Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park preserves the nation's tallest man-made monument and the historic St. Louis riverfront that served as gateway to western expansion. The gleaming 630-foot stainless steel arch, designed by Eero Saarinen, frames both American ambition and complex history. Tram rides to the apex provide panoramic views extending 30 miles on clear days. The renovated park grounds create an urban oasis connecting city to riverfront through landscaped paths and native plantings. The Museum at the Gateway Arch explores the diverse stories of westward expansion, including Indigenous perspectives often overlooked. The Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case was tried, adds sobering historical context. Though smallest of all national parks at just 91 acres, Gateway Arch demonstrates how urban parks can blend recreation, education, and reconciliation. The renovated landscape increases green space by 50%, managing stormwater while creating habitat for urban wildlife. Evening illumination transforms the arch into a beacon visible throughout the metropolitan area, symbolizing both past journeys and future possibilities.

Water Features

Mississippi riverfront

Ecosystem

This destination features a mixed ecosystem ecosystem.