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Perfect itinerary for one day at the Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch at night – at 630 feet, it’s the tallest national monument in the U.S.
Whether you’re just driving through St. Louis, Missouri or in town for a quick business trip, here’s the perfect itinerary for one day at the Gateway Arch National Park. The Gateway Arch is one of the best national parks in the U.S. Note that spring is an extremely busy time so tickets for The Gateway Arch tram sell out quickly. Check the Gateway Arch National Park website to make reservations and operational hours. Originally published Sept. 5, 2019; Updated April 22, 2023
While The Gateway Arch National Park provided me a complimentary ticket in exchange for my honest review, my opinions are always my own. And I highly recommend The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis as one of the best national parks in the U.S.
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Plan your visit to Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri
I’ve visited St. Louis countless times as it was the headquarters for one of my former companies. However, I never had the opportunity to go inside the Arch until the summer of 2019 when Gateway Arch National Park hosted me. Opinions are always my own.
History of Gateway Arch National Park
I was surprised to learn the Gateway Arch was a national park. While the tallest national monument in the United States was built in 1965, the Gateway Arch National Park only became a national park in 2018.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to recognize President Thomas Jefferson’s role in the westward expansion. The Gateway Arch National Park was expanded to include the Old Courthouse, which is known for its landmark civil rights cases such as Dred Scott. If you love history and architecture, the Gateway Arch National Park – one of the best national parks – is for you.
Top things to do at the Gateaway Arch National Parkin one day
I was surprised by how much more you could do in addition to seeing the Arch. The Gateway Arch National Park features so much more at one of the best national parks in the U.S.
A unique tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument for breathtaking views of the city day or night.
An underground museum that covers more than two centuries of history in its educational exhibits.
Several riverfront cruises, many of them themed, offering a historical tour as well as a different view of the arch and the Mississippi River.
A 35-minute documentary film, Monument to the Dream
Tour the historic Old Courthouse – the location of several landmark cases. (Check The Gateway Arch National Park website as this courthouse may be closed during its renovations.).
Gateway Arch National Park Grounds Map
What kind of attractions does the price of admission cover at Gateway Arch National Park?
You can purchase tickets for each individual attraction or save money with a combo ticket at The Gateway Arch National Park. Check The Gateway Arch National park website for current prices and any temporary closures and guidelines. You’ll find something for everyone who loves history and architecture especially. That’s what makes The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis one of the best national parks in the U.S. And you can see so much with this one-day itinerary guide to The Gateway Arch National Park.
See Everything Combo: Tram ride to the top,
documentary, one-hour St. Louis riverfront cruise
Tram and Cruise Combo
Tram and Movie Combo
I would do it again – and take more time to explore all the things to do at Gateway Arch National Park.
Take the tram ride to the Gateway Archobservation deck
View of St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium at Night
How tall is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri?
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is 63 stories high. But you won’t have to walk up the 1,076 steps. That’s only accessible by the maintenance crew. A unique tram at the Gateway Arch National Park works a lot like a Ferris wheel transports you to the observation deck in four minutes. After 10 minutes taking in the scenic sites at the top of the Gateway Arch, your return trip takes three minutes.
Sneak peek on the tram ride up to the Gateway Arch Observation Deck. I visited pre-pandemic so shared the tram capsule with other guests. Check the website for any social-distancing guidelines and hours of operation. As of this update on April 22, 2023, face masks are not required at the Gateway Arch National Park. However, they are encouraged.View from inside the Gateway Arch National Park tram
Please note that if you are claustrophobic, taking the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park may not be an option for you. The the tram capsule is small and only has windows to see inside the arch (mainly the stairs and mechanics).
Gateway Arch tram capsule seats five people.
How to purchase tickets to Gateway Arch National Park’s tram
Travel tip: Purchase your timed Gateway Arch National Park tram tickets online ahead of time to avoid standing in line and to make sure you get a spot as tram tickets sell out quickly in the spring and summer. It’s recommended that you arrive at the Gateway Arch at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time to allow enough time to go through check-in and security. You may only enter the Arch through the west entrance that faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse.
