Things to do in Gateway Arch National Park
An urban St. Louis national park centered on the Gateway Arch, Mississippi riverfront, underground museum, Old Courthouse, and westward expansion history.
Best months: April, May, September, October
What is worth your time in Gateway Arch National Park
Museum at the Gateway ArchDo not miss
The underground museum gives the strongest indoor context for Native histories, westward expansion, engineering, and the river city.
Ranger Program · 1.5 hr4.8
Gateway Arch GroundsDo not miss
The landscaped grounds frame the Arch from changing angles and connect the city to the riverfront.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.7
Gateway Arch Tram Ride to the TopDo not miss
The tram ride reaches the top of the Arch for the defining St. Louis and Mississippi River view.
Viewpoint · 1 hr4.7
Gateway Arch Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger program makes the museum and grounds more engaging for families.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.8
Gateway Arch Documentary Movie
The film adds useful engineering and construction context before or after the tram ride.
Ranger Program · 53 min4.7
Gateway Arch Night View
Evening lighting gives the Arch a different mood and strong city photography.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.7
Gateway Arch Riverfront Trail
The paved riverfront path gives an active way to connect Arch views with downtown and bridge scenery.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.7
North Overlook
The north overlook provides a quieter angle on the Arch, riverfront, and Eads Bridge.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
South Overlook
The south overlook gives another low-effort perspective on the Arch and riverfront lawns.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
Kiener Plaza
The plaza offers a classic west-to-east view toward the Old Courthouse and Arch.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.6
Old Courthouse
The historic courthouse adds crucial context on Dred Scott, civic history, and St. Louis before the Arch.
Ranger Program · 1.1 hr4.6
Eads Bridge View
Views of Eads Bridge pair engineering history with the Arch riverfront setting.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.5
Luther Ely Smith Square
This formal approach creates a strong photo axis between the courthouse, lawns, and Arch.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.4
Gateway Arch Riverfront
The Mississippi riverfront gives close exterior views of the Arch and a sense of St. Louis river geography.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.2
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Gateway Arch is famous for the 630-foot stainless steel arch, tram ride to the top, Museum at the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, and riverfront setting.