Gateway Arch National Park

Summary

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Live

Mississippi River gauge

Historic Crowd Data

Avg. monthly visitors, 2015–2024 · National Park Service

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Light Moderate Busy Very Busy

Peak season is July, when around 24% of annual visitors arrive. For lighter crowds, aim for September–April.

Plan Your Visit

⚠️Urban Park & River SafetyMississippi River currents▾

🌊 The Mississippi River along the grounds has strong, unpredictable currents even where the surface looks calm — wading or swimming from the riverbank is not safe. Summer heat and humidity on the open plaza can be intense with little shade; carry water. As an urban park in downtown St. Louis, standard city awareness applies — stay alert in surrounding areas after dark. NPS visitor info ↗

🎟️Tickets & FeesGrounds free▾

🎫 The park grounds, Museum at the Gateway Arch, and the Old Courthouse (reopened May 2025 with new exhibits) are all free to enter. Riding the tram to the top of the Arch requires a paid ticket — $3 of every tram/movie ticket funds NPS operations as the park's entrance fee. NPS fees info ↗

Fees

Tram to Top (16+)$15–$19

Tram (ages 3–15)$11+

MuseumFree

Old CourthouseFree

Interagency Pass holders get $3 off tram tickets

💧Mississippi RiverLive USGS gauge▾

🏛️The Arch & Museum2 attractions▾

Ride to the Toptram▾

Tram to the Top

4-minute capsule tram ride to the observation deck, 630 feet up — panoramic views over the city and river

Museum at the Gateway Archfree, underground▾

Westward Expansion Exhibits

Covers the Arch's construction and the story of westward migration; includes the documentary "Monument to the Dream"

Old Courthousefree, reopened 2025▾

Dred Scott Case Site

Site of the 1847 Dred and Harriet Scott freedom suit; reopened May 2025 with renovated exhibits

🥾Things to Do4 categories▾

Walking the Groundson foot▾

Grand StaircaseFree

About 65 steps connecting the Arch grounds down to Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard along the riverfront

Accessible RampsFree

Two ramps provide a step-free route between the riverfront boulevard and the Arch grounds

Grounds PathsFree

Paved, fully accessible paths cross the landscaped grounds past ponds and trees; leashed pets are welcome

Biking & Riverfront Trailself-guided▾

Riverfront Trail1.5 mi segment

Separated biking and accessible walking path along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, built by Great Rivers Greenway as part of the CityArchRiver project

Regional Bike NetworkSelf-guided

NPS points cyclists to route-planning resources from Great Rivers Greenway, Trailnet & Bike St. Louis for rides connecting beyond the grounds

Junior Ranger Programages 5+▾

Arch & Old Courthouse BadgesFree

Free activity booklets available at the Arch visitor center and in the Old Courthouse rotunda; each site has its own badge

Online Junior RangerFree, online

An at-home version of the program for visitors who can't complete it in person

Bird WatchingTop 5 species▾

Bald Eagle

Winters along the Mississippi

Great Blue Heron

Fishes the riverfront shallows

Belted Kingfisher

Dives near the Grand Staircase

American White Pelican

Migrates through on the Mississippi Flyway

Pileated Woodpecker

Found in the grounds' mature trees

🚢Riverfront & RiverboatsConcessioner cruises▾

🛳️ Gateway Arch Riverboats, a private concessioner, runs sightseeing cruises on the Mississippi departing right from the park's riverfront — a separate paid ticket from the tram, booked directly with the operator. Riverboat cruise info ↗

Park Contact Information

📞 Phone: (314) 655-1600 · Mailing Address: 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 · Official NPS contact page ↗