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Very cool to see in person. This structure is massive. I had no idea you could go to the actual top until we visited. Unfortunately I'm way too claustrophobic and couldn't make myself get in the seat to go up to the top. Worth the visit either way. Great view even from the freeway from miles away.
This is such an amazing architectural accomplishment that everyone needs to experience it. Even if you aren't willing to go up to the top there is a free museum on the ground level that is very interesting, as well as a historical movie and a virtual reality experience. This is the smallest national park, and you will need to park in a parking garage, private lot, or use street parking. But it is just a short walk of a few blocks to get to the Arch. It is recommended to purchase tickets online because they often sell out. But today, a Monday morning, I just walked in a purchased a ticket for the next tram to the top. If you are claustrophobic you might not be able to ride the tram to the top. The cars are very, very small. There are five seats in each. But if you handle the tight space it is totally worth it to ride to the top. Once at the top you are allowed to stay for ten minutes, then you board the tram for the return trip down. The gift shop is worth a look, my favorite is the large collection of exploration history books. Many books about Lewis & Clark, of course, also other many other books about exploration and early history of St. Louis and the West. Books on pioneering women too, and Sacagawea. The tram ride was a bargain at only $17. While I didn't have time to view the movie today I have seen it before, on my last trip, and it is definitely interesting.
I had forgotten how interesting the free museum was and since I have been there it's been remodeled and it's great!! The arch is cool and the history of the arch and Saint Louis is very well done in the museum.
As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six-week road trip, and our first stop was Gateway Arch National Park. Although we had driven past it many times over the years, I have a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and experience it beyond simply driving by. Mission accomplishe, one down, thirteen more on this trip, bringing our total to 48 of the 63 national parks. The Gateway Arch itself is certainly impressive. Riding the tram to the top is a unique experience, and the views of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River are well worth it. We left Chicago at 10:00 a.m., arrived around 2:00 p.m., and had tickets for the tram at 3:00 p.m., which gave us enough time to explore the grounds beforehand. The park itself is beautifully maintained. We especially enjoyed walking along the promenade by the river and through the surrounding green spaces. It is a pleasant area for a stroll, even if the park itself is relatively small. Personally, I still struggle a little with its designation as a national park. To me, it feels more like a national monument than a traditional national park with extensive natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. That said, it is historically significant, beautifully designed, and certainly worth visiting. One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how family-friendly it is. The museum beneath the Arch is modern, interactive, and well done, with hands-on exhibits, films, and activities that make history engaging for children and adults alike. Families could easily spend most of a day here exploring both the museum and the grounds. Overall, Gateway Arch National Park is an enjoyable stop, especially if you're interested in American history, architecture, or you're, like us, on a mission to experience every national park. It may not offer wilderness, but it offers a fascinating piece of the country's story.
In considering the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, I was scratching my head as to the number of stars I should assign. I'm going to go with 4 stars since I would not feel compelled to visit it each time in St. Louis, which is infrequent to begin with. That said, these are 4 very strong stars. The Gateway Arch is highly symbolic. It represents the critical mass of westward movement in the United States to lands on the other side of the Mississippi River. It's interesting to note that the center point of America's population inches west and south with each passing year, but is still in the Midwest and not excessively far from this national park and monument. The Gateway Arch is the work of architect Eero Saarinen. It's debatable if this, a stainless steel arch over 600 feet high, is his most famous work ... or if it's the soaring reinforced concrete TWA Terminal at New York JFK Airport resembling the outstretched wings of a large bird. Less known is his design of Terminal 1 at nearby Saint Louis Airport, with its series of connected cross vaults. That someone would envision such a project is almost dizzying. The Gateway Arch manages to look both spindly and stout. Standing at its base, one sees just how massive the base of the legs on each side of the arch are. This then explains how it's possible for the legs to taper as the structure continues upward. The arch was designed to be large enough to have some visitors at the top and steady enough but flexible for forces such as wind. There was a lot of planning and detailing involved. The overarching feature - no pun intended - is that the monument is the reciprocal of a catenary curve, meaning the shape of a necklace or chain held by each hand and allowed to dangle downward. If you let a chain hang, it wouldn't be a circle. It would form the catenary shape we are all accustomed to because all the vectors of the forces are in balance at that point. While the arch is the main event, a lot of planning went into its site, its plaza, its building podium, the inclusion of many spaces such as a theater, and, of course, the little train of funicular bubbles in each leg of the arch allowing tourists to ride to the top. Going to the top of the arch is the high point of the experience. (I unintentionally keep backing into puns.) Note that the individual glass compartments for the ride up are small and those prone to claustrophobia might have difficulty with this. The lobby has restauration, gift shops, articles from the arch's construction, and a theater. Visiting the theater is very informative since a short movie chronicles the conceptualization, design, construction, opening, and operation of the arch. The biggest "ah" moment in the film is when the keystone of the arch is slid into place, over 600 feet up in the air, and fits snugly and with the small tolerances intended! Clearly, the small observation leg at the top of the arch is narrow and people's visits need not be that long. There is a small ribbon of windows on each side. On the eastern side, one sees the endless prairie-like land of Illinois across the Mississippi River. On the western side, one sees the city of St. Louis and its suburbs. The arch was thought of after significant parts of St. Louis's city center had been developed. One could only wish that they could have foreseen this monument and left a vast mall type lawn open to its west. That's not the case. The arch is something one needs to see at least once. I've seen it twice over several decades. It's also amazing how, depending on where you are in St. Louis or if across the river, each vantage point on this unique monument is slight different owing to its dynamic design. The Gateway Arch is part of the national park system. There is a fee to visit it, but it's fairly priced. It is, without a doubt, money well spent to experience it at least once.
