Visit the Museum of Westward Expansion, then ascend to the top of the tallest man-made monument in the US for breathtaking views of St. Louis.
The Gateway Arch towers above the surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park, in the heart of St. Louis. This iconic landmark has become a symbol of the city, and visitors come in their thousands every year to admire the stunning views from the top and to learn about the part St. Louis played in US expansion westwards.
Opened to the public in 1967, this enormous stainless steel structure was designed by architect Eero Saarinen as a tribute to Thomas Jefferson and the early American pioneers. As you arrive at the arch, take the time to appreciate the scale of the monument it soars 192 metres into the sky, and measures 192 metres across its base.
Once inside the arch, head to the Museum of Westward Expansion. Browse the countless exhibits, photographs and artifacts. Learn about 1800s St. Louis, its shipping past, and its role as the gateway to the west and take-off point for adventurous pioneers. Those interested in architecture and engineering will enjoy the exhibits exploring the construction of the monument itself. Visit the museum cinema, where two excellent documentaries, one on Lewis and Clark's expedition and one on the building of the Gateway Arch, are shown daily.
When you're done at the museum, take a trip up to the top of the Gateway Arch. Catch one of the eight-carriage trams that bring you almost all the way to the apex. Then it's just six flights of stairs to the viewing platform, which unfortunately can't be accessed by those in wheelchairs or with buggies. Once you're on the platform, take your time and just soak up the breathtaking views of the city and beyond in the right weather, you can see as far as 48 kilometres.
Before you leave the Gateway Arch, check out the museum gift shop and pick up some attractive homeware or gourmet food in the charming 1870s-inspired Levee Mercantile shop.
The Gateway Arch is located in central St. Louis and is easily accessed by bus and train. Washington Avenue, with its many hotels, restaurants and shops, is just a short walk away. The arch is open year-round and closes just three days a year: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. In spring and summer, you're advised to book your tickets to the top of the arch online and well in advance, as spaces fill up very quickly.
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