St. Louis Gateway Arch in Missouri: tips, attractions and campgrounds!

Are you going on a road trip to St. Louis Gateway Arch, looking for tips about the destinations so you and your party can enjoy it, be comfortable and not spend a fortune?

Here are some of the attractions at The St. Louis Arch and tips about visiting.

About The St. Louis Arch

The St. Louis Arch (technically callled the St. Louis Gateway Arch) has over 43,000 tons of concrete and steel an 63 stories tall (630 ft) arch. The Gateway Arch celebrates the westward expansion of the United States and the pioneers who made it possible. Since its completion in 1965, the monument has taken millions of visitors on the trip to the top to enjoy stunning views stretching up to 30 miles to the east and west.

Hours

Summer Daily, 9:00am to 8:00pm*

Winter, Daily 9:00am to 6:00pm*

The park grounds are open from 5:00am–11:00pm year round. * Last tram leaves one-hour prior to closing.

Contact info and prices

Reservations are required and should be done online weeks in advance!

Entrance Fees

The museum is free.  You only pay for a tram ride to the top and if you want to see the movie.

Remember,, the NPS annual passes will save you money at ALL national parks (except the Gateway Arch! tram); see this page!

Tram ride prices:

Adults $12 - $16
Children (3–15) $8 - $12
Purchase your Tram Ride to the Top tickets before you arrive.

Documentary movie:

Adults $7; Children (3–15) $3; America the Beautiful Pass $4.

Tourist/Visitor Information

For information or assistance,
Email info@gatewayarch.com 
Call Center at 877-982-1410

What to see and do in The St. Louis Arch

The Tram Ride to the Top (see prices above) (Get tickets here)

There is a tram ride to the top of the arch (630 feet up) . It is the only way to go to the top.  It starts with interactive pre-boarding exhibits featuring 60s era animation and Gateway Arch trivia. Then, be you get is a tiny round 4-person (normal healthy person size) car to ride 630 feet to the top of America’s tallest monument. The arch is the tallest monument in the United States. Pre-Boarding Tour an Top of the Arch take about 1 hour.

The Museum at the Gateway Arch (free)

Trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit. "Woke" alert... the story of America is a bit dismal in this rendition by the woke far left...

Documentary Movie (see prices above)

Monument to the Dream Film. (35 minutes)

Parking

Parking for the Gateway Arch: Preferred parking at a discounted rate ($9 for first five hours) is available at the Stadium East Garage.

• Location: 200 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Pre-purchase parking with no validation required: iparkit.com/TheArch If parking is not pre-purchased, validation is required by scanning/stamping your parking ticket at one of two validators located inside the Visitor Center at Gateway Arch National Park. Validators are located in the West Entrance lobby just outside the restrooms and on Level 3 next to the Explore St. Louis Information Desk.
• Important note: Pre-purchasing parking is HIGHLY recommended on St. Louis Cardinal game days. If parking is not pre-purchased, event day parking rates will apply and parking tickets cannot be validated.

Additional parking locations in downtown St. Louis, visit explorestlouis.com/travel-tools/get-around-st-louis/downtown-parking/

ADA information

Tram Ride to the Top: The Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch is not fully accessible for guests with mobility impairments, as no wheelchairs, scooters or strollers are permitted on the Observation Deck. To reach the top and return, you must be able to manage at least 96 steps, divided into six flights, and you may need to stand for 30 to 60 minutes. No seating or restrooms are located at the top of the Arch.

The St. Louis Arch Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Missouri can be very hot and humid in the summer and cold and windy in the winter, so dress appropriately.

Lodges

If you don't want to camp, you can find St. Louis area lodging here.

The St. Louis Arch Camping tips

 Prices are about $30 a night; $21 if you have the national park pass and stay in a national park campground.

Campgrounds near The St. Louis Arch in Missouri

Missouri has both state parks and private campgrounds..

More resources