Join Gateway Arch National Park in celebrating National Park Week (April 18-26) from the comforts of your home! National Park Week was founded by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation and is a time to discover amazing places and stories of history and culture.
This week, we encourage you to “visit” Gateway Arch National Park via the parks Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Here’s how:
Saturday, April 18: Junior Ranger Day
Kick off National Park Week with Junior Ranger Day. The Junior Ranger program is great way to explore national parks! You can earn a Junior Ranger badge at each park.
While you can’t visit Gateway Arch National Park right now, the park will share a digital version of its Junior Ranger booklet on their Facebook page. Kids ages 5-13 can complete the booklet to earn their Junior Ranger badge.
If you’ve earned your Junior Ranger badge at any national park, share a photo with your badge and tag @gatewayarchstl!
Sunday, April 19: Volunteers in Parks
Did you know? From October 2018 to September 2019, volunteers at Gateway Arch National Park contributed to nearly 5000 hours of service!
On Volunteers in Parks Day, we are recognizing all of the many volunteers who help make Gateway Arch National Park an incredible place to visit. Visit our blog to virtually meet and be inspired by one of our park volunteers who has provided an amazing helping hand over the past few years.
If you are interested in volunteering at any national park, please visit the park’s website.
Monday, April 20: Military Monday
The National Park Service has worked to preserve and share the stories of the American military over the last three centuries. We also provide opportunities for our military community to connect to the beautiful landscapes and important history they defend. Did you know the National Park Service offers a Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military?
Check the Gateway Arch National Park Facebook page each Monday, as the park will spotlight one veteran who is now an employee at Gateway Arch National Park.
To all our current and veteran service men and women, we thank you for your service to our country.
Tuesday, April 21: Transportation Tuesday
Join us in celebrating all modes of transportation on Transportation Tuesday!
Gateway Arch National Park is home to one of the most unique transportation systems in the world – the Tram Ride to the Top. A combination of an escalator, elevator and Ferris Wheel, there is nothing else like it.
St. Louis is known for riverboat transportation – did you know in the mid-1800s, St. Louis was the third busiest riverfront port in the country? Our Riverfront Era museum exhibit gallery highlights the history of our riverfront. Today you can take a journey back in time to when steamboats ruled the Mississippi with a cruise on the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day
Did you know today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? Earth Day is a global celebration encouraging education and stewardship of the planet’s natural resources.
Whether in a backyard, neighborhood green space, or a national park, the National Park Service provides opportunities for everyone to discover and enjoy the physical and psychological benefits that come with spending time outdoors. Did you know the North Gateway of the Arch grounds provides fantastic educational opportunities to learn about native plants and plants Lewis and Clark encountered on their journey west?
We encourage you to lead your own neighborhood cleanup in honor of Earth Day – share your experiences with us and tag us on social media. Let’s work together and care for Mother Earth.
Thursday, April 23: Throwback Thursday
You are probably familiar with the Throwback Thursday posts on our social media channels, so we want you to share your throwbacks of your own! Post your old photos and share stories of your past visits to the Arch and Old Courthouse with #gatewayarchTBT. Maybe it’s your first visit to the Arch on a 4th-grade field trip, or maybe it’s of you enjoying a holiday concert at the Old Courthouse. We want to see them all! Looking forward to you sharing your memories.
Friday, April 24: Friendship Friday
It’s no secret that we all get by with a little help from our friends. Especially during this time, we are missing you! Here’s a fun idea to incorporate the Arch in your next Zoom virtual get-together: make your virtual background of the Gateway Arch! It’ll virtually transport you to the park! Here are Zoom’s guidelines for uploading your own virtual background.
Saturday, April 25: ParkRx Day
We know our parks are the best prescription for good health – they make us healthier, happier and more fulfilled.
However, this Park Prescriptions Day is a little different. Please know that by staying at home, you are protecting your friends and neighbors during this challenging time. All of us here at Gateway Arch National Park will be here when things return to normal – and we are so excited to see you all again soon!
During this time, please consider supporting our park partners – the National Park Foundation, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Jefferson National Parks Association and Great Rivers Greenway.
Sunday, April 26: BARK Ranger Day
On the final day of National Park Week, join us in celebrating our four-legged furry friends! Gateway Arch National Park is dog friendly, so bring Fido out to explore our beautiful park grounds. Just remember the BARK Ranger principles:
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
Learn how your pup can become a BARK Ranger here.
