Review Visit: December 30th, 2012 St. Louis is known for the Cardinals, the Rams, the Blues, and the Arch. Well, all of that is true besides the Rams. If you have ever traveled to St. Louis, you have undoubtedly seen the giant arch. If you haven't seen it in person, you have more than likely seen it in movies, tv shows or commercials. I've been to St. Louis many times and I am still awe-struck by how incredible the arch is. I guess I visited it when I was real young, but I don't recall anything about the trip. In putting together my travel list, I knew it was something I would have to revisit... and it did not disappoint. On a cold and blistery day, we made our way to St. Louis for a day of fun and activities. We made the arch our first destination and it set an exciting precedence for the trip. We drove around until we found a place to park and then hiked a small distance to the arch. Once inside, we made a b-line to the ticket counter and quickly got in line. While we waited, we looked around and noticed there was a museum to visit. We made a mental note to check it out after making our ascent to the top of the arch. Our time comes to climb in the small elevator that takes you to the top. My girlfriend at the time and I were seated with some strangers as our group somehow got split up. Once the elevator stops, you file out and climb the rest of the way to the top. If you are claustrophobic, this is not the place for you. After filing out of the elevator area, we emerged in the view deck. Up on the viewing deck, you get a real sense for how high up you are. I believe the arch is over 600 feet high. Talk about dizzying when you look out and then look down. The view from the deck was gorgeous. Snow and the city dotted the landscape. When it came to take our photo, the tour guide person joked about hopping in the photo with us. Being the fun group that we are, we pulled him in with us. After we got our fill of the view, we hopped in the next set of elevators down. These elevators are something you have to experience first hand. Once down, we made our way to our cars and completely forgot to check out the museum. Revisiting the arch has been on my list of things to do when I go back. When I do, I will check out the museum and write a review for there. The giant arch is inspiring to see from the outside and also from within. It's worth the money to take a unique ride and see the city from so high up. read more

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Our final site to see and one we will never forget...So worth the drive from Texas and can't recommend this adventure enough. Line moves quick, you can visit the museum on the way out after the ride to the top. Really dig the little pod you ride in...personally I feel it would be a good challenge for someone scared of heights...there is no sense of height on the ride up or down...its bumpy but fun. The view from the top is next level. We will be talking about this one for awhile. read more

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I almost backed out, guys. I almost couldn't go up to the top of the Gateway Arch, all 630 feet of it. That many feet in the sky is a lot of feet! But it wasn't the height that made me reconsider staying on the ground. It's the fact that in order to get up to the top of the Gateway Arch, you need to take a five-person personal elevator to get there. It's a small elevator. Very small. I was with four other ladies, and our arms and legs touched. The ride up took about eight minutes, but I should have said 480 seconds because when I was in there, I was counting down the time in seconds. The elevator looks like one of those bucket seats in a ferris wheel, except you're entirely enclosed with the exception of a small window that you can look out and see the tracks as you go up. A vent pushes out some cool air, which was a blessing and made it feel slightly less claustrophobic. As we went up to the top, one of us in my group was crying. One of us was meditating. It was an adventure. But we finally made it! After the elevator ride, I forgot that I was supposed to be scared of heights and just enjoyed the view and the fact that I wasn't in the elevator. You get about 10 minutes at the top to look through the windows, take pictures and whatnot. The view is amazing, and I'm so glad I went up and didn't chicken out. Going to the top of the Arch is kind of a thing you have to do when you're in St. Louis, so if you can, just be brave and do it. The elevator ride back down to the ground is fortunately shorter than the ride up (I think seven minutes), and for me, the time went by a lot faster. Once you're back on the ground (yay!), there is a lot to explore. The Gateway Arch has a museum at ground level, as well as a gift shop and a restaurant. There's also a display of the elevator that you can get into and check out to get a feel for what you're getting yourself into before you enter the real thing. While I think you should plan to go to the top of the Arch, even if you decide not to (no judgement!), you'll still get a good experience checking out all of the other stuff at this monument. And of course, just standing underneath it outside is an experience in itself. It's hard to believe that the Arch is as tall as it is wide! It feels like an optical illusion. read more

How have I never reviewed?! This is such an iconic part of any visit to St. Louis - it never gets old to walk by! Part of a large park system in Downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch symbolizes STL - and the Midwest in general. Such an incredible history, story, and feat to build this absolute behemoth! It looks big in photos...but I promise, it feels even bigger in person. You can visit the park and enjoy from below, or get the immersive experience by going up! It's been a few years since I've been up, but it's quite the elevator ride and experience to view things from the top. I recommend getting tickets in advance so you know you can get in - it can get busy and popular on weekends and in the summer! read more