How to take the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Once in line for the Gateway Arch tram, you’ll receive a boarding ticket with your tram car number. You’ll then watch a short movie about the Gateway Arch National Park before walking down a few steps to your assigned tram car. Unfortunately, the Gateway Arch tram and the observation deck are not accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Travel tip: You will not find any restrooms at the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. So make sure to go before you board the tram to the top of the Arch.
You’ll received an assigned boarding card for your Gateway Arch tram capsule.
Gateway Arch National Park staff will then take your photo in front of a green screen, which you can purchase as a souvenir after the tram ride.
Gateway Arch National Park fun facts
While waiting, you can enjoy some interesting fun facts and trivia about the Gateway Arch. The tram door features a low clearance (only 4 feet high) so watch your head and your step.
The Gateway Arch observation deck in St. Louis features 34 windows and can hold up to 160 visitors. Here you can view the city on both sides of the Gateway Arch – sometimes up to 30 miles away if the weather is cooperating.
How long does the Gateway Arch tour take? How long does the Gateway Arch Museum take?
The Gateway Arch National Park Museum recommends allowing 45 to 60 minutes for the entire tour. The last tram to the top of the Gateway Arch leaves an hour before closing (10 p.m. Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend; 6 p.m. Tuesday after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day). Always check the Gateway Arch National Park website for the latest operational hours.
How do you return from the top of the Gateaway Arch?
The return trip on the Gateway Arch tram runs about every 10 minutes. It’s a first-come, first-served basis. Check in with the park ranger on where to get in line. You’ll then be assigned a new tram car on the way back.
Once you return from the top of the Gateway Arch, you’ll find a few more steps to climb back up. You can then purchase your souvenir picture and explore the museum if you didn’t have the opportunity to do so before the tram ride.
Does the Gateway Arch National Park have restrooms?
While you’ll find restrooms inside the Gateway Arch National Park Visitor Center, the observation deck does not have restrooms. So make sure you go before you take your tram up to the top of the Gateway Arch.
Explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch National Park for free
Get your history on and explore the underground Museum at the Gateway Arch National Park. It’s one of the best – and free – things to do on a one-day trip to one of the best national parks in the U.S. Here you’ll find six engaging exhibits and galleries that will take you through two centuries of the country’s westward expansion. Gallery themes include:
Colonial St. Louis – fur trade center
President Thomas Jefferson’s vision and the Lewis and Clark exhibition
Manifest Destiny – by war or by treaty, this era covers American’s belief at the time that they had a right to expand into the west at any cost
The Riverfront Era – steamboats are responsible for St. Louis becoming the gateway to the west
New Frontiers – explores the 19th century and the rise of industrialism
Building the Gateway Arch – an intriguing look on how this unique monument was created
Perspectives of the Manifest Destiny
The Gateway Arch National Park Museum, which opened in 2018, also features a film, Monument to the Dreams (for a fee), a café, and a store.
Entrance to the Gateway National Park Museum and the visitor center is free and does not require a ticket.
Cruise in one of the riverboats at the Gateway ArchNational Park
Enjoy a scenic one-hour riverboat cruise for some beautiful views of the Gateway Arch and also learn about the Mississippi River’s role in St. Louis’ history. The cruise season on a 19th-century paddleboat replica typically runs early March to early December
Or you can also take a two-hour St. Louis skyline dinner cruise, which includes a buffet dinner, music and nighttime views of downtown St. Louis. Cruises available Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays April through October.
The riverboat cruises at the Gateway Arch National Park is one of the best things to do at one of the best national parks in the U.S.
