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Tips & Itineraries
TIPS FOR GROUPS
The Gateway Arch Riverfront is more popular during certain times of the year, depending on factors such as weather, holidays, and school vacations. To make your trip as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, we’ve compiled a list of travel tips to ensure the best visit possible.
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For Gateway Arch activities, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the start of the activity to allow adequate time to go through security. For riverboat activities, arrive at scheduled boarding times.
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Plan to complete all of your events at the Gateway Arch first. Then, head for the Gateway Arch Riverboats or the Historic Old Courthouse. You’ll spend less time walking back and forth.
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Your group’s bus will conveniently unload on the southwest edge of the Gateway Arch grounds, near the Old Cathedral, directly to your right once you take the Memorial Drive exit. This area is exclusively for drop off and pick up of passengers. Bus/RV parking is conveniently located just South of the Poplar Street Bridge.
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Plan to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes at each Gateway Arch Riverfront event.
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The Gateway Arch Riverfront campus spans several blocks, so wear comfortable shoes.
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Pack lightly to get through security as quickly as possible.
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Remember to bring a camera. Views of the Gateway Arch are stunning. The riverboats, Historic Old Courthouse, Eads bridge and the St. Louis Riverfront are packed with great photo opportunities as well.
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Build your itinerary around the Top of the Arch experience by calling 1-877-982-1410. The tram ride to the top of the Arch is one of the most popular activities at the Gateway Arch Riverfront, so it’s best to plan ahead.
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For last-minute questions, requests, and concerns please call our call center at 1-877-982-1410, seven days a week.
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The best way to avoid crowds is to arrive before 10:00 a.m.
MORE TRAVEL TIPS
Food
There are several great places to eat right at the Arch. If your group is in the mood for something casual, like sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs, try the Arch View Café. The Café, located at the Gateway Arch Riverboats dock, is open spring, summer and fall.
The concessions on the riverboats are available year ‘round. You can purchase food such as hot dogs, nachos, chips, pretzels, and sodas. Or, if you prefer something prearranged, you can join a one-hour sightsee cruise riverboat cruise and enjoy a box lunch or hotdog lunch prepared just for your group. Hot dog lunches cost $4 and box lunches cost $8. Advance reservations are required. Call 1-877-982-1410.
If you’d like to venture outside the Gateway Arch Riverfront, we recommend several group-friendly restaurants located nearby.
SAMPLE GROUP ITINERARIES
Use our one- and two-day sample itineraries to help your group make the most of its time here. Estimated times may vary, depending on the size of your group. Also, times may vary according to season; check the exact start times for events.
Day One ~
9:00am Arrive at Gateway Arch. Your group must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to its trip to the top.
9:30 – 11:00am Visit the Top of the Arch. Buy your tickets in advance.
11:30 – 1:15pm Lunch at the Arch View Café.
1:30 – 2:00pm Return to the Gateway Arch
2:00 – 2:30pm Tour the current exhibit.
2:30 – 3:30pm Catch a Giant Screen Movie.
3:45 – 5:30pm Explore the Museum of Westward Expansion.
5:30 - 6:00pm Look for souvenirs at the Museum Store.
7:00 – 9:30pm Enjoy dinner and music aboard one of the Riverboat cruises.
Day Two ~
9:00am Arrive at Gateway Arch Riverfront
9:00 – 10:00am Visit the Historic Old Courthouse.
10:00 – 10:45am Take an audio tour and view the current exhibit.
11:00 – 11:30am Arrive at the Gateway Arch
12:00 - 1:00pm Learn about the making of the Gateway Arch in the documentary film, "Monument to the Dream".
1:15 – 2:30pm Join a one-hour sightsee cruise down the mighty Mississippi River and enjoy a box or hot dog lunch.
3:00 – 5:00pm Explore some of the many exciting St. Louis attractions.
6:30pm Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant near the Gateway Arch Riverfront.
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