Gateway Arch National Park is one of those iconic American places that you should visit, especially if national parks are your thing. Or if you're in the St. Louis area it's definitely something you should do at least once. This is definitely one of the upper tier national Park centers I've been to as they have a huge underground area filled with historical exhibits and information about the history of the St. Louis area, the building of the arch, and other things related to the development of American history. It is newer, clean, and really well designed. Plus, you can get a ticket to go ride up to the top of the arch and look out and see the view across the land. Definitely a very cool activity and unfortunately I didn't have time during my visit, but it is on my short list of places to come back to. If you have kids, don't forget the junior Ranger program so they can get their badge for visiting. Five stars! read more

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I was so so so impressed. I had no idea what I was walking into but it was way more than I expected. When you enter the location you have to go through airport style security. The line was not long and went quickly. There is a whole museum showing the history of the Arch and area. There is a small Cafe and a giftshop. There are plenty of bathrooms as well. The system is highly organized based on your ticket time. There are numerous TV screens showing how long until each ticket time will be accepted. Once scanned, you are broken into groups of 4 to fit into one of the eight elevators that tray you to the top of the Arch. You have ten minutes to enjoy the view while up there which was plenty. The views were spectacular. Looking from below, it is hard to believe I was up there and that the elevators to take you up are a thing. This visit exceeded my expectations. read more

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This wasn't our first visit to the Gateway Arch National Park but it was been renovated, updated and improved since our last visit 10-15 years ago. Having previously been up in the arch itself, we didn't do that again this trip but we did spend several hours in the underground museum/ visitor's center. The displays are great and there's something for everyone - young and old. We also enjoyed lunch in their cafe. read more

I absolutely LOVE this park ! It's a beautiful walk and great view of the arch . The location is in the heart of the city and near the stadium . read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

As a National Park lover, I was super excited to check another park off my list. The grounds and museum themselves are free to visit, as is the courthouse, but you'll need a separate ticket if you want to ride the tram to the top of the Arch or do any other of the extra activities there (there's also a documentary and virtual reality experience). I arrived on a busy summer Saturday morning, and it was actually surprisingly quiet when I got there. By the time I left around noon, though, the place was packed. So if you want a more relaxed experience I'd def recommend arriving on the earlier side of the day. Don't skip the ride to the top of the Arch. It's an iconic St. Louis experience you have to do at least once. The tram ride feels like stepping into a piece of 1960s engineering history. If you're claustrophobic, though, be aware that the tram cabins are pretty small. I was lucky enough to have an entire tram car to myself on the way up and down though which I wasn't mad about. You only get about 8 minutes at the observation deck, but honestly, that was more than enough time for me to take in the views and snap some photos before heading back down. Workers at the top keep you informed on how much time you have left at the top before the next crew of tourists come in. I made a full morning out of it. After the tram ride, I spent an hour or two exploring the museum beneath the Arch, took the riverboat cruise (a separate ticket), and then crossed the street to visit the Old Courthouse and learn more about its connection to the Dred Scott Supreme Court case. Between all of those activities, you can easily spend several hours here (and totally should!) read more

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When you enter, you go through a museum section before lining up for the trip to the top of the arch. You enter the tram through small doors (maybe 4x2?). It feels very retro futuristic. The ride to the top is about 4 minutes and you get to stay up there for 10. The windows at the top let you see for miles. Beautiful views. The museum is done really well taking you through the design of the arch and the history of St Louis. If you have never been here, you need to add this to your bucket list! read more

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WOW! Hubs convinced me to go. I'm afraid of heights, but I'm SO glad I did this. Once in a lifetime. Elevator is TINY and a bit claustrophobic, but think of what you see! They take pictures of you before you go up and they're ready when you get down. Stiff price. $37 for three prints & digital access. $32 for the prints only. It's up to you if you purchase. We did not. It's amazing how many people go through here. It's a well oiled machine, you're in and out with 45-60 minutes. Do it! read more

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The Arch is a nice icon of St. Louis. The sourrounding grounds and museum under it make the National Park. It's much smaller than others without much wildlife and natural scenery. It is only 60 years old so hard to imagine what city was like before as Old Busch Stadium was built around the same time as well next door. I just learned the arch was designed by Eero Saarinen who also designed Washington Dulles Airport's main terminal. read more

