The Gateway Arch

A monument on the riverfront

The Gateway Arch stands on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis. At 630 feet, its stainless-steel curve is a defining part of the city skyline. Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen designed the monument, which was completed in 1965 to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States.

The site connects that national story with St. Louis’s role as a riverfront city and a stopping point for people heading west. The grounds give you room to see the Arch from different angles and walk near the Mississippi. Looking up from its base makes the scale of the structure easier to grasp than a view from across town.

The tram and observation deck

The enclosed tram travels up one leg of the Arch to the observation deck. The ascent takes about four minutes, followed by a three-minute ride back down. The compact pods are part of the experience, but their small interior can be uncomfortable for anyone who dislikes enclosed spaces.

At the top, narrow windows look west over downtown St. Louis and east toward the Mississippi and Illinois. On a clear day, views can extend up to 30 miles. Landmarks visible from the deck include the Old Courthouse, Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village and the Edward Jones Dome. You may also spot the river’s bridges and the historic rail trestle between Illinois and Missouri.

The tram ride requires a ticket, and advance booking is recommended because tickets can sell out. Check the available time when planning the rest of your visit: the observation stop may be brief, so decide which direction and landmarks you want to look for before you reach the deck.

The free museum beneath the Arch

The Museum at the Gateway Arch sits below the monument and is free to visit. Its galleries follow the region’s history from colonial St. Louis through westward expansion and the construction of the Arch. Exhibits cover the city’s riverfront era and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as the experiences of Native Americans and settlers.

Objects and displays include an American Indian tipi, Indian Peace Medals and artifacts connected with Lewis and Clark and nineteenth-century pioneers. Interactive galleries and audiovisual material add context to the objects and stories. The museum reopened after extensive renovations in 2018, and it gives you a substantial part of the visit to explore even if you skip the tram.

The underground visitor center also has a gift shop and food concessions. Set aside time for the museum either before or after your tram ride, rather than trying to fit it into the same short window as the observation deck.

Planning your visit

You can visit the Arch and museum without buying a tram ticket; the grounds and museum are free, while the ride to the top costs extra. Accessible entrances, restrooms and parking are listed among the site’s facilities. The tram itself is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no restrooms at the observation deck.

For a late-day visit, the view around sunset brings the city and river into changing light. Busch Stadium is among the downtown landmarks visible from above. If you are planning around a Cardinals game, the stadium can add a point of interest to look for from the deck.

The Arch grounds and indoor museum give you alternatives if tram tickets are unavailable. Allow time to explore the exhibits and walk outside, especially if you want to see the monument from ground level as well as from above.