May 2022

Gateway Arch National Park was the 60th national park added in 2018. After attempting to visit this park two other times, our third attempt ended up being successful. The national park includes the Arch, underground visitor center, Old Courthouse, Mississippi riverfront and landscaped green spaces and trails. Several months ahead of time I got tickets to the ride to the top of the Arch and to watch the documentary film about how the Arch was built (very interesting).

Upon arrival to the visitor center we walked through the museum until it was time for our tram tour.

The St. Louis Arch is 630 feet high and 630 feet wide. The tram ride takes you to the top of the Arch to the observation deck. Richard and I entered a small car for the 4 minute ride to the top of the arch. Each car can seat up to 5 people. If you are claustrophobic don’t do this ride!

At the top you exit the car and get about 20 minutes to take in the view, up to 30 miles away. The Arch is the tallest human-built monument in the U.S. and is designed to sway 18″ in high winds or an earthquake. Construction of the Arch began in 1963 and was completed in 1965 at a cost of $13 million. The Gateway Arch commemorates St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the U.S. in the 1800s when it became the jumping-off point for westward exploration.

We only had one afternoon so we didn’t have time to explore the Old Courthouse, site of the Dred Scott case, or the 1834 Old Cathedral, all included as part of the national park. It’s not your typical national park but definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.