Ok heights terrify me ! Somehow I managed to convince myself after watching a you tube video that I could do the tram ride to the top and I'm so happy I did ! Everything is pretty organized overall. We purchased our tickets , went through security , visited the museum and the gift shop before or tram started to load . It's does take about an hour for this whole process on a weekend . The tram itself isn't scary at all - the small window doesn't face anything that'll freak you out and your time at the top is limited ( so others can have their moment) so you're not up there long at all. This place is huge and yes there's also a cafe you can grab a bite at while waiting . Restrooms are extremely clean and The entire experience from start to finish was fantastic. Highly recommend.
This review is not only for the Gateway Arch, but also Gateway Arch National Park. Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park and represents President Jefferson's vision of a continental nation. I didn't realize St. Louis' impact in the westward expansion. The museum underneath the park and Arch are a must visit as well as the Old Courthouse across the street. There is so much history I forgotten about or never knew. Both the museum and Old Courthouse are free and do not require tickets. As many others have mentioned, purchase tickets to the top in advance. Tickets are timed and do sell out! Limited number of same day tickets are available at 9 am, you can purchase them in person at the Arch or online. The ticket group goes up together so don't be late. Each pod only fits 5 people. It's a tight squeeze and the glass door faces inside the arch. If you get motion sickness or are afraid of heights, don't look through the door. The door is small, it's not scary, just a tight space so if you're claustrophobic, you may want to skip going to the top. You get 10 minutes at the top which is more than plenty of time. The entire experience is about an hour. The Arch is definitely worth the visit. If you can't get tickets to the top, the museum and grounds are still worth a visit. We lucked out and for 4th of July, they had a free concert with Ludacris and Zedd, drone show and fireworks. It was one of the best 4th of Julys we've experienced. It was a great way to celebrate the 250th anniversary. My daughter said it was better than DC.
I visited here at the end of July while in town. I pre scheduled a tram tour to the top. It was a great experience. The museum below was quite interesting too.
The hotel I stayed at was across the street so one early morning I took a walk to the arch. Lots of history to be learned once you pay for your ticket and enter the museum. So many facts about the world you can almost forget to go on the arch. But I didn't and lucky for me. I entered the Tiny elevator and took the 10 minute ride up to the top of the arch. While up there, and I'm not scared of heights it did put me into reality how tall that arch is. Outstanding pictures in our guide was phenomenal. Each time I return I will take time to walk around that gorgeous church in the park that includes it.
Fun stop after the baseball game. The park is close to the Hilton we stayed at, it was worth stopping to see. It didn't open on Saturday until 9am so we just walked around the grounds and down to the Mississippi River.
The arch is the key icon in St. Lou's. The city however has a long history before the arch was built in the 60s. The rides are in egg shaped trams that can feel claustrophobic. Views from top aren't the best as windows are small but worth the experience. There is museum downstairs about America's oa expansion in 1800s and the surrounding grounds make perhaps the smallest national park. Also just learned the architect is Finnish Eero Saarinen who also designed the main terminal at Washington Dulles Airpirt.
I absolutely DID NOT go to the top because the elevator up are hella small, and I'm not ready for that. BUT we did go to the museum at the base, and walked through the history the STL and the making of the arch. It was very informative, and pretty thorough. The museum is free, with a pretty thorough security check-in. There was also a camera with a live-feed after the museum if you wanted to see the view. The food court looked pretty busy when we walked past also with a good amount of options. Parking is awful and you are lucky to find street parking, but if you are planning to make a whole day at the arch, you are better off with a parking garage. There is NO free parking anywhere so good luck. The area outside was very well maintained though, so it IS a nice area to walk around.