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Have not been in a while. Brought the boys for the first time. Loved the updates. Easy to navigate without planning. Very clean and well kept inside. Trip to the top of the Arch was very well organized. Thanks for the memories! read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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What looks to be a smallish National Park actually has a ton of underground, cool museum areas plus a tram that you can ride over the arch and a virtual arch tour also a decent national park store. That being said you can get in and out probably in an hour and a half or two hours. No cost to go into the museum l, no cost to go to the national Park store. They have timed tram rides that are an extra charge and I believe the movie is an extra charge. Check out my photos. read more

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My wife and I are on a road trip west along I-70 to Colorado, and we planned several stops along the way. One of the major places we wanted to visit was Gateway Arch National Park. We made our reservations online ahead of time, which was very easy to do. We visited during the week, so I believe it was less crowded than it would be on a weekend. We chose the package that included both the ride to the top of the Arch and the film about how it was built. Once we arrived, the process was very smooth. We walked right up to the ticket area for the movie, had our tickets scanned directly from my Apple Wallet, and went right in. After the film, we waited for our scheduled time to go up the Arch, and again they simply scanned the tickets from my phone. It was much easier than dealing with paper tickets. The movie itself was excellent. Anyone involved in construction or engineering will probably appreciate it even more. Seeing how the Arch was built was honestly amazing. Going up inside the Arch was a really unique experience. The tram system is unlike anything I have ever been on. It's almost like a small elevator mixed with an escalator. You sit inside a very small pod with five seats, and as it travels up the curve of the Arch, the pod shifts to keep you level the entire time. The engineering behind it is truly genius, and the ride back down works the same way. Once at the top, the views were incredible. You can see for miles in every direction. You get about 10 minutes at the top before heading back down, which felt like enough time to take in the views and snap some photos. One thing I would definitely recommend is watching the film before going up in the Arch. It really makes you appreciate the experience and the incredible engineering even more. read more

Probably the most iconic landmark in St Louis, the arch is hard to miss and easy to get to. If you're interested in exploring the museum, or going inside the arch, be sure to go during a weekday from 9-5! read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I've been here so many times from 2008-2011 when I lived in the area. The Gateway Arch was a short visit on my way to the airport. I wanted to have this nostalgic feeling from those times in the past; however, it's definitely a unique and powerful landmark of Missouri symbolism. For free observation from the ground level, it only takes about one-to-two minutes, but if you want to do a picnic or something that's cool and just relax, plan for an extended stay which would cost you for parking; they do have a museum and fares for rides up the gateway onsite. I can't recall the experience because it was a decade ago and I elected not to partake due to time constraints, but I definitely recommend a quick visit if ever in St. Louis. read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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The smallest national park but has SO MUCH! We did the tram up and it was really neat, if you're claustrophobic probably don't go up, but if not definitely do it! Well worth the money! They also have multiple free things to do as well like the museum. The outside is basically a big park it was super nice! They didn't have a parking lot but we found parking in a garage near by. Definitely recommend checking it out read more

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Whether you're a tourist or a local, the arch never gets old. Make sure you book your tickets in advance because they sell out pretty fast. The tram ride up is one of the most unique experiences. It's weird but also a cool sensation where you're moving sideways and upward at the same time, around 3 mph. The ride down feels slightly faster for some reason. Each tram fits a maximum of 5 people (or 6 with a baby in lap), so it is a snug little pod. If you or someone in your group has claustrophobia, I wouldn't let it stop you. Some of my friends have mild claustrophobia and they were fine. The tour guides while you're waiting in line are enthusiastic and keep things fun. I appreciated them. Once you get to the top, you have about 8 to 10 minutes to take in the view through these little windows that kind of make you feel like you're looking out of a plane. The view of the river is nice and you can spot planes and ships from up there. While you're waiting for your time slot or even after, there's a really nice Missouri history museum section at the entrance worth browsing through. Don't skip the gift shop, it's worth a quick stop. The grounds under the arch are a full park, so it's a great excuse to just be outside and enjoy the space. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone who wants a fun and easy way to spend some time in the city. read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This is a must visit if you're in St. Louis Missouri! It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. The centerpiece of the park is the Gateway Arch itself. It's a stunning stainless steel monument that soars 630 feet into the sky. It's one of the tallest designed monuments in the Western Hemisphere! The design was completed in 1965! I did the tram ride up to the Gateway Arch and it was amazing. It was sunny out when I had visited in early September and I was able to see the entire city of St. Louis. There are two sides to the Gateway Arch ride. You could see the Mississippi River as well! Beneath the Arch is the Museum at the Gateway Arch. It's an immersive and modern exhibition space. It walks you through the story of St. Louis as the gateway to the west. The museum also explores themes of exploration and innovation, tracing the region's development from a frontier trading post. This museum is free! After my colleagues and I rode the tram ride, we had a chance to take a look at the museum before closing hours. The park extends beyond the monument though. It includes landscape grounds, walking paths, and the historic Old Courthouse. This is one of the best national parks that I've gone too. Though, I haven't had a chance to visit many, this park is fantastic! read more

