We've visited a ton of National Parks and tourist sites over the past 6 months, and this has been one of the highlights. It was smaller than expected from a distance, but once you're right there it's tall and impressive. It might not look light anyone can fit into the top of it, but the ride to the top is definitely worth it. Great views, tons of history, and even a sweet (albeit somewhat nerve-wracking) elevator ride to the top. Crossing the top of the arch was actually kind of nerd-ly cool, as you walk up to the apex and then feel yourself on the downward slope of the other side. We talked to some locals afterwards who had never been up to the top. I would tell them and everyone else that if you're in the STL, it's definitely worth it. read more

Back around 1985 when I was just a kid, my family took a trip to St. Louis and we came to the arch. As my mom, dad, brother, and I climbed into that tiny little capsule, someone had a claustrophobic moment which resulted in all of us bolting out of there before they shut the door, and none of us made the trek to the top. To this day, no one in my family agrees on who was the first to panic resulting in us all freaking out and not getting to go up the arch. Well anyways, fast forward nearly 30 years later, and my husband and I are visiting St. Louis. I get my second chance, and nothing was going to stop me this time. We bought our tickets that afternoon but had to come back later early in the evening for our time to go up. Plenty of time to think about being enclosed and trapped in that little capsule. When the time arrived, we were placed in the cue line to wait our turn. While waiting, an employee came up and asked if there were any couples in line that would like to skip the wait to split up as there was one spot in two capsules. We volunteered. I'm glad. This eliminated the chance I embarrass my husband in any way if I get sick or hyperventilate on the trip up. I was placed to board with two couples... two big and tall couples. In that tiny capsule, I was completely cramped in there. Fortunately though, because I was the single, I got the best seat with the most head room. Then, the door shut. Oh good, I thought, it's transparent so you can at least see outside the door. You start off going a decent pace up. Then it gets slower. And slower. And you can see outside the transparent door and know basically that capsule is just wedged between the walls of the arch. The clicking of the mechanical components of the tram get louder and louder as it feels like the tram is struggling to continue its ascent to the top. I shut my eyes and take deep breaths. The two couples are chatting away. I'm just wondering when that clicking chain is going to snap and we plummet to our deaths. Just when each click of the tram mechanism seemed centuries apart, we made it to the top. What seemed like an eternity to get to the top took only four minutes. Once to the top, we enjoyed great views of the city. Because we had gotten a later time to board, we got to enjoy the sunset over the city. After about 10 minutes up at the top, we lined up to go back down. This time, my husband and I got to ride together, and the trip down seem to take about a fourth of the time it took to go up, but actually, it's only a minute quicker. I walked away from that arch happy to have gotten another chance to visit and this time complete the trip to the top. My mom and dad applauded my accomplishment, and said that if they had it to do all over again, they would still not step into that tiny little capsule again! read more

**Make sure you are here two hours before closing. We arrived one hour before closing, however the "last trams just left," and they were unable to sell us tickets for the same day.** read more

The arch is amazing!! A marvel of modern construction and architecture, inspiring in its simplicity. I had a great time coming here and met the nicest people in the pods. If you do not like tight spaces or have personal space issues, do not go to the top of the arch please! You will freak out and cause discomfort to those around you. If you are overweight, please look up the size of the pods online, you may experience slight discomfort at being in a tiny space with four other people. The ride was fun and the pods made interesting noises on the way up!! The most beautiful sight is seeing the sun set behind the arch, making the steel turn different colors, shimmering in a pool of light.... read more

Going to the Arch is a great experience. Don't miss it. We got there late in the day and were not able to take in the museum other than to walk quickly through. We watched the movie on the making of the Arch which was very interesting and then took the ride to the top. As we were riding to the top I was thinking I'm glad I don't get claustrophobic. The views great, the windows are tiny and you have to lean over onto a slanted wall to see out of them. Check it out, its a part of American ingenuity and history you won't want to miss. read more