Had the best time with my youngest travel companion!! Teaching the next generation of explorers. The entire staff was wonderful even as I almost got tackled by security because I didn't realize my eye glass cleaning wipes kept kicking off the alarm. Keep that in mind, totally empty your pockets to avoid an embarrassment. Loved the tiny tram ride to the top and back down again. The museum under the park is amazing and well done. The gift shop is well appointed and prices aren't too bad at all. The cafe also isn't too bad. Just watch your receipts. I got over charged and heard it's happened fairly recently with a few other people. Will certainly come back again and explore some more.
We had a great time! My daughter is active duty Air Force so we were able to get a good discount. You are able to learn a lot, they do a cute movie on the wall that shows the history of the arch being built. It would be great if the windows were larger so you could see a little bit more, but it's someplace everyone should visit once. If you are claustrophobic, the capsule ride to the top may not be the easiest trip, but it's worth a little three minutes of discomfort. We had a great guide. She was friendly and knowledgeable. It was over 100° when we were here and the inside was cool and comfortable despite the heat read more
My first time visiting the Gateway Arch, and I'm so glad I finally got to see it up close! I've seen this thing from about 10,000 feet, but seeing it from the ground is a completely different experience. The architecture is seriously impressive, and I loved getting close enough to actually see the welding beads in the stainless steel. It made me stop and think about how in the world they actually put this massive thing together. There's something really cool about seeing the little details on something that looks so impossibly perfect from a distance. Parking on a Saturday afternoon was not exactly easy, so thankfully a friend dropped us off and we were able to walk around, get a closer look, and take some photos without turning the visit into a parking expedition. We didn't go up to the observation area this time. I'm not entirely convinced I'm ready to be packed into a tiny tram going up inside the Arch. But I think I'd like to give it a try someday. I also had no idea there was an underground museum! Apparently I need to do a little more research before my next visit because I definitely want to check that out too. Overall, this is one of those places that really lives up to its iconic status. It was fun finally getting to see it from ground level instead of through an airplane window. If you're visiting St. Louis for the first time, definitely make a stop here. Even if you just walk around the Arch, it's worth seeing up close. read more
This is the second time that I've been to Gateway arch. Whether you are traveling solo or with your family, this is definitely worth a stop. The staff here were very friendly and answered all kinds of questions. Our tour guide for the arch was funny and kept us entertained. You can either explore the history before or after going up into the arch, but it is worth checking out. If you're claustrophobic, this is not the place for you. You will need to ride up in a very small cart on the way to the top. It's very secure. I am 250 pounds and 5Ft 7in and I fit with 3 kids and one another adult, but there is not a lot of space. There is air flowing which does help. You can also see, as the doors are glass. You will have about 10 minutes up at the top to take a bunch of pictures which honestly is more than enough time. It takes about four minutes to go up in about three minutes to come down. The gift shop had plenty of stuff, so make sure to stop there as well. If you're going to St. Louis Missouri, this is definitely a stop for you read more
19 days ago
Very cool to see in person. This structure is massive. I had no idea you could go to the actual top until we visited. Unfortunately I'm way too claustrophobic and couldn't make myself get in the seat to go up to the top. Worth the visit either way. Great view even from the freeway from miles away. read more
This is such an amazing architectural accomplishment that everyone needs to experience it. Even if you aren't willing to go up to the top there is a free museum on the ground level that is very interesting, as well as a historical movie and a virtual reality experience. This is the smallest national park, and you will need to park in a parking garage, private lot, or use street parking. But it is just a short walk of a few blocks to get to the Arch. It is recommended to purchase tickets online because they often sell out. But today, a Monday morning, I just walked in a purchased a ticket for the next tram to the top. If you are claustrophobic you might not be able to ride the tram to the top. The cars are very, very small. There are five seats in each. But if you handle the tight space it is totally worth it to ride to the top. Once at the top you are allowed to stay for ten minutes, then you board the tram for the return trip down. The gift shop is worth a look, my favorite is the large collection of exploration history books. Many books about Lewis & Clark, of course, also other many other books about exploration and early history of St. Louis and the West. Books on pioneering women too, and Sacagawea. The tram ride was a bargain at only $17. While I didn't have time to view the movie today I have seen it before, on my last trip, and it is definitely interesting. read more
3 months ago
I had forgotten how interesting the free museum was and since I have been there it's been remodeled and it's great!! The arch is cool and the history of the arch and Saint Louis is very well done in the museum. read more
3 months ago
As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six-week road trip, and our first stop was Gateway Arch National Park. Although we had driven past it many times over the years, I have a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and experience it beyond simply driving by. Mission accomplishe, one down, thirteen more on this trip, bringing our total to 48 of the 63 national parks. The Gateway Arch itself is certainly impressive. Riding the tram to the top is a unique experience, and the views of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River are well worth it. We left Chicago at 10:00 a.m., arrived around 2:00 p.m., and had tickets for the tram at 3:00 p.m., which gave us enough time to explore the grounds beforehand. The park itself is beautifully maintained. We especially enjoyed walking along the promenade by the river and through the surrounding green spaces. It is a pleasant area for a stroll, even if the park itself is relatively small. Personally, I still struggle a little with its designation as a national park. To me, it feels more like a national monument than a traditional national park with extensive natural landscapes and hiking opportunities. That said, it is historically significant, beautifully designed, and certainly worth visiting. One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how family-friendly it is. The museum beneath the Arch is modern, interactive, and well done, with hands-on exhibits, films, and activities that make history engaging for children and adults alike. Families could easily spend most of a day here exploring both the museum and the grounds. Overall, Gateway Arch National Park is an enjoyable stop, especially if you're interested in American history, architecture, or you're, like us, on a mission to experience every national park. It may not offer wilderness, but it offers a fascinating piece of the country's story. read more
2 months ago
In considering the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, I was scratching my head as to the number of stars I should assign. I'm going to go with 4 stars since I would not feel compelled to visit it each time in St. Louis, which is infrequent to begin with. That said, these are 4 very strong stars. The Gateway Arch is highly symbolic. It represents the critical mass of westward movement in the United States to lands on the other side of the Mississippi River. It's interesting to note that the center point of America's population inches west and south with each passing year, but is still in the Midwest and not excessively far from this national park and monument. The Gateway Arch is the work of architect Eero Saarinen. It's debatable if this, a stainless steel arch over 600 feet high, is his most famous work ... or if it's the soaring reinforced concrete TWA Terminal at New York JFK Airport resembling the outstretched wings of a large bird. Less known is his design of Terminal 1 at nearby Saint Louis Airport, with its series of connected cross vaults. That someone would envision such a project is almost dizzying. The Gateway Arch manages to look both spindly and stout. Standing at its base, one sees just how massive the base of the legs on each side of the arch are. This then explains how it's possible for the legs to taper as the structure continues upward. The arch was designed to be large enough to have some visitors at the top and steady enough but flexible for forces such as wind. There was a lot of planning and detailing involved. The overarching feature - no pun intended - is that the monument is the reciprocal of a catenary curve, meaning the shape of a necklace or chain held by each hand and allowed to dangle downward. If you let a chain hang, it wouldn't be a circle. It would form the catenary shape we are all accustomed to because all the vectors of the forces are in balance at that point. While the arch is the main event, a lot of planning went into its site, its plaza, its building podium, the inclusion of many spaces such as a theater, and, of course, the little train of funicular bubbles in each leg of the arch allowing tourists to ride to the top. Going to the top of the arch is the high point of the experience. (I unintentionally keep backing into puns.) Note that the individual glass compartments for the ride up are small and those prone to claustrophobia might have difficulty with this. The lobby has restauration, gift shops, articles from the arch's construction, and a theater. Visiting the theater is very informative since a short movie chronicles the conceptualization, design, construction, opening, and operation of the arch. The biggest "ah" moment in the film is when the keystone of the arch is slid into place, over 600 feet up in the air, and fits snugly and with the small tolerances intended! Clearly, the small observation leg at the top of the arch is narrow and people's visits need not be that long. There is a small ribbon of windows on each side. On the eastern side, one sees the endless prairie-like land of Illinois across the Mississippi River. On the western side, one sees the city of St. Louis and its suburbs. The arch was thought of after significant parts of St. Louis's city center had been developed. One could only wish that they could have foreseen this monument and left a vast mall type lawn open to its west. That's not the case. The arch is something one needs to see at least once. I've seen it twice over several decades. It's also amazing how, depending on where you are in St. Louis or if across the river, each vantage point on this unique monument is slight different owing to its dynamic design. The Gateway Arch is part of the national park system. There is a fee to visit it, but it's fairly priced. It is, without a doubt, money well spent to experience it at least once. read more
Ok heights terrify me ! Somehow I managed to convince myself after watching a you tube video that I could do the tram ride to the top and I'm so happy I did ! Everything is pretty organized overall. We purchased our tickets , went through security , visited the museum and the gift shop before or tram started to load . It's does take about an hour for this whole process on a weekend . The tram itself isn't scary at all - the small window doesn't face anything that'll freak you out and your time at the top is limited ( so others can have their moment) so you're not up there long at all. This place is huge and yes there's also a cafe you can grab a bite at while waiting . Restrooms are extremely clean and The entire experience from start to finish was fantastic. Highly recommend. read more
3 months ago
This review is not only for the Gateway Arch, but also Gateway Arch National Park. Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park and represents President Jefferson's vision of a continental nation. I didn't realize St. Louis' impact in the westward expansion. The museum underneath the park and Arch are a must visit as well as the Old Courthouse across the street. There is so much history I forgotten about or never knew. Both the museum and Old Courthouse are free and do not require tickets. As many others have mentioned, purchase tickets to the top in advance. Tickets are timed and do sell out! Limited number of same day tickets are available at 9 am, you can purchase them in person at the Arch or online. The ticket group goes up together so don't be late. Each pod only fits 5 people. It's a tight squeeze and the glass door faces inside the arch. If you get motion sickness or are afraid of heights, don't look through the door. The door is small, it's not scary, just a tight space so if you're claustrophobic, you may want to skip going to the top. You get 10 minutes at the top which is more than plenty of time. The entire experience is about an hour. The Arch is definitely worth the visit. If you can't get tickets to the top, the museum and grounds are still worth a visit. We lucked out and for 4th of July, they had a free concert with Ludacris and Zedd, drone show and fireworks. It was one of the best 4th of Julys we've experienced. It was a great way to celebrate the 250th anniversary. My daughter said it was better than DC. read more
2 months ago
I visited here at the end of July while in town. I pre scheduled a tram tour to the top. It was a great experience. The museum below was quite interesting too. read more
2 months ago
The hotel I stayed at was across the street so one early morning I took a walk to the arch. Lots of history to be learned once you pay for your ticket and enter the museum. So many facts about the world you can almost forget to go on the arch. But I didn't and lucky for me. I entered the Tiny elevator and took the 10 minute ride up to the top of the arch. While up there, and I'm not scared of heights it did put me into reality how tall that arch is. Outstanding pictures in our guide was phenomenal. Each time I return I will take time to walk around that gorgeous church in the park that includes it. read more
3 months ago
The arch is the key icon in St. Lou's. The city however has a long history before the arch was built in the 60s. The rides are in egg shaped trams that can feel claustrophobic. Views from top aren't the best as windows are small but worth the experience. There is museum downstairs about America's oa expansion in 1800s and the surrounding grounds make perhaps the smallest national park. Also just learned the architect is Finnish Eero Saarinen who also designed the main terminal at Washington Dulles Airpirt. read more
I absolutely DID NOT go to the top because the elevator up are hella small, and I'm not ready for that. BUT we did go to the museum at the base, and walked through the history the STL and the making of the arch. It was very informative, and pretty thorough. The museum is free, with a pretty thorough security check-in. There was also a camera with a live-feed after the museum if you wanted to see the view. The food court looked pretty busy when we walked past also with a good amount of options. Parking is awful and you are lucky to find street parking, but if you are planning to make a whole day at the arch, you are better off with a parking garage. There is NO free parking anywhere so good luck. The area outside was very well maintained though, so it IS a nice area to walk around. read more
Had the best time with my youngest travel companion!! Teaching the next generation of explorers. The entire staff was wonderful even as I almost got tackled by security because I didn't realize my eye glass cleaning wipes kept kicking off the alarm. Keep that in mind, totally empty your pockets to avoid an embarrassment. Loved the tiny tram ride to the top and back down again. The museum under the park is amazing and well done. The gift shop is well appointed and prices aren't too bad at all. The cafe also isn't too bad. Just watch your receipts. I got over charged and heard it's happened fairly recently with a few other people. Will certainly come back again and explore some more. read more
Its pretty cool. Its an arch. Its so big! (that's what she said!) Walking around town one night recently while I was there on business you could view it from a distance and see how large this structure really is. It's also lit up at night which adds to the impact and helps it stand out even more. Maybe one day I'll go back to go inside it and take the ride to the top. read more
We bought tickets in advance while we were on a road trip. It added a lot of stress trying to make sure we got there on time, so I'm not sure I would buy tickets in advance again. We arrived about 5 minutes late and they said not to worry we could just take the next available tram session. It was under twenty degrees when we went, so we didn't spend a lot of time outside. The museum had a ton of interactive activities and videos. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to view everything. We had a lot of fun with the projection movies once we realized you could stand behind the screen and become a part of the movie. The gift shop had a lot of things to offer. I buy christmas ornaments at all National and state parks, and they did not disappoint. If you're afraid of heights, this is a good challenge. It's not terrifying, but I definitely was a little shaky at the top. Especially when I had to lean over to look out the windows at the top of the arch and to take photos from those windows. As you go up the arch the tram doors are see through, so you get to see a lot of steel and stairs. Staff at this national park were wonderful, and the bathrooms were very clean. I believe this is the smallest national park, but it sure packs a lot of activity into that small space. If you're in the area, I highly recommend. Especially if you have kids, because the museum has so many hands on activities. read more
10 months ago
Every local I've ever mentioned the Gateway Arch to in Saint Louis was lukewarm at best about it. One must need be a tourist to appreciate it because we so enjoyed the experience. First interesting thing to note: It's a national park and I believe the smallest national park in the US. And, possibly because of this, in comparison to other similar experiences (going to the top of the Empire State Building in NYC or Willis Tower in Chicago), it's incredibly affordable. The elevator car that takes you up is small and low ceilinged (I bumped my head getting in and out and I'm 5'8"). You sit but even sitting, it's low. It would not be a fun experience for anyone over 6 feet or so. There are stairs that we had to navigate in order to get to the elevator as well. Not sure if there's a different way to get to the elevator but something to note if you have difficulty navigating stairs. Once at the top, you have a few minutes to take pics and peer out the small windows. A word of warning: In windy weather, the arch sways. I don't have any issues with heights but the swaying got to me a bit and had me feeling a little lightheaded. They have a nice little shop once you're done with your journey up and back down with all the typical tourist items. Definitely worth doing at least once! Get to it! read more
10 months ago
Beautiful artwork in St. Louis, also offers rides up. Plenty of events on the river or in park near arch as well! Must visit but heads up the ride up the arch is tight read more
1 month ago
3 months ago
My wife and I spent a great hour exploring the underground Museum at the Gateway Arch. The exhibits were very informative, covering the rich history of the area and the impressive construction of the Arch. We loved the well-done displays and artifacts. Unfortunately the tram rides to the top were sold out, but we'll catch them next time. Highly recommend for a quick, educational stop! -- update -- My wife and I were in St. Louis and decided we had to do the Gateway Arch at least once. We tried getting tickets the day before and it was completely sold out, but we got lucky and snagged spots for the next morning. Totally worth the wait! The view from the top is absolutely stunning. You can see for miles across the Mississippi River and the city skyline -- it's one of those "wow" moments that makes the whole trip worthwhile. The architecture and engineering behind it are impressive too. That said, be ready for a cozy ride. The tram pods only fit about 5 people and it's very tight in there. You'll get to know your neighbors pretty well for those few minutes! If you're even a little claustrophobic or afraid of heights, this might not be for you. But if you're okay with both, it's a must-do experience. Highly recommend doing it at least once. We loved it and left with some great photos and memories. Just book your tickets in advance! read more
I had a great time at the Gateway Arch. It is free to enter and see the museum which has an incredible display about the history of the city. The staff is courteous and professional but you are required to go through a security checkpoint . The museum is free but you have to pay to go to the top of the arch. This experience lasts around 45 minutes and goes at specific times. There is a cool gift shop present too. Paid street side and garage parking is present close by. read more
We walked to the Arch from our hotel, visited the museum, and took lots of pictures outside. We didn't take the tram to the top, but we still enjoyed learning about St. Louis and the Arch through the free museum exhibits. It was very informative and definitely worth a visit. read more
1 year ago
The Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis Missouri. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It's also a symbol of westward expansion. The Gateway Arch stands 630 feet tall and is considered the tallest arch in the world. It's also the tallest man made monument in the Western Hemisphere. The Gateway Arch was designed by Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965. The arch forms the centerpiece of the Gateway Arch National Park along the western bank of the Mississippi River. I was attending the ACEC IT Forum Conference in St. Louis Missouri and had arrived early on a Sunday from Las Vegas. Purchasing tickets to the Gateway Arch online was a breeze. I ended up purchasing 3 tickets for a 4:40 reservation with some of my colleagues. You had to go through a security check. We arrived a few minutes late, but luckily we were still able to board. We watched the introduction video and then proceeded towards the entrance to the