You’re advised to arrive for your Gateway Arch riverboat cruise 15 to 30 minutes before scheduled departures.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch also offer specialty cruises such as Sunday Brunch, Blues Cruise, Family Funday, Showboat Theatre, Oktoberfest, Halloween Costume, New Year’s Eve Party Cruise, and much more. Check the Gateway Arch National Park website for specialty cruise details.
Things to do at Gateway Arch National Park: Take flight with Gateway helicopter tours
For another unique viewpoint, you can also take a Gateway Arch helicopter tour. It’s the perfect thing to do and add to your one-day itinerary to the Gateway Arch National Park. Flyover options include:
Riverfront tour
St. Louis deluxe tour
Anheuser-Busch tour
Botanical gardens tour
Tour the historical Old Courthouse for free
Old Courthouse is part of the Gateway Arch National Park. Please note that it is temporary closed for renovations.
Note: As of this update on April 22, 2023, the Old Courthouse is temporarily closed for renovations. The historical and renovated Old Courthouse is considered a landmark not only for its structure, but also for its landmark cases. This is the site of where the Dred Scott case began – he and his wife sued for their freedom from slavery – and where Virginia Minor and her husband fought for women’s right to vote in 1873.
While slaves were sold on the steps of the Old Courthouse,
many also sought and found freedom. For example, Ulysses S. Grant freed his
only slave here in 1859. More than 200 slaves, including Dred and Harriet
Scott, sued their owner and their lawsuit reached the Supreme Court. They were
not successful, and is said that the opposition to this decision was one of the
contributing factors of the Civil War.
Officially opening in 1845, the Old Courthouse features classic architecture including an Italian-Renaissance dome that’s similar to the U.S. Capitol building.
When is the Old Courthouse in St. Louis open? Is the Old Courthouse in St. Louis closed?
The Old Courthouse is free and typically open daily 8 to 4:30 p.m. You can also find a statue of Dred and Harriet Scott on its grounds. As of this update, the Old Courthouse is closed for renovations.
Visit the oldest building in St. Louis – Old Cathedral
The Old Cathedral is the first Roman Catholic cathedral west of the Mississippi and is the oldest surviving building on the waterfront and remains an active parish. It’s one of the best things to do near the Gateway Arch National Park.
What’s nearby the Gateway Arch National Park? While not part of the Gateway Arch National Park, the oldest building in St. Louis is nearby. The Basilica of Saint Louis, King – or more commonly known as the Old Cathedral, dates back to 1834 (although records indicate that its history goes back to 1734 when a one-room log structure was built on this land). According to its website, it is the oldest building in St. Louis and is a place of worship that welcomes all faiths.
The Old Cathedral also includes a museum that is open to the public on select days and times; check their website for details and the latest regarding any pandemic-related protocols.
Where to eat at Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch Cafe
You can find the following places to eat in the Gateway Arch National Park. Again, check the website for operational hours.
Paddlewheel Café, located on the riverboat dock, offers locally sourced burgers, sandwiches, snacks, wine and beer.
Arch Café, located in the Gateway Arch visitor center, offers farm-to-table menu staples such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, paninis, wings and subs as well as St. Louis specialties like toasted ravioli and barbecued ribs.
Best places to eat in St. Louis – best mac and cheese
As I’m all about the mac and cheese, I had to check out the Salt + Smoke – the 2x winner of the annual St. Louis Mac and Cheese Throwdown.
White cheddar cracker mac | Salt + Smoke
Yeah…it’s pretty amazing and is a top contender on my quest to find the best mac and cheese list. The savory white cheddar (Ritz) cracker mac comes as a side to one of Salt + Smoke’s BBQ platters or sandwiches, but definitely rich enough to enjoy as a meal.
Salt + Smoke at the Delmar location is in a lively St. Louis neighborhood.
Special thanks to the Salt + Smoke crew in St. Louis for hosting me and for the great food and stellar service. Check their website for their three different locations in St. Louis. You won’t be disappointed. Opinions are always my own.
