About the park
Towering 630ft above St. Louis, Gateway Arch is a symbol of the American expansion westwards into newly acquired territory following the Louisiana purchase of 1803. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned an expedition later that year, led by Lewis and Clark, to explore the nation's new land. Setting off just east of St. Louis, the adventurers used the Missouri river to explore the Great Plains and the northern Rocky Mountains, before extending into the northwest to reach the Pacific Ocean.
The expedition returned in 1805 to St. Louis, where Lewis and Clark presented their findings. The arch was constructed in 1965 in celebration of their expedition, acting as 'the Gateway to the West'. At the top of the arch is an observation area, with capacity for 160 people, with trams used to bring visitors to the crest of the arch. In 2018, Gateway Arch National Park was established, to celebrate the Louisiana purchase, Lewis and Clark and the first civil government west of the Mississippi. It also commemorates the Dred Scott case held in the Old Courthouse close to the arch, in which those with African descent were not permitted American citizenship - a hugely controversial decision and one that contributed to the start of the American Civil War.
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Can't miss
Tram ride to the top of the arch
16 windows at the top of the arch look out over the Mississippi river and Illinois, and 16 windows overlook the city of St. Louis, Missouri. An ingenious tram system designed by Dick Bowser can transport passengers to the top of the arch in 4 minutes in order to see these views.
Mississippi River Cruise
One of the world's most famous rivers, the Mississippi was crucial for the growth of the USA during the 19th and 20th centuries, and remains a busy trading route today. Steamboats used to transport grain and passengers, and visitors can ride one and view the arch and St. Louis skyline.
Visit the Old Courthouse
Designed as a federal and state courthouse, construction started in 1816, and hosted the notable case of Dred Scott in front of the US Supreme Court, as well as the trials of Virginia Minor, a suffragette who attempted to vote in an election in 1872.
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We recommend:
Anytime! An easily accessible city park, the arch looks beautiful whether it be sunny or snowing
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