No monument better captures the pioneering spirit of St. Louis than the iconic Gateway Arch. Towering 630 feet above the Mississippi River, it’s the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and a must-see landmark that honors westward exploration and American ambition.

Recommended For

History Enthusiasts: Learn about westward expansion, Thomas Jefferson, and the city’s role in U.S. history.

Architecture Lovers: Marvel at Eero Saarinen’s striking stainless steel arch—an engineering masterpiece.

Scenic View Seekers: Ride to the top for panoramic views stretching up to 30 miles in every direction.

What to Expect

  • Location: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, downtown St. Louis, Missouri
  • Height: 630 feet—equal to a 63-story building
  • Visitor Experience: Observation deck at the summit, museums, trams, and landscaped grounds
  • Setting: Situated on 91 acres along the Mississippi River with winding paths and scenic views

Highlights & History

  • Completed: 1965, to commemorate Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the U.S.
  • Visionary: Proposed by civic leader Luther Ely Smith to revive the St. Louis riverfront
  • Design: Created by architect Eero Saarinen; selected in a national design competition (1947–48)
  • Construction: Groundbreaking began in 1959; final piece installed in 1965
  • Observation Deck: At the summit, with 16 small windows offering expansive views of Missouri and Illinois

Visitor Features

  • Tram Ride: Ride to the top in unique pod-like trams (340 ft/min) for amazing skyline views
  • Museum of the Gateway Arch: Located beneath the Arch—offers exhibits on westward expansion and local history
  • Old Courthouse: A nearby historical landmark—site of the pivotal Dred Scott decision
  • Grounds Design: Landscaped by Dan Kiley to complement the arch’s graceful curves

Architectural Facts

  • Width: 630 feet at the base; legs measure 54 ft wide at base, 17 ft at top
  • Materials: Composed of 142 stainless steel sections, weighing 43,226 tons
  • Foundation: Sits on footings that extend 60 feet underground
  • Construction Safety: Completed on time, within budget, and with no loss of life—a rare feat

Visitor Tips

  • Buy Tickets in Advance: Tram tickets often sell out—purchase online before your visit
  • Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photos
  • Accessibility: The museum and grounds are fully accessible; tram ride may not be suitable for all

Future Developments

  • Plans include a continuous greenway connecting Luther Ely Square to the riverfront for better pedestrian access
  • Continued updates to exhibits and visitor experience inside the Gateway Arch and museum

Contact & Map

Gateway Arch National Park
One Metropolitan Square, 211 North Broadway, Suite 700, St. Louis, MO 63102-2595
Phone: 877-982-1410
www.gatewayarch.com

Map:


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