What a disappointment! We enjoyed learning about the Arch, its history and construction, but the actual tour is a let-down. The employees at the Arch do not want to be there - they stand around like it's the last place they want to be. Answering a simple question is a bother for them, and giving directions to the masses of people waiting on line takes way too much effort. Their system of loading and unloading the pods to the top has so many obvious flaws - it could be a much more comfortable, efficient experience. Being 5 feet tall, I had difficulty seeing anything but straight out of the 7 inch windows at the top. We spent less than one minute at the top. While we appreciate the engineering and technology of the Arch and the complex undertaking required to transport people to the top, we feel it is much more impressive from the ground. read more

The museum here is awesome! So much cool detail and very modern. Definitely recommend the tram to the top of the arch. Worth every dollar and second spent while visiting. Fun for kids and adults alike. read more

The Arch itself is impressive but slightly underwhelming from afar. You really have to get up close to get a good perspective for it and read some of the history to appreciate the feat this was when it was built in 1965. I have to say I thought the old court house where you purchase tickets to go up in the Arch was more interesting. It was established in 1840 and has a ton of history in relation to freedom and rights of slaves in America. While I think that it is something every tourist should see I just felt that it was a little less cool then you think it's going to be. Especially if viewed within downtown as it is blocked by alot of their new much bigger buildings. read more

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

Just visited this beautiful place. It was spectacular. Too bad the Governor of Missouri, Mike Parson, puts a stain on it by refusing to release 2 innocent men from prison. These men have served a combined 70 years and it's been proven that they are innocent. While we are out enjoying this beautiful area, these 2 men literally rot in prison. It's in his power to pardon them, but he says it's not a priority. read more

Loved the Arch! It had unbelievable views and was spectacular to see in person. The cost to go up was only $10 also which was unexpected. They also take and sell photos of you before you go up and all of the proceeds go back into the Arch. PLUS they aren't super expensive either! Great deal and I can't wait to go back! read more

Yes, I'm from St. Louis. Yes, I've only been to the Arch 3 times in my entire life. I'm like most other people who have places to visit in their hometowns - it's always there, so we don't go until out-of-towners come and need to be entertained. Just such an occasion arose recently when my boyfriend came to St. Louis for the first time to spend Christmas with my family. So naturally, we had to do the touristy stuff - even though it was pretty darn frigid the whole time. So just a day after Christmas, we were down on the Arch grounds marveling at the 630 foot silver behemoth. The last time I was at the Arch was prior to 9/11, but since then they've installed metal detectors and a X-ray machine that really gum up the works to enter the museum underneath. After we went through the lone metal detector (really, would it be impossible to install 2 for the entrance?), we were free to explore everything in the Arch: a museum about the history of the midwest, a movie about Lewis and Clark, an old time general store, a gift shop, and of course, tickets to ride the little egg shaped trams up to the top. My boyfriend wasn't all that jazzed about going up to the top - neither of is claustrophobic, but it's just not that exciting up there, but he does like history, so we headed straight towards the museum part. And it's pretty cool - the museum is quite large and radiates out from the center entrance documenting the history of the midwest from the first settlers and Indians all the way up to St. Louis's prominence in the early 1900s. Lots of information, pictures, artifacts and full size exhibits plus docents who know their stuff. We enjoyed circling around the museum, then passed into the old time general store selling fudge, tatting needles, quill pens and other weird knick knacks that would fit well in a kid's stocking. The gift shop was just what you'd expect - it's an homage to the Arch: want the historical DVD of the Arch's construction? $20. Pencil with an Arch eraser? $3. Magnet? $5. Book about the Arch? $15. You want the Arch on anything, literally anything, this gift shop has it... for a price. After we exited the underground, he spent some time trying to take panoramics of the Arch with medium success, and finally we got cold and headed back to the car. I do have to say, since it's been so many years since the last time I was there, it was brand new to me as well. So re-learning all that stuff was pretty cool. The Arch is and always will be quite a monument and Gateway to the West. read more

