Gateway Arch National Park | Exploring Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri– The Gateway Arch National Park is unlike its sister parks of Yosemite, Zion, or Yellowstone, which are glorious wonders of nature. This significant national park located in the heart of Saint Louis, Missouri is a reminder and acknowledgement of America’s expansion to the West. It holds an importance and remembrance to those who braved the unknown, and moved their livelihoods to newer territories.

The “Gateway to the West” Arch is the centerpiece of the Gateway Arch National Park, and is the internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis. It was officially dedicated to “the American people”, and was constructed as a monument for the westward expansion of the United States.

The Gateway Arch is a 630 foot monument, which is clad in stainless steel and built in the form of a weighted catenary arch. It is also the world’s highest arch, and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

The Gateway Arch sits along the Mississippi River, and is surrounded by a lush green park with walking paths and small lakes. To stretch your visit out, you can take a boat cruise on the Mississippi River, which is available from March through November. For more information, Riverboat Cruises | The Gateway Arch.

The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.
– Gateway Arch National Park Website

— The Top of the Gateway Arch —

Can you go to the top of the arch? Yes, you absolutely can! We had done it several years ago, and it was a terrific experience. In order to get to the top, there are enclosed tram capsules that carry passengers up the interior of the arch legs. Once you get to the top, you will need to go up a flight of stairs to reach the observation deck. The tram moves at five miles per hour, and will take four minutes one way.

The kids (nephew and daughter) at the top of the Arch

From the top of the observation deck, you can view the city of St. Louis, Busch Stadium and the Mississippi River.

River Views
Busch Stadium View

For more tram information and a video of getting to the top, please visit Plan Your Visit – Gateway Arch National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

— Museum at the Gateway Arch —

There is also an interesting museum at the Gateway Arch that you should see while visiting this monument. This museum traces the stories of the explorers, Native Americans, pioneers and the rebels, all who made America possible. There are exhibits that feature two centuries of the history of this country’s pioneering spirit, and the expansion to the West including St. Louis’s important role.