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

I've been to the arch many times over the years when visiting St.louis and even living there. During my recent visit I was pleasantly surprised to see how the museum renovations turned out. The walkthrough museum was very nice and you can probably spend a good 30minutes going thru it in detail. I was a bit short on time for my booked tram up to the top but it's so different than what it used to be in 2016. It does take a while to get to the trams once they've started the boarding process for your visit time. Lots of waiting to get to the tram, which can be hard for kids. The ride up is fun and takes just a few minutes. You also have a set amount of time at the top, I think it was like 10-12 minutes. To be honest we only needed like 5 minutes up there before the kids got bored. My favorite visit to the top of the arch was during a cardinals night game. The stadium views are pretty epic and you might also get a chance to see a home run and fireworks! read more

Gateway Arch - The tram up to the top - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

It was a great experience! The tour guides were knowledgeable and friendly, the museum is nice, and the ticket purchasing was easy (do it online!) The trolley ride was quick and bearable, I was nervous but it was fine. read more

I have not been to the arch in over 10 years. Since then the entrance has moved a pretty good distance. There are not enough signs that direct you where to go. It is north of the arch. There are very few markings on the concrete that point you in the right direction. This caused us to be 20 minutes late. We were hot and drenched in sweat because we thought they were going to make us forfeit our tour. If it weren't for that I would have given this place 5 stars. I was beyond frustrated. Even though we missed our designated time they still let us go up. ****DO NOT RECOMMEND IF YOU ARE CLAUSTROPHOBIC!!!!! You ride to the top in a tiny pod that holds 5 people. If you are over 6' you will be cramped. But the ride isn't very long at all. You get about 5-10 minutes at the top. You can see out of both sides but take turns with others. Overall the staff were very friendly. And the facility is very clean. It is a bit chilly at the bottom but felt good to us in the middle of July. read more

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I do not understand the appeal. It's fine as a park, but this is a terrible "National Park." I went just to check this one of my NP list and the museum was interesting, but I would not return. Spend 30 minutes researching on Google to find the same information from the museum and then just slow down on the interstate and you'll experience the whole thing out your window. read more

So amazing to do tours! I got scared when I was 12, now I'm 18 not scared but felt nauseous. read more

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

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This was my second time to the arch, first time with the kids. They've done a LOT of renovation and added the most amazing museum to the experience. The arch itself is absolutely incredible but now there's a large museum highlighting the history of St. Louis as well as the arch construction. We had a great time going through each time period and reading about all the historical events. The arch tour is roughly 30 mins start to end. You start on your designated assigned time. They assign you a space which is assigned to your respective "elevator" to the top. Along the way, the have information about the arch even a movie explaining the construction, design and timeline of events. The elevators to the top are small! There are 5 seats inside of each pod. 8 pods total going up every 14 mins. If you are claustrophobic think long and hard about this one. It's tight from the bottom up. Once you're inside your elevator (DUCK GETTING IN!!!) it take 4 mins to get up, 10 minutes to look around at the top, 4 mins back down. From the top at 630 feet you can see all of St. Louis and on the other side the river/ ILLINOIS. If you haven't been or went years ago, it's worth checking out . The largest monument in the nation. read more

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My parents brought me through St Louis when the Gateway Arch was half built around 1965. When I got older I thought to go to the top of it. Going to Branson MO and stopping for the night half way there seemed like a perfect time to Ride To The Top. It is impressive to walk around it and a real trip to ride up it. It takes 4 minutes UP and 3 minutes DOWN. Visibility was over 30 miles from the top on the day we visited. There is a great view of St Louis, especially of the Cardinal's baseball field park. You get 10 minutes on the top. There will be a wait to get your ride as there are many visitors that ride the tram to the top. If a person is disabled or can't do stairs or doesn't like cramped space, don't ride the tram. Someone who just had knee surgery DID ride the tram with my wife and I so perhaps it isn't too hard. Adam was working the line, letting people pass to the trams. The times are called about every 10 minutes. You buy tickets for specific times. Before or after your ride, you can visit the museum that shows early westward expansion and building the Arch. Adam was very knowledgable about St Louis, sports teams, other area things to do and the Arch. He is a very personable and polite young man and told me he is actually employed by the St Louis Transit Authority. Apparently, the Gateway Arch needed help in funding for the trams and it ended up being taken over by TA. I was pleased with everything at the Gateway Arch National Park, Museum and Arch itself. There are films to watch, pictures to look at and staff to answer questions. Before you ride the tram, you will go through TSA to ensure you are not up to anything nefarious. read more

