Your Guide to the Gateway Arch in St Louis

Whether you're from St. Louis or the surrounding areas, you know that the Gateway Arch is an iconic symbol of this great city and its history as being the edge of the frontier in the early days of the United State of America. The Gateway Arch is so iconic that it draws roughly four million people each year. If you haven't been to the top, or have been close to its presence, we're going to give you a little taste so you can plan your trip to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. 

History of the Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch got its start around the end of 1933 when Luther Ely Smith, a civic leader, had visited the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes, Indiana. Upon his return to St. Louis, he imagined a large monument to revitalize the riverfront area as well as the city's economy. He discussed his idea with Mayor Dickmann, who then brought it up at a city leaders meeting, thus beginning the project of bringing the national monument to the St. Louis riverfront. Despite some local opposition, the ball got rolling in the late 1930s.

After a lengthy process of negotiations and demolition, a design competition was implemented where the winner would win money and their design would be the new symbol of St. Louis to represent its history as the gateway to the west. Smith finally landed on the official design of the monument, provided by architect and industrial engineer Eero Saarinen, whose sleek design won the contest. On February 12, 1963, construction began and was completed in October of 1965. It then officially opened to the public in June of 1967.

Visiting the Gateway Arch

Visitors who wish to see the Gateway Arch can even check out the top. The Gateway Arch rests at 630 feet high and features a tram system that can carry tourists to the top for beautiful views of the city for 30 miles in each direction. The ride up to the top takes about four minutes while the ride back down to the ground floor is only three minutes. 

If you plan on visiting the Gateway Arch, you're in for a treat. However, there's a few things you should know so you can plan your trip. The Gateway Arch is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. before Memorial Day. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, the Gateway Arch is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets to the top can be purchased online or at the Ticketing and Visiting Center in the Old Courthouse.

If you're looking for something fun to do, visiting the top of the Gateway Arch and soaking in its unbelievable views will definitely be an experience worth remembering. Order your tickets today and plan your adventure to the top of the Gateway Arch-the most iconic symbol and monument of St. Louis, Missouri.