Sitting in the heart of the Jefferson National Expression Memorial Park, the Gateway Arch marks the beginning of President Jefferson’s expansion of the United States into the Midwest. The elegant steel structure is the tallest in the country, rising to an impressive 192 metres above the ground. It was the brainchild of architect Eero Saarinen and first opened to the public in 1967. To get an idea of its impressive height, walk between the two uprights – the archway is perfectly proportioned, equally as wide as it is tall.
Entry tickets to the viewing platform are very popular during summer months, so if you are keen to visit the top of the arch, be sure to book your tickets in advance online. The journey to the top is a singular experience. Instead of a traditional elevator, you hop on a tram before climbing the final six staircases to the viewing platform. The outlook from the top merits the hard work. On a clear day visitors can see for 50 kilometres in any direction, taking in the full expanse of the city and the surrounding plains.
On returning to the bottom, browse around the attractions. As well as the lush parkland, there is a gift shop, cinema and a museum situated at the base of the monument. Grab a souvenir from the gift shop before you leave and, if you’re feeling peckish, pick up some gourmet food from the Levée Mercantile shop.
Take some time to browse the exhibits at the Museum of Westward Expansion, which tells the tale of the USA’s push west and of everyday life in St. Louis at that time. In the cinema, you have a choice of two films: one showing the construction of the Gateway Arch and the other telling the story of Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the west following the Louisiana Purchase.
The Gateway Arch is just a short walk from Washington Avenue in the city centre. It is open every day except for national holidays and is easy to reach by bus, tram or underground train.