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Im not sure what events are held here or goes on daily. I know there's trams and so much to experience here with time! In town for my sons wedding we wanted to do some extra sightseeing. I'm 100% sure something I read about the museum being free that got us here. We found metered parking. And walked! 96° but feels 106° after about 10 minutes I needed AC so we made our way to museum all my worries went away at the the open doors to AC! It was way to hot outside but I imagine on cooler days how beautiful it is here!! More sightseeing options inside and you can take a trip up the Arch!! Very cool. read more

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AYYY I made it here!!! First of all the Arch is HUGE!! Pictures do not give it justice. I cant believe how big it is and how long it took us to walk around it This park is nicely landscaped and has a lot of educational posts spread out throughout the park. I learned a lot about the arch and the history I am glad we got see and learn alot read more

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What an amazing place to visit. We had a great day after purchasing for $50 the combo package, which included free museum, tram ride, virtual tour, movie documentary , and ms river boat ride. If you're on a budget just the tram ride would be enough. The free museum gives you the history you need and the experience of the tram ride is awesome . Get position 1 if you have problems doing steps. Do not ride the tram if you have issues with small spaces. There are 5 to a mini car. Quite an experience. I loved the marvel of the arch in person. So cool. read more

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I was attending a conference at a hotel across the street from the Arch, so of course I had to check it out. I'm not a fan of heights, so I opted out of the tour up to the top, but enjoyed the ground-level museum, which was quite immersive and free to explore. With interactive exhibits exploring the history of the arch and region, I could have spent hours here, but was able to have a great and full experience in about a 45 minutes. The Arch itself was also beautiful and it was very cool to learn about its architecture and construction process. Highly recommend. read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I still kind of laugh at the fact that the Arch is considered a national park. I've been to the Arch a few times and it's been a good time but it really does not scream national park. If you're looking for a place to hike, this is not it. It's located in the middle of downtown St Louis so you will not see a lot of trails. You can go inside the arch and see a ice view of the city but it takes forever to get to the top. It's a long wait and the only way to get to the stop is to go in these carts that are tiny. I probably would out Gateway Arch at the bottom of my list of national parks read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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It's been on my bucket list to visit the arch for years and finally made it here. Luckily it was open as the government was shut down. Fortunately they received funding to open for two more weeks. So check on line to make sure they are open. We purchased a package for the movie which was very informative, the virtual experience, which I could have passed on. Could have been longer in length. Then we rode the tram up the arch. I was very nervous sitting in such a tight space and riding up so high, but it wasn't bad at all. It's a must if you're in St. Louis. Had lunch at the cafe under the arch, visited the gift shop. After we spent some time in the museum. Very informative and well done!! Gateway arch National Park is the smallest of the National parks but worth a visit. read more

I went for a morning stroll in this park to get a view of the arch. Great park to take a stroll or run for exercise. read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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This is the smallest national park in our country. In 2018, became the 63rd. The park encompasses the Old Courthouse down to the Mississippi River. There are park rangers all around yet nobody checked to see if we had a park pass. There was a lot of printed information & markers throughout. The park was beautifully manicured with lots of shrubs & flowers. Walkers, runners and lots of beautiful dogs parade through this area. read more

