The Gateway Arch is iconic and you see it from the highway for miles away. But experiencing it first hand is something else completely. Standing over 600 feet, it stands over the city and the park surrounding it.
With a newer entrance facing the downtown St Louis area, you are brought into a beautiful atrium with large windows bringing in the nature surrounding the space. The entrance atrium has an information area and the security area that you must go through. Security is handled much like TSA with bins and items separated before you go into the iconic landmark. Every visitor to the Gate Way Arch needs to go through security in order to enter the building past the entry desk.
But once you pass security, you have two options: to go up in the arch and take in the views of city around you (this costs $12 for adults and $8 for children) or visit the free museum below the arch and the gift shop. The museum allows you to trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. Featuring 201 years of history within six themed exhibit areas, this innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and explains the westward expansion of the United States with an emphasis on St. Louis’ role in that era. The galleries span from 1764 to 1965 with topics covering Colonial St. Louis, Jefferson’s Vision, Manifest Destiny, The Riverfront Era, New Frontiers, and Building the Gateway Arch.
Step into the past, experience a bit of history at the museum or enjoy the city around you from the top. It’s a great stop with an educational twist for both kids and adults.
For more information and different tour packages visit the Gate Way Arch website.
