Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park
Image credit: picture by RuggyBearLA licenced under Attribution License.

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, along the western bank of the Mississippi River. This national park, established in 2018, preserves and showcases the iconic Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion in the United States.

The Gateway Arch, standing at 630 feet tall, is the tallest arch and the tallest monument in the country. It was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965. This architectural marvel serves as a reminder of the role St. Louis played in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century.

Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park have the opportunity to explore the monument and learn about its historical significance. A tram ride takes visitors to the top of the arch, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city of St. Louis and the mighty Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch Museum, located underground, provides engaging exhibits and interactive displays that tell the story of the arch's construction and the people who shaped the American West.

Besides the arch itself, the park offers several other attractions and activities. The Old Courthouse, situated adjacent to the arch, is a fascinating historic building where important cases like the Dred Scott slavery trial were heard. Visitors can tour the courthouse and learn about its pivotal role in the nation's history.

Additionally, the park boasts beautifully landscaped grounds along the riverfront, providing opportunities for outdoor activities, picnicking, and leisurely strolls. The Mississippi River itself offers the chance for riverboat cruises, giving visitors a chance to experience the river's historic charm.

Near Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can explore other attractions in St. Louis. The City Museum, located nearby, is a unique all-ages playland that offers interactive exhibits made from reclaimed materials. The St. Louis Zoo, one of the nation's best, is just a short drive away and provides a fantastic opportunity to see a wide variety of animals.

With its striking architecture, historical importance, and surrounding attractions, Gateway Arch National Park offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history of westward expansion while enjoying the beauty of the St. Louis riverfront.

Location

Gateway Arch National Park is nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, making it a prominent landmark within the state's geographical landscape. Positioned along the eastern bank of the mighty Mississippi River, the park finds itself at the precise confluence of the expansive Mississippi and the calm but powerful Missouri River. This prime location not only grants visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, but it also marks a significant historical point, as St. Louis served as a major gateway for westward expansion during the 19th-century. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic riverbanks, Gateway Arch National Park stands as a testament to the state's unique natural beauty and rich historical significance.

Address & Contact

11 North 4th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
Driving Directions
Phone: 3146551600
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park would be in the months of May and June. During May, the average maximum temperature is 78°F, the average minimum temperature is 60°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 5.3 inches. In June, the average maximum temperature is 87°F, the average minimum temperature is 69°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 5.4 inches. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with warm temperatures and manageable precipitation levels.

Things to do and learn in Gateway Arch National Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Gateway Arch National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Boat Tour Dining

Topics

Learn about these topics at Gateway Arch National Park: Presidents Architecture and Building Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions African American Heritage Women's History Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Social Movements Indian and Frontier Wars Engineering Voting Rights and Suffrage Civil Rights Homesteading Landscape Design

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Old Courthouse

This historic building features modern exhibits on the United States court system and on Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom from slavery in a courtroom there nearly 200 years ago.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Old Courthouse.

Campsites within or near Gateway Arch National Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Gateway Arch National Park

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Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Convention Center

A stay at Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Convention Center places you in the heart of St. Louis, steps from Mississippi River and Dome at Americas Center. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 711 N Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center

A stay at Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center places you in the heart of St. Louis, steps from Mississippi River and Washington Avenue Historic District. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 823-827 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

Marriott St. Louis Grand

Marriott St. Louis Grand is in the heart of St. Louis, within a 5-minute walk of National Blues Museum and Dome at Americas Center. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in St. Louis? This hotel has facilities measuring 20106 square feet (1868 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 800 Washington Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Gateway Arch Downtown

With a stay at Hampton Inn Gateway Arch Downtown, you'll be centrally located in St. Louis, a 9-minute walk from Gateway Arch and 13 minutes by foot from Busch Stadium. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 333 Washington Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63102
Web: Link

Missouri Athletic Club

A stay at Missouri Athletic Club places you in the heart of St. Louis, steps from Mississippi River and Gateway Arch National Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 6 meeting rooms available for events. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 405 Washington Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63102
Web: Link

Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown

A stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown places you in the heart of St. Louis, steps from Mississippi River and America's Center Convention Complex. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in St. Louis? This hotel has facilities measuring 5000 square feet (450 square meters), including conference space.
Address: 610 N 7th St, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

A stay at Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel places you in the heart of St. Louis, steps from Mississippi River and Washington Avenue Historic District. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in St. Louis? This hotel has facilities measuring 4426 square feet (411 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 421 N 8th St, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection

A stay at Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection places you in the heart of St. Louis, steps from Mississippi River and 3 minutes by foot from Wainwright Building. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events.
Address: 705 Olive Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

Hotel Indigo St. Louis - Downtown, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Hotel Indigo St. Louis - Downtown, an IHG Hotel, you'll be centrally located in St. Louis, within a 10-minute walk of Dome at Americas Center and Busch Stadium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in St. Louis? This hotel has facilities measuring 2084 square feet (194 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 501 Olive Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

Frontdesk - Level on Locust Apts Downtown St. Louis

With a stay at Frontdesk Level on Locust Apts Downtown St. Louis in St. Louis (Downtown St. Louis), you'll be steps from Mississippi River and Washington Avenue Historic District.
Address: 917 Locust St, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-08-25Gateway Arch 60th Anniversary: Call for Logos
The Gateway Arch will celebrate its 60th anniversary this October. Gateway Arch National Park is inviting companies and designers to submit Arch-inspired logos by September 12 for possible inclusion in the exhibit. More
2025-08-19Gateway Arch National Park Earns Top National Museum Recognition
The Museum at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse Was Awarded Re-Accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. More
2025-02-26Historic Renovation Nears Completion: Old Courthouse Will Reopen on May 3, 2025
Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation will commemorate the reopening of this historic landmark with a free community festival honoring the St. Louis landmark’s significant role in American history. More
2024-10-22Meet the Builders of the Iconic Gateway Arch This Saturday, Oct. 26
Meet the men responsible for the construction of the 630-foot-tall shining symbol of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch. More
2024-10-04National Park Service awards nearly $200,000 to preserve the Delta Region’s history and culture
Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA) today announced the award of $186,756 in Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI) grants. More
2024-07-01US Citizens During Independence Day Celebration
USCIS to Welcome 50 New US Citizens During Independence Day Celebration at Gateway Arch National Park. More