This is pretty much one of the first things people think of when you bring up St Louis. I have seen it from a distance before, but this was my first time going to the top. I can't say much for the area around it, as a lot of it is under construction in preparation for this summers 50th anniversary (that and it was snowy). The structure itself is pretty cool close up, especially with the Mississippi being the backdrop. In order to take the tour to the top, you enter underground. Buy your tickets and you get into one of seven or so little 'eggs' or 'pods' that take you to the top. When I say little, I mean it, as they seat five, and you will be up close and personal during the couple of minutes it takes you to get to the top. Once at the top, there is an area to look out the windows, one side looking out over the Mississippi and countryside, and the other overlooking downtown St Louis. This is pretty much just a chance to take in the panoramic views and snap some pictures. Back at the bottom, you can view a movie (we didn't have time, but it supposed to be good), and tour through the museum, which has a lot of historic artifacts from the days of the pioneers and the struggles of the Native Americans being forced off their land. My only gripe with the museum is that there didn't seem to be a constructive way to tour it, and there needs to be a lot more labeling and descriptions of what you are looking at. Overall, this a scenic and educational type of tourist destination to check out. I am sure it gets utterly packed in the summer, but during the winter when we stopped in, we might as well have had the place to ourselves. read more

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It is a nice clear day and you can see almost for ever. Some of the apartment roofs have tree gardens and swimming pools on the tops of then. The ride up to the top of the arch is something every one should try. read more

It's the landmark to go to in the midwest. The spaces around the arch are beautiful and full of great photo opportunities. The arch itself is a marvel to look at up close, and you can spend hours just catching the different reflections at different angles. The museum in the bottom of the arch is alright. It kept me occupied until it was my turn to ride to the top of the arch. The ride was slow, bumpy, noisy, and a bit cramped... but the pod that we sat in looked like it was from 2100. The view from the top can't be duplicated, especially when you notice all the neat little things that I won't ruin for you around the area. It was definitely worth the trip, and when people visit, it's definitely a stop they must go to. read more

Better known as the Arch. I lived in Saint Louis for 2 years before visiting the Arch and I did it on literally the last day of me living there. I think its something that becomes such a part of the city that you almost forget that its there and its significance. I wouldn't suggest going to the top if you are claustrophobic or scared of heights. You'll be packed into a little UFO like pod which will take you to the top where you'll get to look out over Saint Louis. I'm OK with the closed in part, but I got up to the top, took one look out the window, and came back down. I'm glad I did it so that I can say I experienced it (and to get my National Parks passport stamped) but next time I'm in Saint Louis, I think I'll keep my feet planted firmly on the ground. read more

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE! You will save lots of waiting time! This is a fun excursion, but like another reviewer stated, you will spend lots of time waiting in line. The time on your ticket is the time you get in line, not the time you board the tram to go to the top of the arch. You get in line and have about another 40 minute wait. So my 1:40 ticket got me to the tram and in it around 2:20. Plan accordingly. The tram you ride in is very cozy with 5 people fitting in there. One sits in the middle with 2 people on each side and your knees will be touching. If you have a small child, you can have them sit on your lap. At the top you can look out the windows and take photos. The riverfront had flooded and there was lots of mud, so it was kind of cool to see it being cleaned up. Don't miss this attraction while you are visiting St. Louis. Go for a riverfront boat tour afterwards for a fun day! read more

An amazing site!!! I recommend anyone who is in the area to drive by and take a quick tour. Granted the line to go up in the arch was 3 hours when we went (so we didn't do that) but we walked through the museum, bought a trinket in the gift store and took a bunch of pictures. Also the museum is under ground so it is nice and cool so we avoided the 100* weather :) read more

April 2014 I tried to go up the Gateway Arch but they open at 9am and the last Pod up is around 4pm! Talk about TERRIBLE hours! I think it officially closes around 6pm. But wouldn't you want to see it at night from up top? Strange. There are great views of the Arch from the RiverFront Trail, be careful at night though. read more

I enjoyed the arch for the most part... I did not feel that the elevator ride justified the $10 fee. Although I did like looking down from the top! The little museum was not great at all, in fact it was pretty bare. read more

