National Parks Journal
Photo: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, and Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Gateway Arch Visitor Center (west entrance) (opens in a new tab)
Gateway Arch Visitor Center (west entrance)Main
St. Louis, MO · Open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; grounds open daily
- Directions to Old Courthouse (opens in a new tab)
Old Courthouse
St. Louis, MO · Open year-round (hours vary)
Airports
- STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · St. Louis, MO
ClosestMajor airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
5 mi · 50 ft gain · loop
Over five miles of paved trails winding through the 91-acre park grounds surrounding the Gateway Arch. Wide concrete paths with gentle slopes, benches, and wayside exhibit signs offer views of the Arch, Mississippi River, and the Old Courthouse.
Starts at: Gateway Arch Visitor Center
0.5 mi · 65 ft gain · out & back
Descend the Grand Staircase (or gently curving ramps) from the Arch grounds to Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard along the Mississippi River, with views of the tallest monument in the nation and historic riverboat traffic.
Starts at: Gateway Arch West Entrance
0.5 mi · 10 ft gain · loop
A short accessible loop around the park's north pond, offering lovely views of the Arch reflected in the water. One of the most photographed spots in the park.
Starts at: North Pond Area, Gateway Arch Grounds
Upcoming Events
Ghosts of the Arch Grounds
The area where the Gateway Arch stands today has always been central to local history. Learn about the various “incarnations” of the Park Grounds and the fortunes and misfortunes of historical figures such as Eero Saarinen, James Eads, Thomas Targee, Percy Green, and Kenneth Swyers. Meet at the Entrance Plaza outside the Arch Visitor Center.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch
Best time to visit: April–May, September–October
The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is April–May and September–October. The weather is mild for exploring the riverfront grounds around the Arch, avoiding humid St. Louis summers and cold winters.
In those months, average highs are 67–81°F at Gateway Arch Visitor Center. Visitor numbers peak in July, so these months are usually less crowded.
Monthly averages at Gateway Arch Visitor Center (460 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Normal Daily Mean Temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit)* January - 29.3 February - 33.9 March - 45.1 April - 56.7 May - 66.1 June - 75.4 July - 79.8 August - 77.6 September - 70.2 October - 58.4 November - 46.2 December - 33.9 Average Percent of Days with Sunshine* January - 50% February - 52% March - 54% April - 56% May - 59% June - 66% July - 68% August - 65% September - 63% October - 60% November - 46% December - 53% *Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
