The Tram Ride to the Top is SOLD OUT for Tuesday March 21, 2023. Tram tickets are expected to sell out early and often throughout March. We encourage guests to purchase tickets in advance of their desired visit.
Gateway Arch visitors must enter the monument through the entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Please allow at least 30 minutes to go through security.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Hosts Events during Independence Day Weekend
27 June 2016
WHAT: In honor of Independence Day, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial hosts special events at the Old Courthouse, including a Naturalization Ceremony on July 1, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and live music on July 4, and ranger-led educational programs in the Courthouse Museum galleries throughout the weekend. The Old Courthouse is fully decorated with red, white and blue bunting, multiple American flags on every interior balcony, and a giant 20 foot by 40 foot Garrison flag as the centerpiece to the historic Rotunda.
“Independence Day is a wonderful time to commemorate our nation’s freedom,” said Rhonda Schier, Chief of Museum Services and Interpretation. “On behalf of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, we congratulate all those who will become American citizens during the Naturalization Ceremony. We welcome park neighbors and visitors to celebrate the Fourth of July with us by participating in the special programs and music, enjoying the patriotic decorations in the Old Courthouse, and taking a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for views of one of our country’s premier cities and the mighty Mississippi.”
FRIDAY, JULY 1: NATURALIZATION CEREMONY At 1:00 p.m. in the Old Courthouse Rotunda, approximately 25 new citizens will recite the Oath of Allegiance and complete the final paperwork to become naturalized American citizens. The Manchester Elks Lodge 2058 will make their annual Stars and Stripes flag donation to the park at the beginning of the ceremony.
SATURDAY, JULY 2 – MONDAY, JULY 4: RANGER TALKS IN THE OLD COUTHOUSE GALLERIES National Park Service rangers will be on hand from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to share stories about the overlanders, Lewis & Clark, Native Americans of the West, and the fight for freedom from slavery in the St. Louis Courthouse. Also on tap are stories about the Battle of St. Louis in 1780, the westernmost battle of the Revolutionary War. These ranger talks are free.
MONDAY, JULY 4: CONCERTS, COURTROOM PROGRAMS & DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE READING In the Old Courthouse Rotunda, visitors will enjoy live concerts by the Independent Silver Band at 1 and 3 p.m. The band, from Mt. Vernon, Ill., will play 19th-century instruments. There will also be reading of the Declaration of Independence by Anne Williams at 2:00 p.m. Ranger-led programs on the 1856 elections and the 1867 suffragettes will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Old Courthouse’s East Courtroom, located on the second floor.
WHERE: Old Courthouse, 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
PARKING: A list of Downtown St. Louis parking locations within walking distance from the Arch and Old Courthouse is available at http://getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available around the Old Courthouse. Visitors are encouraged to check www.gatewayarch.com/directions for up-to-date information on road detours and construction surrounding the Arch grounds before their visit.
ARCH TICKETS: A timed Journey to the Top or Arch Entry-Only ticket is required to enter the Gateway Arch facility. Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance at https://www.gatewayarch.com/buytickets, by calling 877-982-1410, or visiting the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse.
ABOUT: The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Most programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. Programs and events at the park are made possible by the generous support from our cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi-State Development. To purchase Arch tickets, go online to www.gatewayarch.com, or call 877-982-1410, or visit the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse. The Arch’s museum is closed for renovations until mid-2017.
