Gateway Arch in St. Louis

Gateway Arch in St. Louis wants on the schedule as we had planned. During our travels, my sons, Michael and Remington, and I have seen many landmarks, but visiting the Gateway Arch in St. Louis was something special. We’re used to monuments, so we didn’t expect to be so taken by the arch’s grandeur. Our usual travel style is to show up, snap a photo, take a short walk, and move on—but this time, with my lifelong friend Ernie Mayer and his two kids, Samantha and Colton, along for the ride, things were different. Ernie, a local St. Louis police officer of 20 years, mentioned there was a museum inside the arch, and that sparked the interest of my sons, who love museums. They were in.

Ernie’s wife, Mandy, and my girlfriend, Kristen, weren’t as excited about heading up the arch. They decided to stay behind and enjoy the day at a more relaxed pace.

Just a short 200-meter stroll from the Gateway Arch brings you to the historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis. This neoclassical building, with its striking green dome, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural and judicial heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in American history. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the grandeur of the rotunda, where the intricate ironwork and marble floors reflect the building’s 19th-century elegance. The Old Courthouse is renowned for hosting significant cases, including the Dred Scott case, which played a pivotal role in the nation’s history. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing these landmark cases and the courthouse’s architectural evolution. The Old Courthouse is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and offers free admission, making it an easy stop during your visit to the Gateway Arch.

Parking in downtown St. Louis can be a bit tricky, but we parked at a garage located at 200 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. It costs roughly $4.00 per hour, which wasn’t too bad considering the location. The layout of the parking garage was a little confusing, and it took us a minute to figure out how to get down to the ground floor. Once we figured that out, it was just a five-minute walk to the arch. The walk took us through busy streets, where we were constantly looking up at the huge buildings, trying to stay in their shadow to avoid the blazing sun. I’m glad I wore my porch hat that day because the sun really tried to cook us.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is an imposing sight. At 630 feet tall, it stands as a sleek, steel curve against the backdrop of the Mississippi River. As we walked toward it, the scene felt almost cinematic: the river stretched out lazily, the grass meticulously maintained around the base of the arch, and the clear sky above. The open space around the arch gave a peaceful contrast to the bustling city beyond, making it feel like we’d stepped into a different world.

The closer we got, the more impressive it became. The sheer scale of the arch, rising so high above us, was something we hadn’t fully appreciated in photos. It was one of those moments where the real thing far exceeded what we had imagined.

A Surprise Museum Experience Inside the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

Though we didn’t plan much beyond walking under the arch and snapping a photo, Ernie mentioned there was a museum inside, and suddenly, it felt like we had a lot more to explore. My sons, Michael and Remington, love museums, so they were thrilled. We went inside, and to our surprise, it was far better than expected. The museum offered a mix of history, culture, and interactive exhibits that kept everyone engaged. The kids were fascinated by the riverboat exhibits, while Michael and Remington spent time learning about the engineering behind the arch.

The museum wasn’t just for adults; it catered to visitors of all ages, making it the perfect way to enrich our experience at the arch.

After exploring the museum, we were ready for the tram ride to the top. Tickets cost about $19.00 per person, and it’s highly recommended to purchase them ahead of time at this link, as they sell out every day. After purchasing them, we were given a yellow plastic card with a number. This card was our ticket to finding our designated tram. We had some time to explore, so we relaxed before walking down a ramp to stand in a designated circle, waiting for our group.

The guide gave a quick, three-minute safety talk, then we watched a five-minute video projected onto the concrete walls. Once the video ended, the doors to the pods opened, and the current group exited. We then entered our tiny pods, which were surprisingly snug, but just enough space for us to sit comfortably as we began our ascent.

The ride to the top takes just over four minutes. The pod is equipped with bearings to keep it level, and the glass door allows you to see the inner structure of the arch as you climb. It’s much larger inside than it appears from the outside, and we were in awe of the smooth, quiet ride as we made our way up.

At the Top: 630 Feet in the Air

Once we reached the top, the view was incredible. Standing at 630 feet, we had a breathtaking panoramic view of St. Louis and the Mississippi River below. We had about 10 minutes to take it all in, and the boys were on a mission to get their perfect shot. There are four small portholes on each side of the arch, and the boys wasted no time trying to get their spot to look out. It was a bit of a scramble to get a good view, but the excitement in their eyes made it worth the effort.

It’s said that on windy days, you can feel the arch sway. Fortunately, we didn’t experience that, but it added an extra layer of excitement just knowing we were standing in something so monumental.

After about 10 minutes of staring out of those tiny windows and taking an endless amount of selfies, we headed back down. The trip down was much quicker than the ascent, taking just about three minutes.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was worth every penny. At first, we weren’t sure if we should drop the money on the tickets. We’re used to seeing monuments like this, but we’re really glad the kids talked us into it. Walking under the arch and soaking in the stunning view of the river and the meticulously kept grounds was already worth the trip. But the museum inside and the tram ride to the top really elevated the experience. It’s a spot that might not immediately excite those used to visiting well-known landmarks, but the history and beauty of the arch made it special.

Even though Mandy and Kristen weren’t keen on going up, I think they’d agree that it was worth the experience—whether you’re gazing out over the river, exploring the history of St. Louis, or just creating memories with family. After the ride down, we grabbed a huge baked pretzel, some fried raviolis, and a bottle of water. We took one last group photo and found the first exit sign, content and satisfied with our visit. It’s a trip we won’t forget, and I’m glad we finally checked it off the list.

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