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The park around the arch is a peaceful place to spend time for couples, family, alone, or friends! The location is walkable from downtown. It is right by the river. There are paid parking lots, but the street parking is cheaper. The area is safe. Bathrooms are inside, at the bottom of the arch. You can pay to go up a tram to the top of the arch, which is a unique experience with cool views. There is also a free museum that you can walk around and learn a lot of history, a cave, and gift shop. read more

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

I'm TERRIFIED of heights but this was still a cool experience. You have to walk through security which is very similar to the airport. Once you're in, you wait in line until your group is called. You'll listen for instructions, watch a short video then head to your area for takeoff. I was so nervous going up. Once you're in, it's a very cool experience. The view from the tiny windows are AMAZING. It wasn't as scary coming back down. Make sure to check it out if you're in the area. I forgot about the museum on the way to the top. The video is below. read more

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The trip to the arch was amazing. Be prepared to walk if you don't want to pay $10 for parking. The parking is on the cobblestone riverbank. There is A LOT of walking. The entrance to the arch is on the side closest to the old Capitol building. The legs of the Arch are exit only. Once you get into the entrance you can either buy tickets or if you already have them you can go straight to the security line. Be prepared to spend about 10-15 minutes going through security. Once you get past security, you go downstairs there is a museum portion, a store and the entrances to the arch. There is another line to wait in as well a brief history of the arch. They take your picture before you head over to the pods to go up. IF YOU ARE CLAUSTROPHOBIC PLEASE BE MINDFUL. The pods are very small and enclosed. Once you get to the top, you have about 10 minutes at the top before you are instructed to go back down. There are small picture windows for you to look out of. Either toward downtown or toward the river. You also have the option to buy your picture once you get back to the bottom. All in all, the visit took about an hour. read more

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

Yes! One of the coolest monuments in the USA and a must-visit for American history lovers. Going to the top of the arch is definitely worth it and I recommend booking your ticket online in advance as they tend to sell out, especially if only one tram is functional. If you're ever in St. Louis, don't miss out this beautiful creation! read more

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We were here for Spring Break last month. It's been many years since I visited the Arch! The museum was educational and the staff was friendly. My only disappointment was that rides to the top of the Arch were sold out on the day we went. read more

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I came here on a weekend to view the Arch. The place wasn't too packed so I didn't have to wait too long to go up to see the view from the arch. Process: 1) Purchase tickets for tram and/or other options that are available. I opted only for the tram. 2) View the history museum, grab food at the food court or get some souvenirs from the shop as you wait. 3) Get in line for the tram 5-10 mins prior to the scheduled tram time. 4) Staff provides historical information on the way to the tram 5) Tram ride is 4 mins up in a very small spaced tram and 3 mins down. Total time spent on the top of the arch is less than 10 mins which is more than enough time for pics and views. *note: I wouldn't recommend the tram if you are claustrophobic or not a fan of small spaces. -- Overall: The staff were friendly and it's nice to see the view from the top. Not a fan of being in the tram but it was bearable since the ride up and down isn't too long. A nice one time thing but I probably wouldn't opt to do it again or wait in a long line to ride it. read more

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***Beautiful structure, as well as the common ground and park below it. Underneath, in the musuem has some cool features. The ride up top is a little underwhelming, but definitely something to check off your bucket list*** read more

This is a great engineering marvel that need to be seen in person to appreciate. The museum beneath the arch is free to the public and details a lot of the history from the area that many people do not know. There's a gift store and a restaurant below the arch and restrooms. The National Park Service runs the establishment and they do a top notch job. The parking is $10 and you will park along the Mississippi river on the capstone that has been a parking spot for many, many years. The view from the top of the arch is amazing and you can get a view to the East and the West. Your time is limited up top so use it wisely. The ride to the top in the tiny pods is always interesting and quite fun. read more

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Not the best time to try to desensitize from my fear of heights. All the workers were nice. Don't try and go there without tickets in advance. By the time we touched the ground from our 10 am reservation, we noticed that all the tram cars were full. read more

Going to the top was cool, not sure it was worth the price but was cool to see the city that way. To the wankers that broke into every vehicle with out of state plates on them in the CHURCH parking lot, they can go F**K RIGHT OFF! I hope you get what you have coming around 10 time over. GET A JOB! Oh and far warning, don't park in that parking lot of Basilica of St. Louis if you have out of state plates read more

