Gateway Arch Exterior Lights TO Turn off for Bird Migration Season

WHEN:                      Thursday, May 1, to Saturday, May 31, 2025           

WHERE:                   Gateway Arch National Park

                                    11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102                            

WHAT:                      The National Park Service will not illuminate the Gateway Arch at night throughout the month of May to protect birds in spring migration.

According to the National Park Service, 40% of the nation’s migratory waterfowl use the Mississippi River corridor during their spring and fall migration.  

Upgraded lighting was installed in December 2023 to reduce flare in the night sky, but turning the lights off completely is the best way to help ensure migrating birds’ safe passage during high-intensity migration months.

The National Park Service began turning the Gateway Arch’s exterior lights off in 2002 to protect migrating birds. The Arch’s exterior lights will be turned back on beginning the evening of Sunday, June 1, 2025, and the monument will be lit nightly thereafter.