Last updated: October 30, 2023

This weekend trip was more than I expected. Sometimes, you can do all the research in the world but it can’t compare you to what you’ll actually experience when you arrive somewhere. I did an overnight drive and knew I was getting close when I saw this from the interstate:

Where to Stay

There are several hotels located within walking distance of the main attraction, which is the Gateway Arch. I stayed at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch and since the only thing I did was sleep there and grab breakfast each morning, I don’t have a lot to say about it. I arrived at 3am and had to wait to get in to check in since the front desk person was on break. Other than that, I don’t have any complaints.

This National Park was unique in that it is the only park I have visited to date that did not involve hiking trails. The reason it’s a National Park is because The Arch commemorates the role Thomas Jefferson played in the westward expansion of the United States.

Fun Facts

• At 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide, the Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the entire United States (twice as tall as the Statute of Liberty!). It sits on 91 acres of land.
• It was completed on October, 18, 1965 after taking 2.5 years to build
• It cost 13.4M and in 1967, they spent another 2M to add a tram that takes you to the observation deck at the top which is a four minute ride.
• It can sway up to 18 inches.

While you’re there, I highly recommend three things:

• Take a tram ride to the top of the arch
• Go on a riverboat tour
• Watch the thirty minute documentary.

Tickets for all three of these events can be purchased on the website, or you can purchase them in the visitor center. I recommend purchasing online as early as possible because you risk tickets being sold out of you wait until you get there (like me who didn’t get to take the tram).

Before you go, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND buying tram tickets. They were sold out when I got there so I did not get to experience the observation deck, however, I did snag the two other tickets to take a riverboat tour on the mighty Mississippi River and watch the 30 minute documentary on the the building of the Arch. I recommend the film… really interesting and inspiring to see how proud the men were to finish this project… they even planted the American Flag on the last piece as they hoisted it up to install it. Really cool!

American West Museum

Speaking of the Visitor Center, it houses a giant museum of the American West! You could stay all day in here taking in all of the information housed here. There’s also a gift shop and a cafe that serves fried ravioli, which is apparently originated in St. Louis.

Riverboat Tour

YOU NEED TO DO THIS. At $20, you can’t beat this unique tour of St. Louis! Below are some photos I snapped while on the Riverboat Tour:

The Captains Return

While walking the riverbank, you will find the Lewis and Clark statue titled, The Captains Return which depicts how American explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (with their Newfoundland dog, Seaman) might have looked and felt returning home in 1806 after their almost two and a half year long expedition of exploring the American West. This is by far my favorite statue I’ve seen so far out of all my adventures.

Get Serenaded

Along the way, you may be met with singers offering to serenade you. 🙂 Take them up on the offer! It will put a smile on your face.

See the Arch up Close and Personal

Getting a photo of the Arch on land is difficult if you aren’t far enough away. There are steps from the visitor center to the Riverboat that are directly under the Arch and where the National Park sign is located which is a nice place to take a load off for a few minutes.

The Old Courthouse

You’ll also want to visit The Old Courthouse which holds significance due to being the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850. It was also where Virginia Minor’s case for a woman’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. In 1847, Dred Scott, with his wife Harriet, sued for, and were granted, their freedom. After many appeals, the case was decided upon by the Supreme Court. The decision stated that slaves were property, and as such, had no right to sue. The Dred Scott Decision hastened the start of the Civil War.

While there are MANY things to do in St. Louis, I chose to focus my day trip on the National Park, but would definitely go back to explore more of the city (and take the tram!).

Have you been to St. Louis? I’d love to hear your recommendations on places to see!