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

Pro's Seeing the ground from 630' in the air was amazing Knowing that no one lost their life in the building of this monument was unbelievable to me The elevator up to the top of the arch was amazing and seeing the documentary on just how it works was also unbelievable. It is the tallest Man made monument in the United States and I was there Visiting the historical gift shops (there were 3) and one of the gift shops made hand made wool blankets, real candles and even home made candies. The grounds were clean and well kept and the view of the Mississippi River breathtaking, even though the rainfall for the year saw the banks of the Mississippi River flooded so high that we were not able to take the Nachez paddle boat down the Mississippi to see more of the heritage (con too, but not the fault of the Arch, by any means) The employees were friendly and helpful and efficient in moving large crowds and making each visitor feel special and like they appreciated their visit Con's · Even though the rainfall for the year saw the banks of the Mississippi River flooded so high that we were not able to take the Nachez paddle boat down the Mississippi to see more of the heritage · It was very crowded · Parking was too far away from the Arch (But did give us the ability to enjoy the weather and grounds in walking to the Arch) Summary- This was an amazing adventure for me and a nice break from sitting in a rental truck for hours each day. I was in awe at the structure, from the outside it looked like something out of a scifi movie and from the inside it looked as if you stepped back into the 1800 with a 1960's décor. The inside was spotless and every aspect of the visit flowed smoothly. There was a small wait to get to the top and once up there, there were no restrictions on how long you could stay up there, take photos and enjoy the view of St. Louis from 630' in the air. I would recommend this as an addition to a trip, whether you are passing through or actually visiting the area. I would hope that you would be able to also enjoy the river cruise as my now EX GF was upset that I wasn't able to enjoy the history of the paddle boat with the history of the Arch as she had been able to do as a child. If I ever make my way back home to see family by auto, I will definitely stop by this attraction again and make sure I allot the entire day to the experience. It was amazing. read more

The sight to see when you're in St. Louis, especially if it's your first time, which was the case for me. I was super excited to see The Arch aka The Gateway to the West. Tip: purchase tickets in advance online so you can choose a specific time slot and not have to wait. If you don't do that and end up waiting, they conveniently offer a free screening of how The Arch was built (30 minute screening in their theater). When it was time to go to the top, I really had no idea what to expect other than we would go on an "elevator ride." We stood in front of a tiny door and when it opened, there was a small elevator pod with 5 seats. It was like climbing into an egg-shaped contraption. Might be difficult for people who are claustrophobic. I think it took a minute or two to get up there. The viewing area is a small space with tiny windows to see the sights. It was a pretty cool experience, but quick, to because there isn't much to do up there. All in all, I'm glad I went. read more

Nice place to go. 10 dollars to get to top. The elevators are very interesting, which go through a circle route, and it's a little small, you need to watch out your head when you get in. The staff will tell you the history of this place, and you will be assigned a elevator with your group. It takes few minutes to get to top, and you could see stadium from top. read more

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

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It must be something about hometown pride. This one gets me every time, go up, look around, come down, go to the museum. I used to go for school every few years and it was nice... ohh Lewis and Clark nice.. but then, I was taken on a first date and fell in love with the idea of the arch at sunset, it was so romantic (needless to say he didn't last but the memory did) and I still go just to go. The arch is my welcome home, I can see it from the plane, I hear about it on the radio, people sit on it in commercials (bad commercials but still) and with hometown pride, that is all you need. read more

As soon as I spotted it from the expressway, I knew I had to get a closer look at the Arch. I was just passing through St. Louis on the way to a job interview, but on my way back home, I stopped at the Memorial to gaze up at this architectural marvel. As others have said, it may be best to simply view it from the outside. The experience of riding to the top is one big violation of your privacy: take off your belts and shoes at the entrance to the monument for security screening, cram into a tiny pod to take you to the observation room, and shove your way in between people to look out the narrow windows at the top. I snapped a couple pictures from each side, then took a pod down on the opposite end; in all, I only spent about four minutes at the top, which is plenty. I'm not sure the $10 was really worth the bragging rights. The Museum of Westward Expansion (also in the Memorial, and free to enter) is pretty neat, notwithstanding the creepy animatronics. It has a very unique design, such that you can actually follow along with Lewis & Clark's entire journey by walking along the back wall. If you're visiting, I'd stick to the free stuff -- check out the museum, and enjoy the Arch from the beautiful green space surrounding the Memorial. read more

We wanted it to be as amazing as it was 15 years ago when we visited- strolling the grounds and walking right up to the river. Not so now. NO INDICATION ON WEBSITE that everything is under major construction and it's a mess! No mention that the museum that used to be well worth it IS CLOSED UNTIL 2017- nor were we informed of that when we bought tickets. Yes it's an engineering marvel and all of that, but it was a bust on our vacation. read more