I had a nice experiencing visiting the arch. You can get tickets online ahead of time to go up to the top, and I'd recommend doing that if you have the option. We went right when it opened during the week and it wasn't too busy. Upon entering, you can purchase tickets if you don't have any. If you already have some, you can go right to the security area which is similar to airport security. They scan your bag if you have one and you walk through a metal detector. After that, you can explore the museum section. It isn't super big but has some cool information and things to look at. After the museum section, you can find the the entrances to the tram rides to the top, plus a gift shop, restrooms and small cafe. The tram ride to the top is quick but you are in a pretty small pod. It is interesting how they built it to adapt to the curves of the structure. You get about 9 minutes at the top to look out of the small windows, but you get a pretty cool view. All of the staff working were super friendly. While I don't know that I would go up in it again, I thought it was definitely worth the experience. Don't forget to get your national park passport stamped on the gift shop if you have one! read more

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Awesome to visit and take the Tram to the top. Its a 10 min view at top once you exit the Tram. It holds 5 but we were 3 in this car and it was good. Nice Museum at the entrance bottom level and we did this afterwards as it was quite a wait to go up. Well worth the price and so glad we did this. A beautiful day, now for lunch in the park. read more

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My wife and I visited the Arch today and learned a little bit about the construction and history of it. It was an amazing visit. read more

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We stopped by on our way through the city. We found a parking spot not too far from the arch and made our way towards it. What a beautiful area to hang out and relax for an afternoon. Many families and tourists there to see it, but it never felt too crowded. We didn't do the tours, but we just explored the area. read more

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

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This place is beautiful. Getting a room at Hyatt with this view is even better. It's not too busy for photoshoot, def recommend going in the late afternoon read more

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

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This is a MUST-SEE for any trip to St. Louis. It's so awe-inspiring to see it from the outside and there's a giant and really well done FREE museum and huge gift shop to check out inside. There are other offerings - a ride to the top, movie on the contruction of the arch, an eating spot - that's available and optional. read more

I had visited the Gateway Arch/St. Louis Arch when I was 4 or 5 and when my wife said she wanted to visit, I kinda shrugged and figured I'd take one for the team. No hate, but I just didn't see what the big deal was. I'm glad we went. The entire staff was INCREDIBLE--very nice, kind, helpful, and every other positive word you could use. The grounds were immaculate and the Arch was fun. The ride up and down was pretty cool and unique and the view was... interesting. Not good or bad, but interesting. read more

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This is a great place to go and it's an iconic STL place. It was clean and has great exhibits about the history of St Louis and the Arch.

Amazing, breathtaking! I was driving in, and could see this beautiful landmark off the highway. I thought I have to go see it! I'm so thrilled that I did! The massive arch and park was such a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city! The blossoms trees, the water in the background and the warm sun! I could have been there all day! There was not too much of line either for the museum and being able to go up. At the time the old courthouse is under renovation but looking forward to seeing it next time! And parking was relatively easy, no traffic we parked right by the water. No fuss. Overall would highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

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As a St. Louis native, the arch has always been such a gorgeous and recognizable landmark. On this trip home to visit, I brought my Colorado native boyfriend! They have invested in some serious upgrades here including a museum, lots of cool projection based lighting and film as well as making it a national park! So cool!! The carts going up into the arch are still so fun to me and the construction of the arch is just remarkable. The views from the top are beautiful and make me feel the love I have for this city. Definitely worth a visit! read more

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We purchased our tickets online before arriving at the Gateway Arch. Our two teenagers had a blast going up into the arch and looking out the windows at the top. The museum, on the grounds, was incredibly informative and a wonderful way to learn and beat-the-heat. read more

This is a great place to visit. Parking is pretty bad in the area, so scope it out ahead of time. The grounds around the arch are pretty nice, so it's a cool place to relax. There are different packages you pay for, including a ride to the top of the arch. The displays and history underground in the visitors center is pretty impressive. History of the area and details on how the arch was built was fun for about an hour or so. read more

I'm not sure if this is even something I want to write about. Although from the ground the arch and the surrounding area are beautiful, there are so many things that were poorly plotted for this exhibit. The entrance if you're planning to go up into the arch: The directional signage is poor. It's a ground level poster, too small for most people to see. The only other directions are painted on the ground as you've already passed the entrance. Museum: I got there at 3 pm and was told the tour was already sold out but that the museum was free, and you can see what others would see if you have gone to the top. The museum was pretty but lots of reading, and the only video available requires you to purchase a ticket. I decided against that to later find out that it wasn't worth the expense. Gift shop: it's pretty and has a ton of stuff, but it was extremely white washed. Starting from the segregation that in itself was appalling. Native Americans had their little corner, African Americans had their own, and if they were in the same areas, then they would not be intermingled. Then some of the false information in the books is just crazy. read more