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
72 comments
We stopped quickly in St Louis to reach the top of the Arch! Thanks for sharing tips for when we go back!
Been on the arch once and would do it again. Only next time I’m also trying our that Mac! Interesting info too, didn’t know about the 2018 National Park status.
The mac and cheese was so good! I was surprised about its National Park status also. I would definitely go back again to check out the daytime views from the observation deck.
I think a lot of people aren’t aware. I knew you could but never really thought about how you really reached the top. The tram ride was pretty interesting.
I love the way they have redone the Arch area – I just visited in April and was so impressed with the changes and improvements. A fantastic way to spend a fun day!
We took our youngest to the arch for the first time in July. I hadn’t been in it in a long time, and I really enjoyed it. I thought the gift shop was awesome. I wanted to buy everything in that place!
As soon as I saw your post topic, I chuckled to myself. There was absolutely no way that I was going up in the arfh when we were there. Others in the group went and experienced the ride. I did enjoy much of the area around it, though. If I am there again, maybe I will check out the museum.
Ha! It’s probably not for everyone especially those who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. The museum was amazing…so much history. Hope you get the opportunity!
Wow you have such great information! And the photos of Arch during the day and at night look amazing. I don’t know when I’ll be in St Louis next, but I’ll make sure to visit when I’m there.
WOW! i had no idea you could go *inside* of this arch! thanks for the tip abut buying ticket online & in advance, i’ll keep that in mind when visiting. also, that mac & cheese looks delish 🤤 living in Mexico, i do mss mac & cheese.
I love national parks! Views, greens, waterfalls and hikes. The gateway arch national park seems to have more. I would love to take that tram ride up to the top and watch the documentary film. I will stop by at this place while in Missouri.:-)
I like this write-up, adding it to my list. And the NPS.gov has so much history including an article about Dred Scott. Thanks for sharing. The location is now on my list of US places to visit!
I never realized that the Arch was a National Park! Oven been to St Louis for work and could see the arch but I didn’t have time to visit. I definitely want to next time as the views from the top are incredible! Great tips especially about no bathrooms at the top!
Thank you! I didn’t realize the Gateway Arch in St. Louis was a national park either. My former company was headquartered in St. Louis and visited many times, but never to the arch. So am happy I finally had an opportunity to visit.
I went up in the Arch around 1970ish. We didn’t do a lot of vacations, just usually visiting family but we stopped on the way home from Indiana and got to go up in it. That was a big deal to me. Would love to go back.
This is really fascinating! I’d always considered just taking the iconic shots of the arch from a distance but never really considered all the things there are to do there. After reading your review, I really think Gateway Arch National Park deserves serious consideration to go spend a day there. I love unique and history-filled places like this.
I think the Gateway Arch National Park is such a great place to visit – so unique! And Salt + Smoke sounds amazing – I’ll have to add it to my next St. Louis getaway.
Gateway Arch is impressive even due to its unique architecture, but the opportunity to climb to the top and see the city from a height of 630 feet must be unforgettable
I have friends here and have added this to my list as a must do. Neither of them like heights so may have to do this on my own. Thanks for the great info.
I love the Arch! I think everyone should visit at least once. We’ve been lucky to take each kid there on a separate trip (my kids are 11 years apart). I love experiencing the view with new people.
The iconic St Louis arch is something I always wanted to see up close. Great to know that there is more to see if we plan a visit to the Gateway Arch National Park. Would love to do both the tram and the riverfront cruise to see things from different perspectives. Good to know there is a ticket to cover all of this. How fun to visit late in the day and get that panoramic view over the city at night.
What an interesting national park to visit! It’s great that there are so many things to do here, and you can learn about the history of the area too which is always nice.
Brought back great memories to the arch! Those pods on the way up are so tight, and almost made me claustrophobic! I also have written on St. Louis, we could collaborate.
