St. Louis Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch rises 630 feet, about 192 metres. Small enclosed tram cars carry visitors to the observation deck, and the experience also involves stairs; the tram and deck are not wheelchair accessible. Visitors uncomfortable in confined spaces should consider this before booking. The museum at the base is free, while the tram requires a separate ticket. Book ahead through the operator’s website. For us, it was one of the city’s highlights.

You can reach the top of the arc by a cable tram – several little tram-cars can host five persons each. We crowded in this claustrophobic car, watching it rise to the top of the arch. It takes 4 minutes to reach the top and only 3 minutes to get back to the ground.

There are wide and short windows on the top of the arc, enabling a great view of the city and the Mississippi River.

There is a new free museum down at the ground. It tells the story of the arch, the history of Saint Louis, and the expeditions of the west.

The entrance is right next to the Old Courthouse.

To the Gateway Arch Website