I was very excited to visit the arch during my visit and I gotta say, it exceeded my expectations. There is a museum that has tons of fun facts about the history of St-Louis as well as the history of the Arch. You watch a short video and are given the instructions about your visit before taking the elevator/tram/ferris wheel hybrid up to the top of the arch is a very cool experience, the pod fits 5 people but it is a tight squeeze (unless you are short like me, then it's comfortable no matter what). The view from the top is nice! It's a long narrow-ish hallway with small windows on each side that you have to lean forward to see out of. I really enjoyed my time here and it's a cool experience to do if you're in St-Louis! read more

Come here if you want to just tell people you've done it or to check off your bucket list. I didn't really enjoy it too much... They tell you the tram is about an hour tour but half of it is just waiting. After you pass the line, they show you a video that's pretty cool that tries to sensationalize the arch but most of the video has nothing to do with the arch (JFK, Batman, James Bond). You then go up in this cramped little box kind of like a Ferris wheel but much smaller. You basically see metal the entire way up then you spend about 5 minutes at the top. The view at the top is nice and shows you how beautiful the city of St Louis is. Price isn't bad for what it is. read more

If you are visiting the St. Louis area, obviously you have to see the Arch. It's really amazing to see. the ride up is not for anyone that is claustrophobic. It's a tight squeeze. But totally worth it once you get to the top. The national park is full of interesting information. And they have a cool gift shop. read more

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Visiting the arch and going to the top has been on my bucket list for years. I finally crossed it off last week! The hotel I stayed at was right next to the park, so it was easy to stroll the walkway and read all the descriptions. I love the pool in front of the entrance, it was mezmerizing. Inside there is ticketing, a museum, a gift store, and a cafe. It is very spacious and welcoming. I purchased my ticket online ahead of time, I didn't want to take any chances of all tours being sold out. You can buy tickets on the spot as well. After purchasing your ticket, you go through security that is very similar to an airport, but the lines moves very quickly. To get to the trams, you have to walk through the museum, which is good, because it will peak your interest in checking it out later. After the museum, the space opens up to the access for the north and south sides. Once in line you are assigned a tram number, groups are given separate trams, which is nice, I wasn't with strangers and had a tram to myself. The trams are very small, the doorway in is only 4 feet high. There is seating for 5 people, however, that would be extremely cramped. The trams "self correct" as you go up and down so that you are always upright as you go through the arched area. The ride is very smooth in both directions. Once at the top, there are narrow stairs to climb to the observation area. It is a small space, but the groups are very small, so it works. The view is absolutely breathtaking! I am terrified of heights and have spent this year conquering that fear. To be at 630 feet was beyond amazing!!!! I really enjoyed my visit and believe that everyone should go. It is such a memorable experience! read more

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If you're planning a visit, remember to bring your National Parks passport to get it stamped! If you're like me and forgot it, most parks (including this one) have an option for guests to simply stamp a piece of paper so you can just add it to your passport later. The stamps are dated with the date of your visit. We arrived just as it was closing but looking forward to a future visit when I have more time to visit the museum & take a leisurely stroll around the grounds. The claustrophobic part of me is still on the fence with taking the ride up so we'll see if that ever happens. read more

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Visiting the St. Louis Gateway Arch is just one of those memorable life moments since most of us don't visit all that often. The recently remodeled museum is packed with lots of history, great for adults and kids. There's some fun hands-on museum experiences for kids of all ages. Team Gateway Arch has the visit experience down to a science. The overall experience feels like you can get in-and-out in about an hour and a half and see everything with just a bit of pre-planning. We purchased arch tickets online and planned our arrival time backwards from that tram ride time. We planned for a 20 minute walk from the parking garage to the arch and then you can spend as much or as little time in the museum as you'd like. We planned about 45 mins to visit the museum, the Arch Store, taking pictures, and bathroom breaks before our tram time. The views at the top of the arch offer a great bird's eye view of the city. For those who may have trouble with heights, it is worth the trip up to see how you do. I've known several folks who have trouble with heights, but the top of the arch doesn't bother them. They have a replica of the egg-like capsule that travels up and down the legs of the arch. If you experience challenges with small spaces, seek that out before making the trip up the arch. Visiting the Gateway Arch is a fun-for-all-ages activity which has been brought up to the 21st century after the recent museum update. Worth the trip, it's a unique experience. May 2022 read more

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