St. Louis Travel Guide

Gateway Arch

Within the riverside park known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch is a soaring landmark above the city's skyline the thin stainless steel arc reaches to twice the height of the Statue of Liberty at 630 feet (192m) tall. It symbolises the role of St Louis as the 'Gateway to the West' for the pioneers who journeyed along the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails towards the western frontier. It is also dedicated to the US president who was responsible for opening up the West. An observation deck that is reached by a tram system provides magnificent views over the city, the Mississippi and the spreading plains. Also on the site with the Arch is the Old Courthouse Museum that was the venue for the hearing of several momentous cases during the 19th century. At the base of the monument is the excellent Museum of Westward Expansion with exhibits covering exploration of the west and its honoured pioneers, including Lewis and Clark, the Plains Indians and buffalo soldiers
Address: St Louis Riverfront
Website: www.gatewayarch.com
Email: info@gatewayarch.com
Telephone: (877) 982 1410
Transportation: Arch-Laclede's Landing Metro Stop
Opening Time: Old Courthouse Museum: 8am-4:30pm. Museum of Westward Expansion: daily 8:20am-9:10pm (summer), and 9:20am-5:10pm (winter).
Admission: Admission to either museum is free. The Journey to the Top of the Arch is $10 adults, $5 children 3-15.