GATEWAY ARCH
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 91 ACRES

EST. 02 22 2018

MISSOURI

Planning a Trip to
Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park, also known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is a park located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The centerpiece of the park is the iconic 630-foot tall stainless steel Gateway Arch, which was built in 1965 to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States. The park also features the Museum of Westward Expansion, the Old Court House, and the St. Louis Riverfront. Visitors to the park can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for a breathtaking view of the city, or explore the surrounding area on a guided tour. The park also hosts educational programs and events throughout the year.

"the grandest of all special temples of Nature" and "the only one of the world's great parks that could not be improved."
- John Muir

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world - the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.
-Theodore Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is during the summer months. With the warm temperatures and long days, visitors can take advantage of the numerous activities the arch area offers. Whether it's a visit to the top of the arch, a tour of the museum, a stroll through the parks, or a ride on the tram, visitors will find plenty to do. Additionally, during the summer months, the Gateway Arch hosts many special events and activities that are perfect for families and groups. If you're looking for the best time to visit the Gateway Arch, summer is the perfect time to do so.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. For those looking to take in the beauty of the iconic structure, the best time to visit is during the warmer months of April to October. This is when the weather is mild, ideal for taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds and enjoying the stunning views.

For those looking to take a ride to the top of the Arch, the best time to go is during the peak months of June to August when the Arch is open longer hours and the lines are shorter.

For those looking to explore the Museum of Westward Expansion, the best time to go is during the day when the museum is open and the lighting is optimal for taking pictures.

Finally, for those looking to take in the beauty of the Arch at night, the best time to go is during the winter months when the Arch is illuminated and the lights of the city can be seen from the top.

OVERVIEW

Gateway Arch National Park is a great destination for visitors of all ages. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the park is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel memorial to America's westward expansion. Visitors can also explore the Old Courthouse, take a riverboat ride on the Mississippi, and learn about the city's history at the Museum of Westward Expansion. The best thing about Gateway Arch National Park is that it offers something for everyone, from the breathtaking views at the top of the Gateway Arch to the interactive exhibits and activities at the Museum of Westward Expansion.

WEATHER

The Gateway Arch National Park experiences a wide variety of weather throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C). Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures dipping to as low as 10°F (-12°C). Spring and fall are mild with temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (15°C). Rainfall is generally light throughout the year, but there can be heavy rainstorms in late spring and summer. Visitors should always be prepared with appropriate clothing and supplies for the weather during their visit.

The Gateway Arch National Park is home to a diverse and unique ecosystem. The park is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, providing a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The park is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, and aquatic life, including bald eagles, osprey, beavers, river otters, and a variety of fish species. The park also features a variety of habitats, ranging from lush forests to open grasslands, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The park is an important part of the local ecosystem, providing a place for animals to live, breed, and find food.

GEAR

Visiting Gateway Arch National Park is an unforgettable experience, and having the right top gear can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some top items to bring to the park: sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, snacks, camera, and binoculars. Sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the sun's rays, while comfortable walking shoes will make exploring the park a much more pleasant experience. A reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated, and snacks will give you the energy to explore. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the amazing sights the park has to offer. Lastly, binoculars are great for taking a closer look at the scenery, and will help you spot wildlife from a distance.

When camping at Gateway Arch National Park, it is important to make sure you bring the necessary items for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Some of the best things to bring camping include a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, plenty of food and snacks, water bottles, flashlights, toiletries, and firewood. Additionally, you should bring a first aid kit and insect repellent in case of any potential emergencies. Finally, don't forget to bring a camera to capture some amazing pictures of the stunning views that Gateway Arch National Park has to offer.

GEAR UP

HISTORY

The Gateway Arch National Park, formally known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The memorial was created to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson's role in the westward expansion of the United States. The arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965. It stands at 630 feet tall, making it the tallest man-made monument in the United States. The Gateway Arch has become a symbol of St. Louis and is a popular tourist destination. The park also features a museum, an expansive park with walking and biking trails, and the Old Courthouse, which is a historic landmark in downtown St. Louis.

The Gateway Arch National Park is home to many legendary stories. One of the most popular stories is the legend of the arch's architect, Eero Saarinen. According to the legend, Saarinen was inspired by a vision he had of an arch spanning the Mississippi River, and so he designed the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Another popular legend is that of the St. Louis Blues, a local blues song that was first sung at the Gateway Arch in 1964. The song is said to have been written by a local blues musician in honor of the arch. Other legendary stories of the Gateway Arch include the tales of the first person to climb the arch, the first person to parachute off of it, and the first person to ride a hot air balloon over the arch. All these stories continue to make the Gateway Arch a beloved and iconic landmark.

RECOMMENDED

Gateway Arch National Park is a great place to explore, learn, and have fun! Here are some of the top recommendations to do at the park:

1. Take a stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River and take in the breathtaking views of the Gateway Arch.
2. Take a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch in the Tram and experience stunning views of the St. Louis skyline.
3. Explore the Old Courthouse and learn about the role it played in the Dred Scott case.
4. Take a guided tour of the Museum of Westward Expansion to learn more about the history of the American West.
5. Experience the interactive exhibits at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Visitor Center.
6. Enjoy a picnic in the lush grounds of the park and take in the beauty of the St. Louis skyline.

When visiting the Gateway Arch National Park, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the sun. Binoculars and a camera are great for capturing the beauty of the arch and the surrounding area. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for exploring the grounds. If you plan to take the tram to the top of the arch, be sure to bring a light jacket, as temperatures can be cooler at the top. A picnic lunch is also a great way to enjoy your time in the park. Lastly, don't forget to bring your curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering the wonders of the Gateway Arch National Park.

GET HERE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

1. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest national monument in the United States. Take the tram to the top of the arch for a stunning view of the city.

2. Visit the Old Courthouse and learn about the Dred Scott case.

3. Explore the Museum of Westward Expansion and learn about the history of the American West.

4. Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River for a unique view of the city.

5. Visit the City Museum and explore its unique art installations and attractions.

6. Enjoy the wide variety of food and entertainment in the downtown area.

7. Take a walk in the Citygarden and admire the sculptures and landscaped gardens.

8. Visit the Saint Louis Zoo to see the wide variety of animals.

9. Take a tour of Anheuser-Busch Brewery, one of the largest breweries in the world.

10. Enjoy a game at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Gateway Arch National Park is home to some of the best camping spots in the country. Here are the top 10 campsites around the park for your next camping trip:

1. Horseshoe Lake State Park,

2. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park,

3. Jefferson Barracks Park,

4. Cuivre River State Park,

5. Meramec State Park,

6. Pere Marquette State Park,

7. Washington State Park,

8. Castlewood State Park,

9. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park,

10. Long Ridge Campground.

Each of these campsites offers a unique experience and unparalleled views of the Gateway Arch and its surrounding landscape.

FIND A CAMPSITE

# OF VISITORS/MONTH

The Gateway Arch National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Each year, the park welcomes over four million visitors from all over the world. During the peak summer months, the park sees an average of 1,000 visitors per day. During the winter months, the number of visitors declines to around 600 per day. Overall, the park sees a steady increase in visitation year-round, with the busiest months being April, May, and June. The park also hosts several special events throughout the year, which draw even more visitors. Whether you're looking for a day of exploration or a one-of-a-kind experience, the Gateway Arch National Park is the perfect destination.