Gateway Arch National Park

Attractions / Activities Food Final Comments

Known as the Gateway to the West, Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the United States (and one of the smallest national parks in the world).

Despite its relatively humble size, Gateway Arch certainly earns the national park status via its rich history and towering magnificence.

Since Gateway Arch is the smallest national park in the United States, this short Adventure Guide will help you maximize your time here by covering all relevant activities in the area.

Recommended Duration of Visit

6 hours (ideal), 4 hours (doable), 2 hours (difficult)

Recommendations: Before Arriving

Finalize nearby lodging and decide whether to walk or drive.

Recommendations: Adventure Gear

Weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.

Click for some interesting facts about Gateway Arch National Park

At 91 acres, Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the United States (by a lot).
Gateway Arch was named Jefferson National Expansion Memorial until 2018. It was named after Thomas Jefferson to honor his role in western expansion, most notably his role in the Louisiana Purchase.
The park is located near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Gateway Arch is designed to resemble an inverted catenary curve. A catenary curve takes the shape of a hanging chain that is supported at both ends. The curve essentially resembles a more flattened U shape.
While most towns were founded for farming, religious, or defense purposes, St. Louis—the city in which Gateway Arch National Park resides—was founded for trade.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer (June to August) is the peak season.

GATEWAY ARCH’S STORY

Gateway Arch commemorates St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19^th century.

ATTRACTIONS

Gateway Arch, Museum, Ponds, and Lawns.

Gateway Arch National Park Sign, St. Louis, Missouri, United States

LANDSCAPE

140,000 feet² (13,000 m²) of lawns, ponds, walkways, and exploration center (much of this is underground).

SPECIAL EVENTS

N/A.

PLANNING

Gateway Arch is very easy to visit, so minimal planning is required. The Arch Parking Lot is across the street and the Arch is a short distance away from nearby restaurants.

Update for 2020: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, you can no longer ride to the top of the Arch.

GATEWAY ARCH’S STORY

Gateway Arch commemorates St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19^th century.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer (June to August) is the peak season.

LANDSCAPE

140,000 feet² (13,000 m²) of lawns, ponds, walkways, and exploration center (much of this is underground).

ATTRACTIONS

Gateway Arch, Museum, Ponds, and Lawns.

PLANNING

Gateway Arch is very easy to visit, so minimal planning is required. The Arch Parking Lot is across the street and the Arch is a short distance away from nearby restaurants.

Update for 2020: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, you can no longer ride to the top of the Arch.

SPECIAL EVENTS

N/A.

Attractions and Activities

Attractions Overview

View From the Top: The Gateway Arch is 630 feet (192 meters) high and 630 feet (192 meters) wide at the base. Visitors can ride the North or South Trams all the way to the top of the Arch.
Just a Little Longer: Gateway Arch National Park is special in the sense that you can visit it in a relatively short amount of time, or you can easily spend the whole day. There are many displays, exhibits, and documentaries that cover the vast history of the Arch.

Attractions Overview

View From the Top: The Gateway Arch is 630 feet (192 meters) high and 630 feet (192 meters) wide at the base. Visitors can ride the North or South Trams all the way to the top of the Arch.
Just a Little Longer: Gateway Arch National Park is special in the sense that you can visit it in a relatively short amount of time, or you can easily spend the whole day. There are many displays, exhibits, and documentaries that cover the vast history of the Arch.

Gateway Arch Museum: The museum contains exhibits on a variety of topics such as westward expansion and the Arch’s construction. The Tucker Theather, with over 200 seats, features a documentary on the rich history of the Arch.

Cost: Park entrance fee. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 4 hours.

Luther Ely Smith Park: This small scenic park borders the Gateway Arch and is a generally scenic area for a picnic and some relaxation.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 5 – 30 minutes.

The museum can easily consume the most time. The museum is underground in an air-conditioned area.

The park provides a great vantage point for photography. For the best lighting, arrive in the morning so the sun's glare is minimal.

North/South Lawns: Curves and verdant fields define the park’s landscape, and the Arch is flanked on all sides by these luscious lawns.

Cost: Free to Visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

North/South Ponds: The flowing ribbon of the ponds’ edges complement the twists, turns, and curves of the park in an elegant and elaborate display.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 5 – 15 minutes.

Throughout the lawns, there are signs and displays detailing the history of the Arch.

The North Pond is closer to Gateway Arch Park (a subsection of the national park).