tram. I had no idea that it was going to be so small. There are only 5 seats inside, but we had a total of 3 in the party. The elevator you ride up is similar to an egg shape and it is very enclosed space. If you get claustrophobic easy or motion sickness, I'd recommend not riding the tram ride. If you can get through the tram ride, the views at the top are absolutely amazing. The whole experience lasts about an hour. You are at the top of the Archway for about 10-15 minutes. There are two sections, the North and South section. The tram ride to the top was interesting. There are no windows to view outside, but you do see the interior of the Archway. It's amazing how it was built so long ago! At the top of the Archway, you can see the entire city! It was perfectly sunny out with no clouds. You could see the Stadium, the courthouse, the Mississippi river! The sites are just absolutely stunning! Afterwards, if you have time, you should visit the Gateway Arch Museum. It's free and has a lot of educational information regarding St. Louis and how it's considered the gateway to the west. This was the quite the experience and I'm glad I had a chance to do it. I was a little nervous at first getting into the tram and riding it up, but the views are totally worth it! This is a must do if you're visiting St. Louis! read more
The Gateway Arch is the symbol for St Louis. It opened in 1965 standing 630 ft high & symbolizing the gateway to the west. Pro Saarnen, a Finnish American architect designed the legendary landmark. We purchased timed tickets in advance. We saw the documentary Movement to the Dream. The tram took us in tight confines on a elevator to the top. A massive project transformed the area around the Arch connecting it to the park, downtown & Old Courthouse. We paid $50 for the ride to the observation deck, museum & the film about instruction. We went through metal detectors and were given a number which was our car on the tram. The tram was like a Ferris wheel going up one side at almost 4 mph. Taking four minutes to go up and three minutes to go down. We explored the museum, which explained the construction of the arch, the French, Indians, and westward expansion after Lewis & Clark. read more
THIS IS THE WORLD'S TALLEST ARCH AND MISSOURI'S TALLEST ACCESIBLE STRUCTURE =================================================== On our 2,000 road trip to Indianapolis this is the only place we really had to sightsee along the way. When I was a kid my family used to drive by the Gateway Arch whenever we were visiting family in Missouri or Illinois. I don't remember ever stopping in the past, so I definitely had to this time. We arrived in St. Louis around lunch time on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. We had bbq on our brains and my husband was looked for restaurants for lunch. I wanted to go see the Gateway Arch, so that was going to be our first stop. We parked at 200 N. Broadway in the underground parking of a big office building. It was a short block to the the Gateway Arch from there. The parking attendant told us Salt & Smoke was a good restaurant for bbq and it was within walking distance as well. We were starving or else we would have gone up to the top of the Gateway Arch. The next time I'm there I will definitely do that. It was just going to add a couple hours to a really long driving day from Kansas City to Indianapolis. History: The Gateway Arch is a National Historic Landmark and the tallest monument in the U.S.. The construction was completed on October 28, 1965. It is 630 feet high and 630 feet wide. It is located at the 1764 site of the founding of St. Louis on the west bank of the Mississippi River. read more
Everyone who visits knows where this is. There are several parking lots nearby within walking distance. You kind of need to see it if you go to St Louis. The ride tram ride is about $20. That seems reasonable for getting to see a landmark. Interestingly if you try schedule a ride, it wasn't that difficult. It wasn't sold out or hard to get times. We were during the week not the weekend so that might have been the difference. read more
Whether you're a tourist or a local, the arch never gets old. Make sure you book your tickets in advance because they sell out pretty fast. The tram ride up is one of the most unique experiences. It's weird but also a cool sensation where you're moving sideways and upward at the same time, around 3 mph. The ride down feels slightly faster for some reason. Each tram fits a maximum of 5 people (or 6 with a baby in lap), so it is a snug little pod. If you or someone in your group has claustrophobia, I wouldn't let it stop you. Some of my friends have mild claustrophobia and they were fine. The tour guides while you're waiting in line are enthusiastic and keep things fun. I appreciated them. Once you get to the top, you have about 8 to 10 minutes to take in the view through these little windows that kind of make you feel like you're looking out of a plane. The view of the river is nice and you can spot planes and ships from up there. While you're waiting for your time slot or even after, there's a really nice Missouri history museum section at the entrance worth browsing through. Don't skip the gift shop, it's worth a quick stop. The grounds under the arch are a full park, so it's a great excuse to just be outside and enjoy the space. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone who wants a fun and easy way to spend some time in the city. read more
Visiting the St. Louis Arch was an unforgettable experience! The architecture is absolutely stunning up close -- photos don't do it justice. It's a great place to take photos especially couple pictures! Me and my wife took many photos and made tons of lovely videos. read more
