specific hours, so check the official NPS website before your visit.
While possible, on-site ticket availability is very limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking online in advance is strongly advised. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tram is a unique pod-like elevator that takes you to the top in about 4 minutes. It's a smooth ride with limited seating.
You'll get panoramic views of St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding landscape through windows at the summit.
Absolutely! The museum is modern, extensive, and offers a deep dive into westward expansion and the Arch's history. Many visitors recommend spending at least 2 hours here. +1
Yes, the park hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations like 'Frights & Heights' for Halloween.
Yes, the park is very family-friendly. The museum has interactive exhibits, and the tram ride is an exciting experience for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the visitor center offering snacks, light meals, and beverages.
The cafe typically offers sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks. It's convenient for a quick bite during your visit.
Picnicking is allowed on the park grounds. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy outdoors.
Downtown St. Louis has numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from casual to fine dining, just a short walk from the park.
Yes, a gift shop is available in the visitor center, offering souvenirs, books, and items related to the Arch and westward expansion.
📸 📸 Photography
The park grounds offer numerous vantage points. Consider the riverfront, the museum plaza, and areas on the east side for unique shots.
Photography is generally allowed in the museum, but tripods and flash may be restricted. Photography is permitted on the observation deck at the top.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. The Arch is also illuminated at night, providing a dramatic photographic opportunity.
Drone usage is restricted within national parks. Please check the official NPS guidelines for Gateway Arch National Park regarding drone operations.
A professional photo service takes pictures before the tram ride to the top, which you can purchase.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to minimize wait times for the tram. The spacious park grounds are also perfect for kids to run around and burn off energy. Special events like 'Frights & Heights' offer themed fun that kids will love.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and drinks to enjoy on the park grounds, as food options inside can add up. Exploring the museum and walking the grounds provides hours of entertainment without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The nighttime illumination of the Arch also provides a unique photographic subject. Don't forget to photograph the panoramic views from the top of the Arch, showcasing the St. Louis skyline and the Mississippi River. The museum's exhibits also offer visually interesting elements for those interested in documenting the historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Gateway Arch
Getting to the top involves a fascinating ride in a unique tram system. These small, five-person pods are designed to rotate and adjust to the arch's curve as they ascend. The journey to the observation deck takes about four minutes, offering a smooth and surprisingly comfortable experience. Once at the top, visitors can look out through small windows, providing breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.
The Gateway Arch National Park itself is the smallest national park in the U.S., encompassing 91 acres. It honors President Thomas Jefferson's role in the westward expansion of the United States. The park grounds are beautifully maintained, offering a serene environment to appreciate the monument and its historical significance.
Exploring the Gateway Arch Museum
Many visitors are surprised by the depth and quality of the museum, often recommending allocating at least two hours to fully appreciate its content. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and the monumental effort behind building the Arch.
Beyond the main exhibits, the museum also houses a cafe and a gift shop, making it a convenient place to refuel or find a souvenir. The free admission to the museum is a significant draw, offering immense value and educational opportunities.
Seasonal Events and Experiences
During the spring, the park grounds can be particularly beautiful, with cherry blossoms adding a splash of color to the landscape, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.
The park also hosts holiday-themed events and light displays, especially during the evening hours, which can be a magical experience. These seasonal offerings provide excellent opportunities for photography and unique experiences, making a visit memorable regardless of the time of year. Checking the park's official calendar is recommended to plan around these special occasions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit