This is what St. Louis is all about! We got here before the crowd came which was nice and made it right up to the top! We also purchased the riverboat tour which was sort of worth it but not a must. Also check out the informative museum beneath the arch to learn about some cool history. Must visit the top of the arch if you are in town! read more

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The arch is a uniquely simply monument to the Gateway city. It shows up in every Americana type TV ad. What's less known is what a beautifully manicured park it is. It's very secure and peaceful respite in the heart of what might be America's most dangerous city. It's a national park, so it is well staffed--probably over staffed, your tax dollars at work--but really beautiful. It's also never crowded. It's a great place to walk, run, ride or even take a picnic if you like that sort of thing. Sounds awful to me. read more

Really nice views of the city from the top. You get a clear view of the Mississippi River, the Busch Stadium and skyscrapers. It can get a bit too crowded when you're at the top, but it's not too overwhelming and you can go down whenever you want to. The lobby, museum and the Arch Shop look very nice, clean and professional - super attractable. The only downside was that the young associates guiding people at the top of the Arch were rude and unprofessional - they counted people who were going back to the bottom to make sure the number of people going down correlated with the available seats going down per ride (3 minutes going down, 4 min. up). When I was there, they did not count everyone who passed by them, causing an overcrowd of the line of people going back down, and the workers yelled at people to stay on the right side of the stairs, and that it would be a "federal violation" if we didn't follow that, but it was literally impossible to fit everyone in line when some people didn't know their pod numbers because the workers didn't count them. Aside from that, my experience was good. I wish I knew more public information that the cruise went only until noon, because we missed out on that. If you're trying to go cheap for souvenirs, they have nice keychains and magnets for like $2 at the registers. Also, if you want to just do the ride itself without the cruise and the short film, it's only $13. read more

I do not recommend buying tickets in person. Kyle G. was a new hire trying to sell us tickets but took over 20 minutes to print the tickets which led from us being able to board at 2:45 pm to 4:25 pm. When Kyle realized he couldn't figure out how to do a tram and cruise combo in the system he called on his manager Jeffery Seward who was rude and at first did not want to come out to help until Kyle went back a second time asking for support. Jeffery angrily comes out and asks what the issue is. I asked for 3 tickets to the tram and the noon cruise. He starts to walk him through the steps and I ask why did the time get pushed back for our tickets. He indicated that I was being rude and that he does not have to do business with someone like me. I am an African American woman. He indicated I was rude for asking for the combo tickets. Jeffery S. became frustrated and indicated again that I was rude for asking for tickets. Jeffrey Seward does not appear to be a supportive boss nor does he have any customer service experience. Jeffery was rude and biased when selling tickets. I definitely will not recommend anyone going to the arch after being profile by Jeffery S. People of color should be able to buy tickets just as anyone else. Buying tickets in person was a horrible 20 minute experience. It was so bad that another customer saw my experience and shared how frustrating that must have been to simply buy tickets. I do not recommend buying ticket not working with Jeffery S. as he clearly has an issue with serving people of color and working with people of color. Plan wisely. read more

Nothing quite like walking three miles to an attraction only to find out it's been sold out... We were really looking forward to hitting up this thing, but parking - not to mention driving downtown - was atrocious. So we parked way off. Then we walked. When we finally got to the arch guess what... sold out. We were so disappointed. The number one attraction in St. Louis and we missed it. Oh well. The only reason it gets two stars as opposed to one is because it was cool to walk under it and see it. But the fact that we didn't get to go inside was downright depressing. read more

First off purchase your tickets online. Two: plan to arrive one hour early. When all was said and done we lost that hour because of construction, navigation, parking, and walking. On to the arch.... An architectural wonder! Price of $13 was a good value which included the ride up to the top and the movie. The Gateway Arch is gigantic and beautiful. It sits in the middle of a well kept park on the west bank of the Mississippi. It is absolutely fantastic once you get up to it, it honestly exceeded our expectations. read more

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Don't waste your money. Price, lines, heat are just not worth the experience...the time to get up is at least 45 min, you'll spend maybe 5 min on the top. Then another 20 min to get back. read more

The museum downstairs is really cool and free, so that's awesome. But I'd skip the $16 ride to the top. They cram as many people as they can possibly fit to the small arch walkway and the windows to look out of are really tiny anyway. The tram ride up is weird too, looks like something out of Coneheads. Oh and I got a bottle of water and an ice cream sandwich at the cafe and it was $9! So don't get a snack there. read more

The Gateway Arch is one of those places everyone should visit at least once. Definitely take the trip up to the top for some spectacular views of St. Louis at the Mississippi River. The Arch lit up at night is a beautiful sight! read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

So much to say, ordered my tickets online before we even left for St Louis, which was difficult because of the fact you have to choose a specific time. As you walk up the arch, you get some other context into the history, whether of Jefferson, the building, or anything else. The old courthouse you must see on the way as well, fabulous paintings and museum. The arch had a walkway leading up to it on either side, this building seems so unreal even from so close... As you go underground, taking stairs that decend although youre in line to go up, you wonder why this must be? You quickly realize its not a big deal, the door opens and you're crammed into a cart thing that sits 2 people comfortably but has 5 spots. The whole time you are wondering how high you are going to go up, then it stops, the doors open yet again, and you make your way up a flight of stairs, and now in awe, you peak out the windows, atop of the gateway to the west, and stare for a millenium, not letting the fact of how high in the sky you are get to you, and seeing the beautiful city of St. Louis you quickly step back onto the curved ground. You travel back down and walk away from it, looking at it will never be the same, all you see is the top now, the way to the west. Astounding... Just... Astounding... read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

If you never have gone, you certainly should. You can take the tram up to the stop but the spaces are tight tight tight. Only $13, its worth an experience. There is nothing at the top so bring water or anything you would like when you ride up. Steve was our guide and was very informative. read more

Not tall enough maybe just rebuild the entire thing from scratch quite a embarrassing thing to look at

Super fun! My husband and I went to the top of the arch. The tour was well done, and the museum was fun and educational. We bought something at the gift shop. It was reasonably priced. Great experience overall and would highly recommend! read more

This place was great. Shouldn't go if you are claustrophobic because the tram is so tiny. Also, if your a 200+lb man who 6'2 like my husband ..nobueno.. . But the view is amazing!!! read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is iconic, and for a reason! The Gateway Arch is a great place to go if you're visiting Saint Louis or even live there! It has an amazing view of the city, and I really enjoyed it. read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

It's amazing to see the only down part is the Arch is under construction and it's been this way all week. Would have loved to go to the top but who knows when it will open again. Still a very nice part to walk through and take great pictures. Check it out if you're in town! read more

Gateway Arch - The Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

I enjoyed visiting the Gateway Arch, I bought my tickets online and didn't really know where to enter so I walked to the information white building which I found by reading the very useful signs they have on the light posts my tickets were for the 6:45 ride up the arch, we arrived at 7:05 to the north gate (entrance to the arch) and the staff was very pleasant and didn't mind we arrived late. Definitely worth visiting! read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

The arch is really a great work of art and engineering. From the ground you can see the windows at the top and the view from the old courthouse is worth the walk over. I recommend going up to the top, the tickets are relatively inexpensive and the experience is worth it. You enter an egg like carrier with a 4ft door that will take to you the top. The ride up feels like you're on a Ferris wheel or some kind of amusement ride. The top is small but the views are great. If you can time your trip when there is a baseball game because you can see the stadium. There is a gift shop at the bottom but unlike most tourist sightseeing places they don't make you go in it (though I recommend you do). read more

Gateway Arch - View of the arch from the old courthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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At the top the window so small, its feel like I'm in prison. Make the window bigger like the one in One World Trade Center. Other thing are good. Thats the only problem we have. read more

It's clear when the aliens landed here... They knew what they were doing... ha ha, might sound silly but I cannot believe how massive this structure is. Very impressive engineering read more

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Lol going up this is an absolute joke. St Louis I wanted to like you but I think offering to take people up the arch is just a way to validate yourself. Please don't be touristy and stupid like me and go up the arch. The only thing you wanna see on the St Louis skyline IS THE ARCH! Going up it is very underwhelming since there's nothing much to see once you're up there. The arch itself though is fantastic and an architectural feat to admire (but on the outside, not from within). I think they said it was one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world or something. Yeah, just look at it. Don't go up it. read more

I was at The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO on 9/16/2016. While I had 1st seen it back in 1986, I took no photos back then. One of the great landmarks of the USA, or the world for that matter. This time, I took photos. read more

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If you ever go to St. Louis, you MUST visit the arch! The Gateway (to the West) Arch is a modern marvel of engineering. If you've never seen a documentary on this monument, put it in your Netflix que! You won't be sorry. Being that I'm an architectural, history, and PBS nerd, I've seen several documentaries and will always stand in awe of the Arch. I will never understand how they welded those pieces seamlessly or how firetrucks were able to spray water that high. (Do some research and you'll know what I'm talking about.) The trip to the top is quite an adventure. You sit in a teeny tiny "pod" with four other people. This is not for the claustrophobic! On your way up, you can look out the little round window and see the inside of the Arch and a lot of what went into its construction. Once you're at the top you get sweeping views of St. Louis and the gateway to the west that this monument was intended to be. I didn't have much time for my visit so I missed out on the museum, but I have heard it is excellent! I'll be back again! read more

My girls and I are here for spring break and going to visit The Arch was a must and it didn't disappoint! Everyone was super kind to us on our journey and we loved the views! So glad we did this! After all of the renovations are done, I bet it'll be an even more beautiful area! read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

My 8-year-old wanted to go up the arch because he's a Percy Jackson fan, but I am not. First we stand in line for 45 minutes to go through security (during which time the line is OUTSIDE in the heat) and then to get on the tram. Then you squeeze 6 American-size people with backpacks and tote bags into one tram car (which has seats for 5 thin people--kids can sit on laps), forget it. At the top there's a small crowded viewing room, where most people are actually in line to ride the tram back down (while blocking your access to the viewing windows that are barely more than slits). SO not worth it. But, it is a beautiful piece of architecture/sculpture which is even more impressive up close. And the tram guide Steve was adorably awkward and interesting. read more

My son and I have been to the Arch a couple times but Stephanie has yet to make the journey to the top of the Arch. So imagine out disappointment as we are standing in line to get into the arch when they put up the SOLD OUT sign. Major bummer for us as we were all excited to go up in the Arch, but the experience provided an excellent lesson learned. If you are going to go to the Arch on a weekend, you might be wise to buy your tickets on line, that way you can avoid a similar fate. Not to be totally shut out, we wandered around the museum for about an hour. I've been through the museum before, but it was still nice to see everything that is in there, especially since my son is in the ask 100 questions an hour phase. I love history, so it gave me a chance to explain some things to him. Needless to say, we will be back again, but this next time we will buy tickets ahead of time! read more

This is one of those things where it's most impressive to those who don't live in the area. Either way, it's at least a must see and a trip to the top serves a decent way to point out where you're going to take a visitor next (I dont' think the view is very impressive.) I think one of the cooler views is right from the base. read more

Last week some friends and I were in St Louis and of course, we had to visit the Arch. There is a lot of construction around the Arch right now, I think it will be completed by 2017. We walked from our hotel, which took about 20 minutes. A lot of roads are closed down to cars and pedestrians so that might have added to our time. I'm not sure what parking is like around there. We purchased our tickets online ahead of time. If you buy there, there is a ticket booth outside the Arch on the side facing the river. After going through security, you stand in line to go to the tram. Note: the tram is like a little pod that can hold up to five people. If you are claustrophobic, just a heads up. The ride up takes a few minutes so you are snug in there. Once at the top, there are little windows and you either see the Mississippi River or overlook St. Louis, depending which side you look out of. I'm not a fan of heights but I did okay in there. Tip: go early in the day. It opens at 8 and we got tickets for 9. We got through security and the line for the tram pretty quickly. We only spent about 15-20 minutes at the top (once at the top you can stay as long as you want, you don't necessarily leave with the same people you rode up with.) We got back down about 9:20 and the line to go up at that point was a lot longer, so early in the day is best. Stay for the video about the making of the Arch, it's so worth it! It's located in the theater at the bottom level. Everyone who worked there was super nice and the Rangers were very informative. There was a nice Ranger named Eric who told us some interesting facts. read more

Gateway Arch - At the top of the Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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This review is specifically about the experience of the arch itself, not the museum at its base or the surrounding grounds. Beautiful on the outside, it's intriguing on the inside. The one-of-a-kind tram (4 minutes up, 3 minutes down) offers a unique journey. But the cars are sort of small, and anyone with more than mild claustrophobia should carefully consider whether enough reassurance is provided by a small window that affords a dimly lit view of the arch's inner skeleton. When you disembark at the top, there's plenty of space to move around. The view at the top is limited by the size of the windows, which face west and east. Still, you get a good bird's eye view of the city and river. Totally worthwhile. read more

It was amazing just seeing the arch in person. We had heard it was overhyped to pay to go all the way to the top, so we just admired the arch from down below. Must see while you're in Missouri! read more

Kid was very excited to take a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and earn her Jr. Ranger badge there, so we set aside a morning of our cross-country road trip to make sure that happened. But guess what? There is a LOT to see and do at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial...more than can be accomplished in a couple hours. I wish I had been better prepared so that we had more time to fully appreciate it all. As it was, we spent a short amount of time in the Old Courthouse--enough to ooo and aah over the gorgeous interior, but not enough to go through the exhibits. Then we had the long hike to the boarding area for the Arch itself. The lines here get really long, and I would definitely recommend going early in the day! Kid was absolutely THRILLED with the ride up in the teeny tiny pod, but I can imagine that four-minute journey must be utter torture for anyone with any amount of claustrophobia, not to mention any fear of heights. This is definitely an experience for the bold. Things get pretty crowded at the top, and you will have to vie for a good viewing spot and a good photo opp, but it is definitely worth it for the view! Bring all of your patience with you, though, because rude tourists and undisciplined children become even more unimaginably irritating when you are trapped with them in a small hallway 630 feet in the air. The Ranger on duty at the top was very friendly and informative, but he did not do a whole lot to keep order. One unfortunate part of our visit that slowed us down is that the whole site is currently under construction, making it difficult and confusing to get around. I imagine when all of the remodeling is done, the result will be magnificent, and I look forward to visiting again someday and really getting the chance to appreciate everything that this memorial has to offer. **JUNIOR RANGERS: There are actually TWO Jr. Ranger badges available at the Memorial--one for the Old Courthouse and one for the Arch! Workbooks need to be picked up and completed separately at the two locations, but they are short and very simple, and the Rangers don't seem too particular about the work done, so both badges can easily be completed in one visit. During our visit, one badge pictured the Arch and another was a special Centennial badge. A patch is available for sale in the gift shop, but you have to ask for it at the counter. read more

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Okay let me say you should go, it is an iconic piece of Americana. Dear Lord though, 2 plus hours of waiting for maybe 15 minutes of viewing St. Lewis. The elevator up was the coolest part. Your wait will be long, go on a weekday morning! read more

Hey guys, I just want to apologize if I freaked anyone out the other night. I've been tinkering with my ship for the past few months, ever since it crashed in the California desert. I was finally able to repair the rear thrusters and I ran a couple of test flights out near Joshua Tree. Everyone there was probably on peyote so I'm guessing that no one noticed. Then I screwed up. On my last test flight, I accidentally switched over to light speed for a FRACTION of a second. By the time I had turned it off, I was all the way in Missouri. Stupid, stupid Zimbot! Anyway, that light that you might have seen, hovering over the Gateway Arch? That was just my ship. I left the hatch light on for a little while. I was really having an off day, normally I would have turned it off a few seconds after takeoff. But, to be fair, I wasn't expecting to be anywhere other than the California desert so I didn't think it mattered. If you're wondering where I am now, I flew my ship back to California because, frankly, it's a better place to spend my time. No offense to the people of St. Louis. I'm sure your city is great now that it doesn't have a football team. I just happen to like the perennial sunshine and abundance of beauty that California has to offer. As luck would have it, I ran out of fuel and crashed in a DIFFERENT spot in the desert. So now I have some more repairs to do. read more

What a beautiful, unique, and historical monument! I never knew you could actually go inside of it but I learned that you can go inside and you will find a museum! Not only that but an elevator will take you all the way to the top to get a view of St. Louis. The line was super long and the tickets to ride the elevator for the city view was also sold out. Being able to see the Arch in person was a big deal and just as beautiful as I imagined! read more

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The more I learn about the arch, the more I appreciate it. I think it is architecturally astounding, visually appealing and mathematically perfect. First, I just love the symmetry of the monument. It is as wide at the base as it is tall, and upside down, it's catenary arch, the shape that an idealized chain would assume if it were suspended from two ends. At 630 feet tall, it's got plenty of height a lot of famous monuments, including the leaning tower of Pisa ... actually, it's supposedly only second to the Eiffel Tower when it comes to the tallest free-standing monuments! I always feel a sense of amazement whenever I stand at the top of the arch and look down -- yes, down. Sure, it's pretty cool to gaze at downtown STL and fun to point out all the easily identifiable buildings like the Basilica, but what really gets me is looking down. (The side windows are slanted outward so you can lean on top of them). You can see both the feet of the arch on either side of you, and you can tell there is absolutely nothing below you except the floor of the apex of the arch ... there are no supporting structures directly beneath your feet, just either foot of the arch 300+ feet away from you on either side. I find that architecture/engineering to be absolutely mind-blowing. It is incredible to me that someone designed such a unique shape that can hold its own weight and be stable enough for people to go up into it. On gloomier days, if you go up to the top and stand up on your toes, you can feel your balance compromised. Apparently, the arch sways a few feet in the wind. Amazing. Not to mention it has great history behind it. The Jefferson National Expansion museum in the lobby can tell you all about it while you're waiting to get on your tram up to the top. Plus, it just looks pretty. I live close to downtown, and it's nice to drive and see this smooth, shiny arch sticking up above all of the other buildings. Sorry for the nerdiest post ever ... but really, I just can't understand how anyone could say this is underwhelming. read more

Beautiful monument! I was impressed with the operational efficiencies involved with getting so many people up to the top of the arch and back down again safely! The views are spectacular. But, beware of the swaying on windy days! There are just two drawbacks I would note: 1) Make sure you arrive WELL in advance of your scheduled "departure" time. For some reason, there is only ONE operational security check point. (This is a FAIL. For as many people as there are coming through here each day, they need at least 4 secured entrance points.) 2) The viewing space at the top of the arch becomes quite crowded! People are taken to the top on a schedule, but are allowed to linger at the peek for as long as they would like. There comes a point where more and more people just keep coming up, but people are not descending at the same rate. There has to be a better way to regulate this to ensure everyone gets to enjoy their time at the top. read more

I am only reviewing this from the perspective of an admirer viewing the arch at dusk and at night. I didn't get tickets and go inside. I've heard MO residents comment with apathy, "meh, it's just an arch". While there is plenty more to this fun city, the arch is a beautiful beacon highlighting the cityscape of St. Louis. I highly recommend getting up close and viewing / visiting during your trip in MO. I observed it wasn't lit at night (construction was occurring nearby so perhaps this is unusual?) but it was luminescent regardless as its materials of construction make it highly reflective of city lights. It is a striking monument. read more

Gateway Arch - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Its a world class monument so of course there is some waiting in lines but I felt it was worth it to get to the top. My only beef is once your up there the thrill is gone a few minutes later. You look out the windows at both sides then just go back down. I did marvel a little at the fact that I was inside of the arch at the top but like I said then it was time to rotate back down to the bottom. Only other thing to mention is the ride to the top. I never envisioned getting up there in that little NASA capsule. The claustrophobes beware. I was even concerned for the heavy set. Maybe I didn't pay attention during ticket purchase but I feel like mention of size would have to be made or maybe they ride up solo in a capsule. Basically what I'm saying is that ride was odd but I won't forget it. It was a thrill for all of ten minutes. read more

This is an awesome experience. Prepare yourself to be very high up and to be in a very small enclosed space for a bit. The small egg-shaped elevators you ride to the top in are tight quarters. It's not frightening, but it could be unnerving for someone not prepared. Once you're at the top it's just an amazing view. You almost can't believe where you are and how much you can see. Take it all in before your ride back down. read more

We enjoyed our Gateway Arch experience. It's important to arrive early enough to go through airport-style security but not too early or you'll be asked to browse in the gift shop until five minutes before the time on your ticket. The 5-person pod going to the top of the arch is tight, but introduce yourself to the others and you'll enjoy the 4-minute ride. Views from the top are stunning, and don't forget the movie when you get back to the ground floor. read more