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When I think of National Parks, I imagine stunning landscapes—mountains, canyons, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. However, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis is different. Its main attraction is entirely man-made: the iconic Gateway Arch, standing on just 90.96 acres in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, commemorating the historical significance of westward expansion.
So why visit if there aren’t scenic landscapes or waterfalls? My answer: the Gateway Arch itself and its prime location in the heart of St. Louis, making it a convenient stopover between the Northern and Southern U.S, as well as the Eastern and Western regions.
I grew up in southeast Wisconsin, and most of my family is still there. While we try to bring our furry travel companions along on road trips, sometimes we need a little time to ourselves. For our road trip to Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, our pups spent quality time with their Wisconsin grandparents. Fortunately, Gateway Arch National Park is dog-friendly, making it an ideal stop for a break.
Gateway Arch National Park is about 550 miles north of our home in Alabama and 330 miles from my parents. It’s a perfect meeting point for cross-country travel or, in our case, for the “pupper handoff,” with its green spaces, ample parking, nearby restaurants, hotels, and plenty of things to do.
An Unexpected National Park Travel Stop
We’ve visited the Gateway Arch twice—once in 2021 while driving from Alabama to Glacier National Park, and again in 2023 during a road trip to Mount Rainier. On our first visit, we had no idea it was a designated National Park. We assumed it was just a National Monument or an interesting roadside attraction where we could stop for a quick photo.
It wasn’t until we arrived and saw the sign that we realized Gateway Arch was a National Park. We parked along the Mississippi River and took the stairs leading up to the arch, which loomed over us as we climbed. The arch felt large, almost out of reach. As we reached the top, the cityscape of St. Louis came into view, creating a contrast between the sleek, modern arch and the city behind it.
Our dogs joined us on both trips to the arch, and it was their first time seeing such a structure. They were a little hesitant at first with tourists walking around, but they quickly became more excited about the wide, grassy area around the monument, perfect for them to explore on a leash.
The park itself felt both larger and smaller than we expected. The open green space around the arch was more expansive than we imagined, though the park’s overall footprint is small.
When traveling to Mount Rainier National Park in 2023, we arranged to meet my parents in St. Louis for what we call the “pupper handoff.” St. Louis was the perfect halfway point between Wisconsin and Alabama. Before heading to the arch, we met for lunch at Hammerstone’s, a dog-friendly tavern just a five-minute drive from the Gateway Arch. The dogs recognized their Wisconsin grandparents from across the street, their tails wagging excitedly.
After lunch, we drove to the arch and parked again along the Mississippi River. The sheer size of the arch is overwhelming, even more so in person than in photos. Its massive presence also makes it an easy meeting spot—you can see it from miles away!
We only spent about an hour at Gateway Arch National Park, though. We didn’t explore the Old Courthouse, tram, museum or visitor center. We’re more interested in scenic landscapes than historical sites, and the arch doesn’t offer much in the way of hiking or outdoor adventure. Plus, we all needed to get back on the road. After saying goodbye to my parents—and to our pups, who were heading back to Wisconsin with them—we continued our journey west to Washington.
If you’re looking for more things to do after spending some time at the arch, it’s just a short ride into downtown St. Louis, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and places to explore.
That said, the arch is worth a visit—not just to check it off your National Parks list, but to learn some U.S. history and enjoy a quick stop while driving cross-country. Gateway Arch National Park is more than just a monument and a convenient stopover; it holds deep historical significance, commemorating America’s westward expansion.
That being said, our visit to Gateway Arch National Park didn’t quite resonate with us in the same way other National Parks have. Its status as a ‘National Park’ feels a bit out of place compared to what we typically expect from such experiences—more on that below.
History of Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the arch symbolizes the “gateway to the West, the national expansion, and whatnot“, marking St. Louis as the starting point for pioneers heading out into the vast, unknown territories after the Louisiana Purchase.
Completed on October 28th, 1965, four years after Eero’s death, the 630-foot tall (63 stories or 192 meters) Arch stands as an iconic tribute to this period of American history.
Fun fact: Amazon’s Eero routers are named after this renowned architect. In addition to the Gateway Arch, Saarinen also designed other iconic structures, including the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Weaver’s Elementary School in Chicago.
Before the arch, this area was filled with warehouses and industrial buildings, but that changed when 40 blocks and 486 buildings were cleared to make way for the monument. Fun fact: It’s not only the tallest monument in the U.S., but also the tallest arch in the world!
What to Expect at Gateway Arch
One of the highlights of visiting Gateway Arch National Park is the tram ride to the top. While we’ve never taken the tram ourselves, we’ve heard that from the observation area, you can see up to 30 miles on a clear day!
Be sure to get your tram tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. Prices vary depending on the date of your visit:
- Adults: $15 – $19
- Child (3-15): $11 – $15
- Infant (2 and Under): Free
- America the Beautiful Pass: $12 – $16
The tram ride itself lasts about four minutes, but expect the entire experience, including security checks, to take around 45 to 60 minutes. Just a heads up: strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed on the tram.
Beneath the Arch, you’ll find a museum and visitor center that are worth exploring. The museum is open from 9am to 6pm, extending to 8pm during the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). There’s also a theater showing a 30-minute documentary on the Arch’s construction, which plays every hour from 10am to 7pm. Tickets can be purchased ahead of your visit directly from The Gateway Arch website.
If you’re interested in visiting the Old Courthouse, check if it’s open, as it’s likely closed for renovations due to the $380-million CityArchRiver project.
Plus, keep an eye out for special events, like the upcoming “Fights & Heights” themed evening on October 19th, 2024, which features general admission for free, with a cost for the Haunted Tram experience.
Why Gateway Arch National Park’s Status Is Controversial
On February 22, 2018, Gateway Arch officially became a National Park, a change that sparked considerable debate. Unlike many other national parks known for their natural landscapes and recreational opportunities, Gateway Arch is primarily a site of historical significance. Originally, this area was filled with warehouses and industrial buildings—40 blocks and 486 structures were demolished to make way for the monument. Critics argue that its designation as a National Park is questionable, suggesting that it might have been better suited for a different National Park Service (NPS) classification.
Some believe the shift to National Park status was primarily aimed at boosting tourism. Before this change, the site was recognized as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a National Monument established by secretarial order on December 21, 1935, to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase.
In our view, while Gateway Arch is historically significant, it doesn’t quite fit the traditional criteria of a National Park that emphasizes natural landscapes and outdoor recreation.
What to Wear for Your Visit to Gateway Arch
Honestly, all you need are comfortable shoes and clothes. Gateway Arch isn’t your typical National Park filled with outdoor adventures. It’s located in the heart of a city. While there are paved walking paths throughout the park, you won’t be hiking through nature like in more traditional parks. This is more of an urban experience.
Things to Do Near Gateway Arch National Park
We primarily used St. Louis as a stopover during our road trips. On our first visit, we were just looking for a place to sleep for the night in downtown St. Louis. The second time, we met up with my parents so our dogs could spend some time with their grandparents as we drove to Washington state. Our activities around the arch mainly included taking pictures and strolling on the grass.
Since the park is right along the Mississippi River, you can also enjoy the riverfront and even take a riverboat tour. There are plenty of other activities to explore in St. Louis, including visiting the St. Louis City Museum, Art Museum, Botanical Garden, Cathedral Basilica or catching a game at Busch Stadium.
If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Old Courthouse, where the landmark Dred Scott case was heard, leading to the freedom of enslaved people.
There are also several parks to explore in the St. Louis area, such as Forest Park, Katy Trail State Park, Castlewood State Park, and Route 66 State Park.
St. Louis Gateway Arch Parking
We opted to park along the river, where there’s a convenient lot right by the Mississippi with plenty of spaces available. During both of our visits to Gateway Arch National Park, parking has been easy and straightforward. There is a small parking fee, but the wait time to enter the lot was minimal.
This location is also great for meeting up with others, as it’s a convenient spot for anyone heading to the arch. To access the Riverfront parking entrance, enter via Chouteau Avenue, although keep in mind that access may vary depending on the Mississippi River’s current level.
Parking costs $10 for up to five hours, and you can pre-purchase your spot through iParkit.
While there are other parking options throughout downtown St. Louis, some may require a longer walk to reach the arch. For more details, you can check the parking map here.
Places to Stay Near Gateway Arch
If you’re looking for a place to stay in St. Louis, you’ve got plenty of options. There are several hotels near the Gateway Arch that offer convenient access to the park and downtown attractions.
Onward to the Next Stop
Our visits to Gateway Arch National Park didn’t quite give us the typical National Park vibe we usually chase after. Sure, it lacks the natural beauty we love, but the arch’s historical significance and the unique urban setting might just be the perfect pit stop for you.
Travel can surprise us in the most unexpected ways, so if you’ve visited the Gateway Arch before, we’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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