First off I would recommend you purchasing your tickets ahead of time. The line during weekends can be horrendous, especially with a football or baseball event going on. It will bring in a lot of tourists can you find yourself waiting for hours. Just so you know, purchasing same day tickets are not available online. BUY IN ADVANCE! Here is the link https://www.ticketsforthearch.com/estore/ I believe this is an attraction you have to at least go once in your life. You can skip the small tour and go straight to the elevator ride if you don't mind being separated from your friend(s). You'll eventually get to the top and you can see the view from up there. I believe St. Louis looks better at night. Although relaxing on the grassy hills near the Arch during the day is pretty fun in itself. You might want to kill the bird with two stones. Here are the hours of operation: Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day): daily, 8am - 10pm Winter (Labor Day to Memorial Day): daily, 9am - 6pm You can decide for yourself if you want a day time visit or a night time visit or both! read more

Maybe I would've been more impressed if I'd gone at a different time. But we were in St. Louis over the Memorial Day weekend and the Arch had just switched to "summer hours." So I think the combination of the holiday and extended hours led to ridiculous crowds and much too long of a wait for the experience. We had tickets for 6:40---I don't think we actually got up into the Arch until after 8. We waited and waited and waited some more so we were completely underwhelmed when we finally got to the top and said, "this is it??" Then, we had to wait in another line to go back down. The Arch is impressive and if you can visit at a not-busy time, it will probably be enjoyable. read more

If you visit St. Louis, you have to check out the Arch up close. We went up the trams which are scary and were at the top. Cool view of the Mississippi River. A highlight my wife and I will always remember. read more

This is fun! The pods that take you to the top of the Arch are not for the claustraphobic, but this was a fun visit. The people couldn't be nicer and the view is quite a sight. At the top, you're in a small, awkward place but it's comfortable and cozy when you get adjusted. Good gift shop, too! You can skip the movie about the Arch, unless you enjoy 20 minutes of watching men smoke while a narrator talks. read more

We visited on the weekend and it was very crowded so we smartly purchased tickets for the last tram of the day around 9pm. There is a dated museum in the basement, but it's still worth a quick look. The pods that you take up to the top are very strange and very 1970s. It's not scary but can be a problem if you are claustrophobic. The view from the top is hindered by the little tiny windows, but it's still worth a look. Going up at night gave us a nice view of the city. Tip: buy your tickets in advance online or go in person to buy them for a timed entry, then go to eat to kill time. Great views at night! read more

I felt it was hard to get to and traffic was terrible. I enjoyed it but not sure I would do it again.

Visiting the arch took me by surprise! It was actually really fun, and the renovations are well done and the museum was well executed. My family and I purchased our tickets ahead of time and picked them up at will call in the lobby. Looking at previous reviews, it seems like it used to be hard to find the entrance, but our experience was super easy. It's located off 4th and Chestnut Street near the Old Courthouse. There seemed to be a bit of a delay getting onto the tram at the time of the reservation, but it only added an extra 25 minutes to us getting to the viewing deck. Luckily we were still able to catch some of the sunset, which is what we were aiming for. All in all a really fun experience for the novelty of it, and we learned a lot about the history of St. Louis. I'd come here again if some more visitors wanted to take a trip. read more

I've always wanted to go up inside the Arch, and this time I finally did with my baby and my husband! Turns out I was disappointed. I had no idea it was a tiny elevator, it was so hot inside and it was squished. It takes like 5 minutes to get to the top. When we finally got to the top I was more disappointed. The windows are so small. And you don't even know how to stand straight. It was just hot and sweaty, I honestly hated it. Especially having a baby with you crying, I won't be going back!! Lol read more

