When you think about visiting one of America's 63 national parks you likely think of miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas of rugged mountains, and gazing at native wildlife. Not so with Gateway Arch National Park. It's different from all the others
This 91 acre urban park, does not celebrate nature, but instead draws your attention to the history and significance of American Westward Expansion. Renovated and redesigned in 2018, this park is worth the experience.
Get to Know Gateway Arch National Park
Region: Midwest
State: Missouri
URL https://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm
Webcams: https://www.archpark.org/visit/webcams
Established: February 22, 2018
President: Donald Trump
By the numbers:
- 2 million+ visitors per year (2019)
- 90.9 acres
- Lat. 38.62696, Long -90.1855
- 1 park entrance
- 1 visitor center
- Highest elevation 630 ft.
- Lowest elevation 446 ft.
Entrance and Visitor Center
Visitors to the Arch must enter the monument at the new glass west entrance, which faces the Old Courthouse. The North and South Arch legs are exits only, providing great opportunities for photo ops with the Arch structure and direct access to the park grounds.
This is a pedestrian-friendly park. All walking paths from the west onto the Arch grounds are open. Wheelchair access from the north via Laclede’s Landing, or the ramps from the riverfront to the Arch grounds.
Address: 11 North 4th Street, St Louis MO 63102
See the film - Monument to the Dream, visit the Arch Store, and Arch café.
Entrance Fees for Gateway Arch NP
Entry for children under 16 is free.
- Museum at the Gateway Arch $3 per person
- Admission to the Museum under the Gateway Arch is free
- Tram Ride $12-16 adults, $8-12 children 3-15
- Monument to the Dream video $7 adults, $3 children 3-15
There are Everything Combo passes available for the Tram Ride, movie, and a one-hour riverfront cruise. https://www.gatewayarch.com/plan-your-visit/ If you have not already purchased your tickets online at gatewayarch.com, tickets are available once inside to the left at the ticket center.
Park Hours and Access
Gateway Arch National Park is open daily, 9am to 8pm summer hours, and 9am to 6pm winter hours Check the NPS website for details about the season you will be visiting.
Closest Airports and Public Transit:
If you are not close enough to drive to the Arch try flying into one of several airports and then driving to the park.
-
St Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) 47 minutes, 12.8 miles
- Belleville (BLV) 1 hour 2 minutes, 19.8 miles
Arrive by Train, Bus, or Trolley
The Gateway Arch is easily accessible throughout the St. Louis metro area. To find the MetroLink train station nearest you, visit the Metro Transit system map. Exit at the 8th and Pine station. Exit at the Laclede’s Landing station and walk south through the park to the Gateway Arch entrance.
Things To Do In and Around the Park
Even though Gateway Arch National Park is a bit different from the other designated national parks, there are still several activities to do while you are in the park and surrounding area. You’ll appreciate the historic culture of St Louis and other sites.
Inside the park, there are many paths available with opportunities for walking and bike riding. Grab lunch at a local restaurant or get it to go and enjoy the outdoors while you set up a picnic near the arch.
Kids will like the junior ranger program, which gets them involved in hands-on activities. Everyone should experience the Tram Ride to the top of the Arch.
Enjoy getting around the park with one of the guided tours or venture out on your own. Visit the Statues of St Louis in Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, or Washington Square Park.
How Much Time Do You Need to Explore Gateway Arch?
You can get acquainted with all Gateway Arch NP and the sites immediately around the park in St Louis Area in one day.
Journal about Your Unique Experiences in Gateway Arch National Park with a National Parks Bucket Journal
Memories are best made with adventure! All 63 US National Parks are full of unique experiences, dramatic views and natural wonders you simply have to see to believe.
With a National Parks Bucket Journal, you will never forget the trips you take, the adventures you have, and the people you share it with. A bucket journal makes recording your trip's highlights, and planning your next adventure that much easier!
My Bucket Journals Top Gateway Arch NP Picks
- Tram Ride to the top https://www.gatewayarch.com/
- Visit the museum under the arch
- View the film - Monument to Dream
- Participate in the Junior Ranger Program
- Take a riverboat cruise
- Take a ranger tour of the old courthouse
Tours
There are many ways to enrich your visit to Gateway Arch by participating in a ranger program, becoming a junior ranger, taking a river cruise or helicopter ride, or going on a self-guided tour.
The National Park Service app has a self-guided walking tour of the Arch grounds. Allow 30-45 minutes to walk, learn about, and experience each of the seven stops.
Tram Ride to the Top - allow 45-60 minutes $fee
Explore the Museum under the Arch - allow 2 hours to experience each of the six galleries with interactive elements $free
Lodging Near Gateway Arch National Park
There are many excellent hotels within walking distance of the park. We’ve given you pins for them in the interactive map below.
Get Connected
The National Park Service App (NPS App) features downloadable information for all the national park sites in the country, including Gateway Arch. This includes an interactive map, self-guided audio tours, and information to make your trip smoother and more interesting.
Online Map of the Park and Surrounding Attractions
Use our interactive map to plan your trip and view details about visitor centers, lodging, walking tours, and attractions.
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. You can click the checkmarks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.
If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.