The Gateway Arch is an experience enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Recent improvements have expanded access to even more of our attractions. With the exception of the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the second and third decks of the riverboats, and the upper floors of the Old Courthouse, most facilities at the Gateway Arch are wheelchair accessible. See below for specific directions to our various attractions.
Parking: While there is no on-site parking available, visitors can find a list of preferred parking locations at explorestlouis.com. Each garage and surface lot has handicap accessible spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Two passenger drop-off/pick-up spaces are available on 4th Street across from the Old Courthouse, between Market & Chestnut. Metered accessible spaces near the Arch entrance are also available on a first come, first served basis along Memorial Drive between Walnut & Market Streets and between Chestnut and Pine Streets.
Tram Ride to the Top: The Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch is not fully accessible for guests with mobility impairments, as no wheelchairs, scooters or strollers are permitted on the Observation Deck. To reach the top and return, you must be able to manage at least 96 steps, divided into six flights, and you may need to stand for 30–60 minutes. No seating or restrooms are located at the top of the Arch.
New Museum at the Gateway Arch: The new Museum at the Gateway Arch was designed to prioritize universal design throughout the galleries to accommodate people of many different abilities and to make the experience better for everyone. Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size or ability.The museum features hands-on, touchable exhibits; large print text cards; front access for wheelchairs; interactive computer simulations; and much more.
Gateway Arch National Park Grounds: Motor vehicles are prohibited but electric-powered mobility assistance devices (e.g. electric scooters, wheelchairs, and Segways) for transporting persons with disabilities are permitted on park roadways and walkways. See here for more information.
Guests may borrow a wheelchair by leaving a valid form of identification with a National Park Service ranger at the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch or Old Courthouse.
Hearing-impaired visitors may request assisted listening and captioning devices for the documentary movie from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
Sight-impaired visitors may request audio description devices for the documentary movie from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
Service animals (as defined by the US Department of Justice) are permitted at the Gateway Arch and the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.
Strollers are permitted everywhere except in the Arch trams and the Observation Deck at the top of the Gateway Arch. You may park strollers at the tram ride loading zones located below the Gateway Arch before taking your Tram Ride to the Top. Many families park strollers there, so you may want to label yours with your name and address.
Visiting the Riverboats from the Arch grounds: New, sloping pathways now lead from the Arch grounds down to the riverfront. If driving by car, parking is available for a cash fee on the levee at 50 South Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63102.*
Visiting the Arch from the Riverboats: Enter the Arch grounds from the riverfront via the Grand Staircase. For wheelchair access, use the ramps from the riverfront to the Arch grounds. Another park entrance is available at the north via Laclede’s Landing, the 1st and 2nd Street entrances to the park are also wheelchair accessible.*
Visiting the Arch from downtown St. Louis: All walking paths onto the Arch grounds from the City are open. See our Pedestrian Map for details.*
*Visitors entering the monument must use the west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs have become exits only.
**NOTE ABOUT RIVERFRONT ACCESS: Due the slope of the levee, the paved pathways on the cobblestones leading to the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are not ADA compliant.
For additional information or assistance, please email info@gatewayarch.com or contact our Call Center at 877-982-1410.
To learn more about accessibility at the Arch grounds, visit the Gateway Arch National Park website.