During your visit to the Gateway Arch, journey to the top of the 630-foot arch by tram, learn about the construction of the magnificent monument during award-winning documentary Monument To The Dream and experience the Old West in the Museum of Westward Expansion.
Visitor Center
Start your time at the Gateway Arch in the underground Visitor Center. At 70,000 square feet, the center is located directly below the arch and houses waiting areas for the trams that take visitors to the top of Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion and two theaters that regularly feature films about the Gateway Arch and the great westward journey.
Gateway Arch Observation Area
Ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch in an enclosed tram to delight in unparalleled views of St. Louis. Following a four-minute, narrated ride to the top of the arch, guests will exit the tram and enter the Gateway Arch Observation Area. With windows on each side of the observation area, to the east one can see across the Mississippi River and southern Illinois and to the west, the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County beyond.
Museum of Westward Expansion
Once you are safely back on the ground, explore the world of the American Indians and the 19th century pioneers who helped shape the history of the American West in the Museum of Westward Expansion. Located in the Visitor Center, the Museum of Westward Expansion preserves rare artifacts from the days of Lewis and Clark. Journey into the past and see firsthand how the pioneers and the American Indians lived. A life-size tipi, a covered wagon and other exhibits that demonstrate the way-of-life of farmers, buffalo hunters and miners who lived during the time bring the story of the great westward expansion to life.
Movies at the Arch
After you’ve experienced Gateway Arch and visited the Museum of Westward Expansion, learn about the construction of Gateway Arch, or see the odyssey of Lewis and Clark. The award-winning, 1967 documentary Monument To The Dream chronicles the conception and construction of the Gateway to the West. During the film, see the amazing arch being built from start to finish. Also featured in the Visitor Center’s theaters is Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West, a documentary that takes viewers through the uncharted lands of the Louisiana Purchase and beyond.
Located under the Gateway Arch is the Arch Gift Shop where you can browse gifts and keepsakes. Shop a selection of books, posters, DVDs, CDs, toys, apparel and other collectibles related to the Gateway Arch, Lewis and Clark, Native Americans, the westward expansion and America’s national parks.
Travel Tips
- Trams to the Gateway Arch Observation Deck depart every 10 minutes from the Visitor Center.
- Experience two unique exhibits while you are waiting to ride to the top of the arch. In the South Tram load zone is exhibit When Riverboats Ruled. This exhibit allows you to witness a day on the St. Louis riverfront. In the North Tram load zone is Fitting the Final Pieces, an exhibit that will transport you to the memorable morning of October 28, 1965. The morning the last section of the arch was lifted into place.