5 Cool Things to See at Gateway Arch National Park

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The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is a 630-foot tall sculpted piece of architecture designed by Eero Saarinen. Construction went on for roughly two years and was a symbol of the western expansion of the United States. The location has been protected by the National Parks Service since 1935 and was designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

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Here are five cool things to see and do when visiting Gateway Arch National Park.

5. Ride the Tram to the Top

cool-things-to-see-at-Gateway-Arch-National-Park — *Image by Mike Kline (notKalvin)*

To get an aerial view of the stunning St. Louis skyline, you’ll definitely want to take the tram ride up to the top of the Gateway Arch. The tram tour is approximately 45-60 minutes long and takes you to the top of the United States’ tallest monument. It costs $15.

Please read the accessibility notice on the website. The tram ride to the top is not fully accessible to strollers and wheelchair users. Guests must be able to climb steps.

4. A Virtual Reality Theater

Take a trip back in time to 1850s St. Louis in the virtual reality (VR) theater. Put on your VR headset and see what the riverfront city looked like when it was a “bustling levee.” You’ll even get to meet some of the people who lived in St. Louis at the time and hear about what their lives were like. The experience is about 10 minutes long.

3. Touch the Arch – We Dare You

Did you know that you can touch the Gateway Arch? It’s totally allowed, as long as you don’t deface the property, and you’re more than welcome to take a photo of yourself or someone else touching the arch as well. Fair warning though, according to local legend, if you touch the Gateway Arch, you’ll never leave St. Louis. It’s shaped like a boomerang, after all, and even after you leave, it’ll keep pulling you back.

2. Take a Riverboat Cruise

Another great way to experience the Gateway Arch is by taking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. This will give you some of the best views of the arch and downtown Missouri. Feel like having a fancy night out? Take a dinner cruise on the riverboat and see the Arch in a whole new light . . . or lack thereof.

1. Trick or Treat? More Like Frights and Heights

If you happen to be visiting St. Louis around Halloween, you’re in for a real treat. Reserve your tickets for a larger-than-life Halloween party with a view like none other. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and trick or treat around the Arch. Space is limited, so you’ll want to reserve your tickets as soon as you know you’re going.

Source: https://outdoors.com/cool-things-to-see-at-gateway-arch-national-park/