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. — nps.gov
Gateway Arch National Park at a glance
- State
- Missouri
- Established
- February 22, 2018
- Size
- 193 acres
- 2025 visits
- 2,209,028
- Busiest-park rank
- #15 of 63
- Entrance
- Free entry
Best time to visit
When is Gateway Arch quiet?
Gateway Arch is busiest in July and quietest in January. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, August is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.
In 2025 the park logged 2,209,028 recreation visits, the #15 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.
Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Gateway Arch open right now? →
Average visits by month
2021–2025 · NPS IRMAQuietest: JanuaryBusiest: July
Fees & passes
What it costs to visit Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch National Park charges no entrance fee.
From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026. Fees on nps.gov
Reservations · 2026
No park-wide reservation
The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Gateway Arch National Park. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
Things to do
Things to do in Gateway Arch
- A Moment of Reflection1-99 Minutes · All year
Visit the reflection ponds to the north and south of the Arch. Relax and soak in the environment by using all five senses.
Pets OK - Explore with Lewis and Clark1-99 Minutes · All year
Stroll through the paved paths of the Explorer’s Garden located in the North Gateway area of the park. In the Garden, you can find plants that were used by Native Americans and detailed by Lewis and Clark in their…
Pets OK - Rise to the West5-20 Minutes · All year
Ascend the Grand Staircase or gently sloping ramps to the top for a fantastic view of the mighty Mississippi River.
Pets OK - Carve Your Own Path15-120 Minutes · All year
Explore the five miles of paved trails on the Gateway Arch grounds
Pets OK - Report for Duty30-90 Minutes · All year
Designed for visitors 5-12 (but open to all!) the Junior Ranger program is designed to help young visitors learn more about the people, places and events related to St. Louis history and westward expansion in the 1800s.
- See Monument to the Dream35-35 Minutes · All year
Learn more about the construction of the Gateway Arch through this award winning film!
Reservation/permitFee - A View From the Top45-60 Minutes · All year
Tram Ride to the Top: Getting there is part of the adventure. Enjoy stunning views from the top of America's tallest monument.
Reservation/permitFee - Travel aboard Trails & Rails: Amtrak’s Lincoln Service between St. Louis and Springfield6 Hours · Summer, Fall
Enjoy your train ride and learn fascinating local history!
Reservation/permitFeePets OK
Show all 15 things to doShow fewer
- Become a Trails & Rails GuideSummer, FallReservation/permitPets OK
- Gateway Arch Wellness ChallengeAll yearReservation/permitFeePets OK
- Move Along the Mississippi RiverAll yearPets OK
- Shop at the Arch StoreAll year
- Visit the Old CourthouseAll yearPets OK
From the National Park Service (checked October 1, 2026). Each title opens its nps.gov page with current conditions.
By activity
- Astronomy44
- Biking44
- Boat Tour16
- Dining20
- Food46
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs25
- Guided Tours54
- Museum Exhibits36
- Picnicking34
- Road Biking25
- Stargazing39
The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.
Weather
Weather at Gateway Arch
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
From the National Park Service.
Getting there
Getting to Gateway Arch
For directions click on the provided link
11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO, 63102 · Directions on nps.gov
Nearby
National parks near Gateway Arch
- Mammoth Cave National Park242 mi~6 h drive (est.)
- Indiana Dunes National Park265 mi~6 h drive (est.)
- Hot Springs National Park325 mi~8 h drive (est.)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park423 mi~10 h drive (est.)
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park491 mi~12 h drive (est.)
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve501 mi~12 h drive (est.)
Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.
Closest big cities: St. Louis (3 mi) · Indianapolis (231 mi) · Kansas City (237 mi) · Memphis (243 mi)
Gateway Arch is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.
Photos of Gateway Arch National Park
FAQ
Gateway Arch, quickly
- When is the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park?
- If you want fewer people, go in August, the quietest shoulder-season month. July is the busiest month on average, and January the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
- How much does it cost to visit Gateway Arch National Park?
- Gateway Arch National Park has no entrance fee, according to the National Park Service. Some tours, campgrounds or permits may still cost money.
- Do you need a reservation for Gateway Arch National Park in 2026?
- The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Gateway Arch National Park. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
- What are some things to do in Gateway Arch National Park?
- The National Park Service lists 15 things to do in Gateway Arch National Park, including A Moment of Reflection, Explore with Lewis and Clark, Rise to the West, Carve Your Own Path, Report for Duty. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.
- When did Gateway Arch National Park become a national park?
- Gateway Arch National Park was established as a national park on February 22, 2018.
- What is the closest national park to Gateway Arch?
- Mammoth Cave National Park, about 242 miles away in a straight line (roughly 6 hours' drive, estimated).
Sources · 3
- 1.Gateway Arch National Park — official site · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
- 3.Gateway Arch National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)
About this page
Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/jeff.
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