Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, serves as a symbol of the United States' westward expansion. The park is primarily centered around its iconic feature, the Gateway Arch, which stands as the tallest man-made monument in the United States at 630 feet. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965, the stainless steel arch reflects St. Louis' historical role as the 'Gateway to the West' for pioneers and explorers who shaped the nation's destiny in the 19th century.
The park offers an impressive museum at the base of the Arch, detailing the diverse tales of those who made the journey westward. Visitors can also take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for sweeping views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Beyond the arch itself, the park's grounds include the Old Courthouse, a historic site where the famous Dred Scott case was heard, which played a crucial role in America's Civil Rights movement. The park also features riverfront trails, providing peaceful walks along the Mississippi. Make sure to explore these trails during your visit, as they offer unique vantage points of the Arch and the surrounding landscape.
Gateway Arch National Park
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Set at the edge of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis, this park commemorates the nation's westward expansion through a soaring stainless-steel arch. Visitors can step into a circular capsule for a tram ride to the top, where small windows look out over the city. The historic Old Courthouse is where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom, and visitors can learn about the cases heard there, including the first two Dred Scott trials. An underground museum and visitor center cover the story of westward expansion. Ranger-guided tours and the award-winning documentary Monument to the Dream add context, and the landscaped grounds around the arch are a National Historic Landmark.
Visitor Centers
Gateway Arch Visitor Center
9:00AM - 6:00PM
About the Park
Park Guides
All 9 guides →Iconic Gateway Arch: Engineering Marvel and Symbol
The Gateway Arch rises 630 feet beside the Mississippi River in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it is as wide as it is tall.
Museum at the Gateway Arch: Westward Expansion History
The museum sits in the underground visitor center beneath the Arch, entered through a circular entryway facing the Old Courthouse.
Classic Arch Views: Ponds, Axis, East St. Louis
North Pond and South Pond are the two water features on the Arch grounds, and each is edged with plantings.
Riding the Tram to the Arch's Top
The main draw here is the ride up the 630-foot Gateway Arch, where the view spreads across the land around the city.
Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruises on the Mississippi
The Tom Sawyer Riverboat Cruise is a trip down the Mississippi River from the St. Louis waterfront, beside Gateway Arch National Park.