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My husband and I are working on a National Park bucket list, so decided to do a long layover in St. Louis on an already planned trip out east since the Gateway Arch National Park is only a ~20-minute Uber ride from the airport. It turned out to be the perfect way to visit this National Park without having to actually plan a specific trip there. The Arch itself is a pretty neat structure and looks to be a bit of an engineering feat and the park is beautiful, but I just can't get on board with it being a National Park. It seems as though it should be labeled as a National Monument instead. There are a few miles worth of trail throughout the park, which was a very peaceful walk, but when I think of a National Park, I think of a lot of wildlife, a bit outside of a city, and lots of hiking trails to choose from. With all of this said, St. Louis itself seems to be a pretty cool city and I could see planning a trip to St. Louis and visiting the park as an activity but not travelling there just for the park. read more

I had a nice time walking around the arch grounds last weekend. It was such a beautiful Saturday to be outside and we took advantage of it! My family and I walked around the arch grounds for about an hour and just had such a nice time taking photos, enjoying the scenery and watching all the people. There is a beautiful lake/pond and it was filled with so many geese the other day. It was really fun for us to watch the geese walking/swimming around the area and we got some good photos of them too. Taking photos with the arch is the main thing to do when visiting STL, so my nieces and I probably took over 100 photos from all the different angles. We watched the riverboats and talked about the Mississippi River a bit. After exploring the arch grounds, we made our way inside to visit the top of the arch! read more

This place has the largest gateway in the world--absolutely stunning. The view is breathtaking and the whole experience feels unique and memorable. I highly recommend visiting the museum as well; it adds so much depth to the visit. Definitely a must-see if you're in the area! read more

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Trip went just as planned. Ordered tickets online for 9:20. Figure going early we were able to beat the crowds. Arrived approx 9:05, and was able to walk through the security quickly. Saved the museum and gift shop for after our trip up top. Once in line we waited what seemed 15 minutes . While we waited we watch a short video about events during the 1960s. Kevin talked through instructions for boarding the tram & provided us with nice tips about St Louis. Overall went well. Wish we could have had more than 10 mins at the top but understand they need to limit so everyone can enjoy. read more

Gateway Arch National Park - View from top - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I've always loved arches, so seeing the Gateway Arch in person was incredible! We arrived in the afternoon during a heavy rainstorm, so it ended up being a quick stop on our road trip. Since I wasn't sure exactly what time we'd get there, I didn't buy tickets in advance to go up to the top and unfortunately, it was sold out by the time we arrived. Such a bummer! The interior was impressive, with a free museum that shared the fascinating history of the arch. We couldn't explore much outside due to the rain, but we did get to see the Mississippi River flowing nearby. Overall, it was a beautiful stop. I just wish we'd been able to experience the view from the top! Well just have to come back for that! read more

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I'm so happy to see this place up close,there's so much to see and learn more about this National park .This place is well kept from the grounds and up.Inside is also a museum and a tram that took us to top of the arch approximately 4 minutes.The tram is a little bit smaller and all four of us fit inside.Reaching the top of the arch is amazing,we're able to see the beautiful city and river. read more

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It was too cold the day we visited to enjoy the many acres of parkland, but boy that ride to the top was an adventure. The park offers tickets to a movie, a tram to the top, an VR experience and a river tour. We went with the movie and the tram. Security into the museum area (where you access the tram, VR and movie) is just like TSA. The museum is quite large and includes information about the local area through the decades and the monument construction. You can spend a lot of time in here. The movie was interesting. Filmed in the early 1960's it was very interesting to see the monument go up. The audio is pretty bad, but also from the 1960's so technology was different. The music is 100% 1960's! In scenes with crowds you also get a glimpse of early 60's fashion. So fun on many levels. The tram ride up was so interesting. The pod system holds 5 people each and I believe there are 8 pods in the chain. The pods are round with a flat door on one end and a light and speaker at the back. An average height person will have to sit hunched over a bit due to the cylander curve. With five adults, this would be tight quarters, but for a family with smaller humans it would be cozy. Luckily as we visited off season the pod easily accommodated the two in our group. Once at the top you have about 10 minutes to take in the views. That is plenty of time to take your photos and look out the windows. Seeing the movie first impacted our understanding of what it took to get us to the top. It's quite an engineering marvel. This can be a full day park visit if you spend time taking in all the available indoor offerings and the outdoor areas. Definitely plan stay nearby to get the most out of this National Park. read more