We love visiting national parks throughout the country. This one isn't on the top of our list, but it's a good time filler when you're in the area. Security was less than pleasant, but the less than five minute interaction we had with them didn't deter us. Our guide to the top of the arch was very friendly and knew a lot of information about the Arch. They told us we would have about 8 minutes at the top, but when we timed it it was 5-6 minutes. We had been to the top multiple times in the past, so we were okay with it. But something to keep in mind for those who have never been. The gift shop is extensive and the museum is very well done. read more
1 year ago
A must-do, iconic and historic activity if/when you are ever in Saint Louis. This was my second visit and as a thrill-seeker with a fear of heights, I 100% recommend taking the Ride To The Top. It is a unique and immersive way to learn and explore in a fun and interactive manner. After purchasing our tickets and making our way through security (which wasn't very secure in my opinion). I stopped by the Information Desk to grab a couple free brochures about Saint Louis attractions. The young woman there (who told me she was 76 y.o.) was very kind and chatty and got me talking about where I was visiting from and what brought me to town. She was a very nice lady. We then proceeded to look around the museum while we waited for our time to Ride To The Top. We stopped by the gift shop, and my daughter purchased a Lego-like set of the Arch and Museum for her boyfriend. We have since found out that it came with zero instructions. Would not recommend! We then proceeded to the area to board the ride. We were shown an informational/historical video prior to having our pictures taken (available for purchase after your ride) and lining up to board the tram. You learn about the construction of the Arch and the later addition of the tram. The pods are tiny and riding with strangers can be awkward. This big world can certainly feel small, especially when you're riding a tiny tram to the top of the Arch in a state that you don't live in...with two fellow Hoosiers! As luck would have it, the strangers that we rode to the top with were from our home state. At the top, you have time to take pictures of the city, the river below and yourself, if you like. It can feel crowded at the top, but it was a good experience. I couldn't let me daughter visit the city without coming here! read more
A gorgeous park to visit and take pictures. The museum is pretty large so I'd recommend giving yourself time to enjoy it. We were able to easily purchase walk up tickets for the tram ride to the top. I did not make it up after seeing the pod like tram for our group....it was too small and the claustrophobia set in (especially as the pod had no windows. I will add there is an example of the pod to the left of the ticket purchase line that gives a sense of what it's like that we completely missed upon entry. Our guide, Sarah was very sweet when I told her I wouldn't make it to the top. I'd def recommend a visit to the gift shop as it has a lot to choose from. We got cute bracelets to commemorate our visit! read more
2 months ago
Make res in advance online via their website for either North Tram or South Tram to expedite check in via security gate, complete with bins and cameras similar to TSA. If you must carry valuables, no larger than 8 x 10 x 8 inches of crossbody bag or purse. Must wear covered shoes. We made ours for North Tram and found when you exit from your assigned number, it's easier to view and take photos. Our assigned number was 8. Allow extra time to walk to the nearest street, metered parking: 4th St after Chestnut St. $2 per hour via credit card only. Fun facts: 630 ft high 630 ft wide Higher than the Washington Monument. Wonderful to see students on a summer field excursion. Absolutely love this place! Hands on, educational opportunities plus experience ranging from geography, history, landscape, language arts, and STEAM. This place includes customer service for reservations, restrooms, museum, eatery, gift shop. Highly recommend for residents and visitors. read more
I love this place! My favorite landmark lowkey! The museum has such great information and fun interactive experiences. We rode the tram to the top. Honestly, not as scary as I thought, but don't ask my friend the same question. Loved the view from the top. Every person that worked there was so polite and ready to help us any way they could! read more
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Ask the Community - Gateway Arch
How long is the line at the arch and once at the top, is it hard to access a window view?
It very well organized chaos 🤪 everything moves with a great flow...you get about 20 minutes at the top and had several opportunities to look out both sides of the arch...definitely worth your time! And the Museum afterwards is fantastic. (You'll…
We are in town for just a day for work meetings but may have a little time to stop by the arch; we will have some small luggage, is there a place for us to stash this while we go up? I could not find anything on their website.
Typical of most places Post 9/11, there are no lockers. It would be a tight squeeze to carry anything with you because the little cars going to the top of the arch are tiny!!!…
Which parking lot is the safest?
I agree with Barbara- overall the area seemed pretty safe. I parked at the public parking near Busch stadium which is then about a 10 minute walk to the arch. I visited by myself in the early afternoon (weekday) and felt fine.
Can you access the gift shop in the evening even if you don't take the ride to the top?
You don't have to take the ride, but you have to pay for the ride to get to the shop.
Review Highlights - Gateway Arch
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