I have not been to Missouri yet and would love to check out the gateway arch someday. The river cruises and tram ride sound like fun. That Mac and cheese looks yummy! 🙂
We stopped quickly in St Louis to reach the top of the Arch! Thanks for sharing tips for when we go back!
You’re welcome…I would love to go back and spend more time!
Wow, we have passed the arch on many trips and never realized all there was to see and do there. Next time we will have to stop and explore for sure!
I didn’t know either. I wish I had allowed more time to take it all in…will definitely return.
That looks like the perfect day trip! I loved everything you did! I will save it for later!
Awesome…happy you find it of value!
Been on the arch once and would do it again. Only next time I’m also trying our that Mac! Interesting info too, didn’t know about the 2018 National Park status.
The mac and cheese was so good! I was surprised about its National Park status also. I would definitely go back again to check out the daytime views from the observation deck.
I am very excited to visit and to try the mac and cheese. It has been a while since I have been up in the arch.
The mac and cheese is pretty fabulous…as is everything you can do in the national park…lots of fairly recent enhancements to check out.
I really liked going up inside the Arch, but we didn’t do any of the other fun things here. Now I need to go back!
It seems like they made a lot of enhancements recently…so cool. I want to go back and explore more.
It has been many many years since I visited the arch in St. Louis. Reading your post makes me think I need to go back and visit again.
Apparently they’ve enhanced it quite a bit over the past year or two. I was very impressed.
I really didn’t know you could go in the arch.
I think a lot of people aren’t aware. I knew you could but never really thought about how you really reached the top. The tram ride was pretty interesting.
I love the way they have redone the Arch area – I just visited in April and was so impressed with the changes and improvements. A fantastic way to spend a fun day!
I’m all about history and was very impressed with their exhibits and galleries. They did a really nice job.
Looks wonderful thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
Thanks for all the great information. I had no idea there was so much to do around the Arch.
You’re welcome. I was very surprised by how much there was to do…next time I’ll schedule more time.
I remember going up in the arch when I was 13. It was cool!
I thought it was super cool also.
We took our youngest to the arch for the first time in July. I hadn’t been in it in a long time, and I really enjoyed it. I thought the gift shop was awesome. I wanted to buy everything in that place!
It’s a perfect place for families and people of all ages. I would love to go back.
As soon as I saw your post topic, I chuckled to myself. There was absolutely no way that I was going up in the arfh when we were there. Others in the group went and experienced the ride. I did enjoy much of the area around it, though. If I am there again, maybe I will check out the museum.
Ha! It’s probably not for everyone especially those who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. The museum was amazing…so much history. Hope you get the opportunity!
Wow you have such great information! And the photos of Arch during the day and at night look amazing. I don’t know when I’ll be in St Louis next, but I’ll make sure to visit when I’m there.
Thank you so much! I hope you get the opportunity to visit the Gateway Arch National Park…it’s such a great experience.
WOW! i had no idea you could go *inside* of this arch! thanks for the tip abut buying ticket online & in advance, i’ll keep that in mind when visiting. also, that mac & cheese looks delish 🤤 living in Mexico, i do mss mac & cheese.
Yes, you can go inside the arch – the views are amazing from the top. And that mac and cheese was pretty amazing!
I love national parks! Views, greens, waterfalls and hikes. The gateway arch national park seems to have more. I would love to take that tram ride up to the top and watch the documentary film. I will stop by at this place while in Missouri.:-)
The Gateaway Arch National Park offered a lot more than I expected. I highly recommend taking the tram to the top. Great views!
Great information! I am collecting all the details to plan my trip one day to USA and this is so helpful! Will be adding this to my roadtrip!
Awesome! So happy to hear it will be if value! Enjoy your road trip!
I like this write-up, adding it to my list. And the NPS.gov has so much history including an article about Dred Scott. Thanks for sharing. The location is now on my list of US places to visit!
Thank you so much! I learned so much at the Gateway Arch National Park Museum.