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What an interesting experience. This national park is the smallest I have been to, but the museum inside is before you get to go up the side of the arch. I was in town for a sorority convention and wanted to get the touristy experiences out of the way. We walked through the museum and then checked in to go up to the top of the arch. They give you group numbers for your "elevator". If you are afraid of small spaces, this experience might not be for you. The trip up is slower as you are moved up the arch, and once you reach the top, you are there for 10 minutes to take pictures from the small windows. We hit it at the perfect time because we were able to pick up part of a baseball game from the arch. It was a cool experience, but probably one I would only do once. read more

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Love bringing a picnic blanket and reading on the lawns surrounding the Arch with my pups. I take advantage of the free street parking on Poplar St. and enter to the south of the park where there's less foot traffic. read more

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In full candor, provided you know how to take a good picture, you can probably just stay outside of the arch for an awesome experience. We made the investment ($20/person) to ride to the top and while the views were solid, I'd recommend taking them in from one of the cities ' Ferris wheels for much better quality. The windows inside the arch are small, making the view nice but not opportune for a photo opportunity which is a huge part of being in the arch, in my opinion. The ride up is fun but has no view and be warned it isn't friendly to size or height, it's sardining at its finest. The tour guides are excellent though, their energy and fun facts were great additions to the experience. All in all, I would say the park is a "yes" but can be enjoyed plenty as the "free version". read more

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-- A St. Louis Treasure That Deserves Our Support Gateway Arch National Park is more than a landmark -- it's the heart of St. Louis, a sweeping green space that frames the iconic Arch against the sky and the river in a way that never stops taking my breath away. The views shift with the seasons, the light, and even your mood, but they're always extraordinary. Since moving here seven years ago, we've never missed watching the fireworks from the park -- it's become our personal tradition. Sitting under that shimmering steel curve, surrounded by people from every walk of life, and watching the night sky light up is empowering in a way that words can barely capture. It's not just a show, it's a reminder of what community feels like. This park is a gift, but like all treasures, it needs care to thrive. I urge anyone who loves it -- locals and visitors alike -- to consider becoming a member. Membership helps ensure the park will be here for generations to come, a place where future families can make the same kind of unforgettable memories. Come for the history, stay for the scenery, and leave with a little more love for St. Louis than you arrived with. read more

I had a wonderful time at the National Park. This review is of the museum and store below the Arch and the park on the grounds. The museum is top notch. It takes you through several periods of history: Colonial 1764-1804, Jefferson Vision 1804-1840, Riverfront Era 1838-1860, Manifest Destiny 1840-1860, New Frontiers 1860-1930, and Building of the Arch 1930-Today. The displays are top notch, interactive, and informative. There is so much information that you could spend a day reading it all. Some of the information is from different perspectives. In the Jefferson Vision section the interactive screens present the American Indian perspective on the Jefferson Purchase as well as the US perspective. The museum shop as all your typical memorabilia like T-shirts, magnets, and glassware. They also have a diverse selection of books. There is also a large section for young people and kids.. The grounds of the park or enjoyable to walk around. There's plenty of paved and shaded sidewalks to walk on. Don't forget to go down to the waterfront and see the landmark that marks the landing of the founders of St. Louis. read more

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Such a lovely view. Great history and it was not that difficult to get to the top. It does make a difference when you go for the lines but if you plan in advance you'll be fine. The pods to go up to the top of the arch way may seem a bit claustrophobic but its so quick you wont feel it. Staff made you feel welcome and gave good directions. read more

Gateway Arch National Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

We stayed downtown. Downtown is a little sketch. A gritty city. Work the wall from downtown. The park is quiet and peaceful. Well kept. I ran laps through the park during my visit and the arch is cool. Really cool to see at night. If your in town for business or just visiting. It's worth a quick visit. read more

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The arch was nice. We went up in this egg shaped elevator, it was small but we made it to the top. When we got to the top we could see all the way into Illinois. read more

The museum in the park is free and definitely worth a stop. It outlines not only St Louis history but also the history of expansionism to the west. The arch makes for a pretty setting over the Mississippi river. It is always nice to see the river boats on the river. read more

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