When you think of St. Louis, Missouri, you probably think of the Gateway Arch. The Arch sees over 1 million visitors per year and is a staple landmark to experience if you’re making your way to St. Louis. Located right on the Mississippi Riverfront, this 630-foot tall monument is made of 900 tons of stainless steel and built in the shape of a catenary arch.
The Gateway Arch is the world’s tallest arch and Missouri’s tallest accessible building. Built as a monument to honor the westward expansion of the United States and dedicated to the American people, the Arch, sometimes referred to as “The Gateway to the West”, is a National Historic Landmark in Gateway Arch National Park.
The Arch was designed by architect Eero Saarinen in 1947. Construction began in 1963 and was completed in 1965. The structure cost $13 million which is worth over $125 million today.After its finishing touches, the monument opened to the public in 1967. It is located at the site where St. Louis was founded in 1764.
A unique feature of the Arch is its $2 million dollar tram system that can take you to the top of the Arch in 4 minutes. At the top, you’ll arrive at the viewing platform, which can fit about 160 people, and look out the 16 windows over downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois. On a day with clear weather, you can see 30 miles to the east and west. The Tram Ride to the Top costs $15 to $19 for adults and $11 to $15 for children years 3 to 15.
Right below the Arch sits a museum commemorating the story and foundation of the city of St. Louis. The museum features 6 interactive galleries covering: Colonial St. Louis, Thomas Jefferson’s Vision, Manifest Destiny, The Riverfront Era, New Frontiers, and the Building of the Arch. Admission to the museum is free. If you get hungry or find yourself wanting a commemorative gift, make sure to stop at the Arch Cafe and the 3 different Gift Shops on sight.
The Gateway Arch and surrounding National Park are free to explore, but they do offer an amazing “See Everything Combo” package that gives you the entire experience of the Arch and the city of St. Louis. The package starts at $41 for adults and $26 for children 3 to 15. Included in this combo is the Tram Ride to the Top, a viewing of the documentary “Monument to the Dream”, and a one-hour Riverfront Cruise tour of St. Louis.
The Gateway Arch is definitely a place you’ll want to visit at least once in your lifetime. While learning the city’s rich history, viewing the Mississippi River and surrounding National Park, and experiencing the monument itself, you’ll have a lot to keep you busy in the frontier city of St. Louis.