Buy TicketsTravel Tips
The Core of Discovery is more popular during certain times of the year than others. Weather, holidays, school vacations can all impact attendance. To ensure your trip is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, we’ve compiled this list of travel tips.
- Build your activity itinerary and book online or call 1-877-982-1410
- For Gateway Arch activities (Trip to the Top, Movies, Current Exhibit, Museum of Westward Expansion ), arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to allow time for security lines.
- For Riverboat Cruises please arrive at scheduled boarding times.
- Do all of your events at the Gateway Arch first. Then head for the Riverfront or the Old Courthouse. You’ll spend less time walking back-and-forth and standing in lines.
- The most convenient place to park for the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse is the Gateway Arch Parking Garage on the North side of the campus.
- To truly enjoy each Core of Discovery event, plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes at each activity.
- The Core of Discovery campus spans several blocks, wear comfortable shoes.
- Pack lightly this will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Remember to bring a camera. Views of the Gateway Arch are stunning. The Riverboats, Old Courthouse, Eads bridge and the riverfront are also packed with great photo opportunities.
- The tram ride to the top of the Arch is one of the most popular activities at the Core of Discover. Arrive before 10:00am to avoid crowds.
- Our call center is available 7 days per week for last minute questions or to make reservations. 1-877-982-1410
- Purchase tickets in advance online or through our reservations center at 1-877-982-1410.
- For same day tickets, call for a reservation. Online reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Food:
You can get food at the Arch View Café during spring, summer and fall. The Café serves casual meals such as sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs. The Café is located on the Gateway Arch Riverboats dock. Concessions are available to purchase on the Riverboats snack bars year round. You can also get food on the Riverboat Dinner Cruises.
Box Lunches are available for pick up at the Arch View Café with advance reservations, call 1-877-982-1410. Box Lunches are $10 each, with your choice of Turkey, Ham, Chicken Salad or a Veggie sandwich. All box lunches include Potato Salad, Fresh Fruit Cup, Fresh-baked cookie, Coffee, Iced Tea or Soda. These lunches are also available for a discounted price on the One-Hour Sightseeing Cruises.
There’s no shortage of local restaurants near the Gateway Arch Riverfront. Dine on foods exclusive to St. Louis such as toasted ravioli or thin-crust St. Louis-style pizza.
If you’re visiting other attractions in downtown St. Louis, check out the seasonal schedule of events to make sure you don’t miss anything. This vibrant city offers a variety of activities, including include dinner theater, sporting events, art exhibits, craft fairs, and concerts.
You can use a wheelchair by leaving a valid form of I.D. with a National Park Service Ranger at the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
All attractions and facilities at the Gateway Arch and Riverboats, with the exception of the tram that takes you to the top of the Gateway Arch, are wheelchair-accessible. For hearing-impaired visitors, audio enhancement devices are available upon request at the Information Desk. The first floor of the Old Courthouse is also accessible by wheelchair.
Strollers are permitted everywhere except the trams and the top of the Gateway Arch. Parking for strollers is available at each loading zone at the base of the Gateway Arch. Since many families park strollers there, you may want to identify yours with a name and address.
Groups are always welcome at the Gateway Arch. Just call ahead to make your reservations (877-982-1410).
If you forget to pack an essential item, it’s not a problem. There are several shops where you can purchase souvenirs, sunscreen, water, film, batteries, and toiletries.
Besides the shops at the Core of Discovery, St. Louis offers a wide variety of shopping options.