I work at the arch. I can tell you anything and everything you would want to know about it. If you go in the summer please be warned that you will be waiting in some form of a line. First is the security line. Its like airport security but you get to keep your shoes on. When you enter the lobby you can go directly into the museum or buy tickets to the top or the movies. One thing I hate is when people get to the top expecting a life changing experience. IT'S AN OBSERVATION DECK. There are 32 small windows to look out. There is no bathroom at the top. One side has air conditioning. No food or drink is allowed at the top. If you are afraid of heights or claustrophobic DO NOT go up there. Its a four minute ride in a capsule. 5 people ride in each one. So don't expect it to just be you and your significant other. Stay in the museum. There is a lot to read. Go to the gift shop or the levee mercantile. The levee mercantile has amazing goodies to eat. Although you may want to bring your own drinks because the soda machines are pricey. As far as the Arch being "kid friendly" what do you expect? Don't let your children run wild at the top (or the bottom for that matter). We are a National Monument NOT a child play area. Your child can become a Junior Ranger and receive a badge if he or she so chooses. Thats pretty fun. If you are planning a trip to the Arch do not go on the weekends in the summer. Between 4000-6000 people visit each Saturday and each Sunday. So chances are you will wait in lines for an hour. If you visit during the winter lines should be shorter but also be advised that field trips and group tours are a possibility and you may have to wait in lines. Be respectful to the tour guides there. WE know what we are doing. We know the lines can suck. If its a rainy day the view might not be amazing. Do not yell at us if you are not enjoying your trip. We will do our best to accommodate you but we are only human. We have feelings too. If you are disabled be warned that the arch is NOT disabled friendly. It was built before the Americans with Disabilities Act. Now it would be terribly expensive and almost impossible to make the Arch disabled friendly. To get to the top of the Arch you must climb at least 96 stairs, (not all at once though). Also, there are NO wheelchairs or strollers allowed at the top. The Arch has an amazing view if you enjoy the Saint Louis skyline. I believe it is much prettier at night. There are 2 movies which I believe are great. The boat rides are fun if you enjoy boat rides. The museum is not very interactive but there is a lot to read and there are ranger lead tours everyday. The Arch is actually a great place to visit. I hope I didn't turn you off from wanting to visit. I'm just trying to be as truthful as possible read more

I didn't go up in it, but I stayed in hotel next to it and, like the Eiffel Tower, it is much cooler in person than on TV. The arch is amazing. I don't understand how it gets less than 5-stars from anyone... it's the motherf*#(ing St. Louis Arch! Everyone knows what it is and it's awesome. Do they have to put 3 of them up? Or an arch isn't good enough? As monuments that everyone knows and are awesome goes, this is a 4-star one, because if you've been to Macchu Picchu, blah blah blah...? Maybe if it dispensed quarters and had free wifi it would get a better rating... read more

Resident: "Mayor, it seems that after a worlds fair, Charles lindbergh flying an airplane named "Spirit Of St. Louis", great museums, and toasted ravioli, nobody in the world knows or cares about St. Louis." Mayor: "So what do you propose we do?" Resident: "How about building a huge arse arch taller than almost any building for hundreds of miles around so that people all over will snap pictures of it endlessly." Mayor: "Why, that's a GREAT idea!" I guess it worked . . . read more

What trip to STL (or what residency for that matter) is complete without a trip to the Arch? The photo ops below, the museum beneath, the view from above, that and more come together to make a great experience. Plus, even looking from afar, the Arch never stops looking awesome. The Arch can't quite earn that last star due to the fairly high ticket price for the tram ride, long waits on certain days to get to the top, and the frequency of tram breakdowns. But still, don't let these setbacks stop you from going if you haven't been yet. read more

The Gateway Arch is one of the most unique national landmarks: simple, yet completely different than anything you would find in Washington D.C. The Arch is more than just an architectural spectacle. Inside, you will find the Museum of Westward Expansion, which discusses the Louisiana Purchase and growth of the United States. The museum is free. There is also a gift shop, and a lift to the top of The Arch viewing platform. Unfortunately, when I visited, the queue to get through security was massive. It extended past the base of The Arch, so I didn't bother to go inside. There's plenty of great views outside, and it's right next to the vast Mississippi River. Plus, you can see The Arch peeking through the skyline anywhere you look in the city. Next time, I'll venture inside for sure. read more

Definitely go to the top! It was an amazing view. The museum was awesome! Give yourself a good hour to go through the museum before your trip to the top. There's also a food court. read more

Holly crap the damn thing sways with the wind. It's an interesting ride up and when you get to the top there are small windows but you need to lean out to them to really see. The arch slightly sways in the wind and I was sure it was going to bust any minute and panic set in. I got the hell out of there as soon as possible. I went once before but I was a kid but I must have forgotten how scary it is. I am glad I did it though. read more