I never realized that the Arch was a National Park! Oven been to St Louis for work and could see the arch but I didn’t have time to visit. I definitely want to next time as the views from the top are incredible! Great tips especially about no bathrooms at the top!
Thank you! I didn’t realize the Gateway Arch in St. Louis was a national park either. My former company was headquartered in St. Louis and visited many times, but never to the arch. So am happy I finally had an opportunity to visit.
I went up in the Arch around 1970ish. We didn’t do a lot of vacations, just usually visiting family but we stopped on the way home from Indiana and got to go up in it. That was a big deal to me. Would love to go back.
That is so cool! The Arch in St. Louis is so memorable.
Wow, this looks like such a great place to visit. Thanks for the inspiration.
You’re welcome and my pleasure. Highly recommend visiting the Gateway Arch National Park. So much to do!
This is really fascinating! I’d always considered just taking the iconic shots of the arch from a distance but never really considered all the things there are to do there. After reading your review, I really think Gateway Arch National Park deserves serious consideration to go spend a day there. I love unique and history-filled places like this.
Then you’ll love the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis. I was surprised by how much there was to do.
The view from the observation decks looks incredible…but so also does that mac n cheese!
The view at the top of the Gateway Arch was so amazing. As was the mac and cheese.
I think the Gateway Arch National Park is such a great place to visit – so unique! And Salt + Smoke sounds amazing – I’ll have to add it to my next St. Louis getaway.
I loved my visit to the Gateway Arch Museum. And really loved the mac and cheese…best in St. Louis!
Gateway Arch is impressive even due to its unique architecture, but the opportunity to climb to the top and see the city from a height of 630 feet must be unforgettable
It was a pretty cool experience yo take the tram up to the top of the Gateway Arch. It’s such a beautiful structure.
I have friends here and have added this to my list as a must do. Neither of them like heights so may have to do this on my own. Thanks for the great info.
Awesome! Love sharing what I discover and loved my Gateway Arch experience in St. Louis.
I love the Arch! I think everyone should visit at least once. We’ve been lucky to take each kid there on a separate trip (my kids are 11 years apart). I love experiencing the view with new people.
I agree! There’s something really special about the Gateway Arch National Park. So much history (the good and the bad).
We have driven past this many times and never stopped! How interesting to see inside!
I was so surprised by everything inside of the Gateway Arch! So much to do – especially loved the tram and the free museum.
The iconic St Louis arch is something I always wanted to see up close. Great to know that there is more to see if we plan a visit to the Gateway Arch National Park. Would love to do both the tram and the riverfront cruise to see things from different perspectives. Good to know there is a ticket to cover all of this. How fun to visit late in the day and get that panoramic view over the city at night.
I hope you get the opportunity to visit the Gateway Arch National Park. It’s a great place to visit in St. Louis.
Never heard of Arch National park but I particularly liked the free Tour the historical Old Courthouse! Thanks for sharing
Thank you and my pleasure. The Gateway Arch National Park is one of the best things to do in St. Louis.
What an interesting national park to visit! It’s great that there are so many things to do here, and you can learn about the history of the area too which is always nice.
I learned so much at the Gateway Arch National Park. So much to do and learn about the history.
Brought back great memories to the arch! Those pods on the way up are so tight, and almost made me claustrophobic! I also have written on St. Louis, we could collaborate.
I’ll have to check out your St. Louis post! The tram pods taking you to the top of the Gateway Arch are super small.
I have not been to Missouri yet and would love to check out the gateway arch someday. The river cruises and tram ride sound like fun. That Mac and cheese looks yummy! 🙂
The mac and cheese was so good. Loved my visit to Gateway Arch National Park.
Perfect itinerary! I’ve been to the Arch a couple of times
Thank you! I loved my visit to the Gateway Arch – fun thing to do in St. Louis.
This is really cool! I love those views from the observation deck. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you and my pleasure. Beautiful views of St. Louis from the top of the Gateway Arch.