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St. Louis, Missouri

Gateway Arch National Park

At 630 feet, the stainless-steel Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States. It commemorates St. Louis's role in westward expansion. The park also includes the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case began.

Official visitor website(opens nps.gov in a new tab)
The stainless-steel Gateway Arch in St. Louis against a blue sky.

All landmarks

Photo: Lewis Hulbert, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

  • Arts, Architecture & Regional Culture
  • Immigration & Becoming American

Why it matters

At 630 feet, the stainless-steel Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States. It commemorates St. Louis's role in westward expansion. The park also includes the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case began.

Why it may matter to you

The arch represents the movement of people — including many immigrants — who passed through St. Louis on their way west.

The fuller story

Westward expansion brought opportunity for some and devastating loss for Native nations. In the Old Courthouse, Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom; the Supreme Court's 1857 ruling against them was later overturned by the 14th Amendment.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.
Time to allow
Half a day (our estimate)
Setting
Indoor and outdoor
Tickets and reservations
The grounds and museum are open to visitors; the tram ride requires a ticket from the park partner.
Getting there
Downtown St. Louis; MetroLink light rail stops nearby.
With family
The tram capsules to the top are small and enclosed. Expect a security checkpoint.
Seasons and weather
Summers are hot; book tram tickets ahead at busy times.
Accessibility
Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)
Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.