The site’s change in status to Gateway Arch National Park in 2018 encompassed much more than a new name: the park went through a near-complete transformation, making it more accessible, more beautiful, and more representative of St. Louis’s historic past and the modern city that has evolved on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Once cut off by an interstate highway, today an inviting swath of greenery connects the arch, the park museum, and the historic 19th-century Old Courthouse, making it easy to stroll to and from the city center and the park. The museum has also been reimagined, using technology to tell stories of pioneers and native peoples who shaped the American West—including the amazing narrative of the Lewis and Clark expedition, which set off from the St. Louis area in 1804 as part of Thomas Jefferson’s ambitious vision for the young United States.
How to Visit
The park grounds are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, for those who wish to walk the riverside trails and enjoy the arch from ground level. Visitors taking the tram to the top enter through the museum’s westfacing entrance. Wait times can be long in summer, so consider advance reservations (gatewayarch.com, 877-982-1410). The park’s nonprofit partner also administers sightseeing and specialty riverboat cruises on the Mississippi, departing from a dock adjacent to the arch (closed in winter; gatewayarch.com).
Useful Information
How to get there
The park is located in downtown St. Louis, MO. There is no parking in the national park, but several private lots are nearby. The park is also accessible by St. Louis MetroLink rail and MetroBus.
When to go
The Gateway Arch, museum, and Old Courthouse are open year-round, although steamboat cruises do not operate from about Dec. through March. Wait times for tram rides to the top of the arch are much shorter outside the summer peak season.
Visitor Center
The Museum at the Gateway Arch, located between the legs of the arch, serves as the park visitor center.
Headquarters
11 North 4th St. St. Louis, MO 63102 nps.gov/jeff 314-655-1600
Lodging
Many hotels are located within walking distance of the park in downtown St. Louis. Information is available from the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission (explorestlouis.com).
US National Parks Map
About the Guide
