National park and St. Louis history

Gateway Arch National Park

2.4 road mi · about 8 min

Gateway Arch National Park combines free St. Louis history exhibits and grounds with a separately ticketed 630-foot tram experience about 2.4 road miles from Union Station.

The place

About Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park interprets St. Louis, national expansion and the courthouse where Dred Scott and Harriet Scott pursued freedom. The park includes the Arch grounds, a free museum beneath the monument and the restored Old Courthouse; the Tram Ride to the Top is a separate ticketed experience.

Eero Saarinen's design won the national competition in 1947-48. Construction began in 1963 and the 630-foot stainless-steel monument was completed October 28, 1965. The site is not only a skyline viewpoint: its museum and courthouse interpretation require time beyond the tram.

The museum and visitor center are generally open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with Friday-Saturday hours until 8 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Old Courthouse is generally 9-5, the grounds 5 a.m.-11 p.m., and the park closes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Recheck special and eve hours before travel.

The tram is not ADA accessible. Riders must manage at least 96 steps in six flights and may stand 30-60 minutes; there are no restrooms or benches at the top. Museum, courthouse and grounds access is broader, but it does not remove the tram's physical requirements. Security screening and off-site parking add planning time.

What stands out

Explore the free museum

Use the museum beneath the Arch to place the monument within St. Louis and national history.

Visit Old Courthouse

Connect the site to the Dred Scott cases, law, slavery and civic history.

Assess the tram honestly

Book only after reviewing the enclosed tram, stair flights, standing time and top-level limits.

Walk the riverfront grounds

Use the landscaped grounds as a flexible no-tram alternative when conditions allow.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a St. Louis Union Station trip

The Arch is the closer promoted stop and extends the rail trip into St. Louis civic and national history. Allow about eight minutes to drive from Union Station before parking and security time, and treat the tram as a separate, physically demanding reservation.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Visitor Center and museumGenerally 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday until 8 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • Old CourthouseGenerally 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; use the current park calendar for exceptions.
  • GroundsGenerally 5 a.m.-11 p.m.; buildings close earlier.
  • AdmissionMuseum and Old Courthouse are free; Tram Ride to the Top starts at $15 adult and $11 child age 3-15, with date-variable pricing.
  • Tram accessNot ADA accessible; minimum 96 steps, possible 30-60 minutes standing and no restrooms or benches at the top.
  • ParkingNPS has no parking. Stadium East is a preferred paid option with event and blackout caveats; allow for the walk and security.
  • SecurityAll entrants pass security screening and weapons are prohibited.
  • Service animalsAllowed under NPS policy, including at the top, but the physical stair and standing requirements remain.

Add gardens and conservatories

Add Missouri Botanical Garden

Pair the monument and museum with a separate visit to St. Louis's historic botanical and conservation campus.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Gateway Arch National Park open?

Building and grounds hours differ. The visitor center and museum are generally 9-6, Old Courthouse 9-5 and grounds 5 a.m.-11 p.m., with seasonal and holiday exceptions.

Is the museum free?

Yes. Museum and Old Courthouse admission is free. The Tram Ride to the Top is separately ticketed.

How much is the tram?

Current prices start at $15 adult and $11 child age 3-15; infants age 2 and under are free. Date-variable pricing and availability apply.

Is the tram wheelchair-accessible?

No. NPS says riders must manage at least 96 steps in six flights and may stand 30-60 minutes. There are no restrooms or benches at the top.

Where should visitors park?

NPS has no parking. It identifies Stadium East as a preferred paid option, subject to event and blackout restrictions. Plan for the walk and security.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes under NPS policy, including at the top, but the tram's physical stairs and standing requirements still apply.

Does entry require security screening?

Yes. All visitors pass a security checkpoint, and weapons are prohibited.

Do the photos prove current tram or viewing conditions?

No. Every image is dated property context and does not guarantee current visibility, crowding, route, access or tram operation.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.