National Park Adventurer

You’re an adventurer at heart — traveling the country to witness breathtaking landscapes and discover the history of each location. If Gateway Arch National Park is next on your list, our “National Park Adventurer” Itinerary is a great way to start planning your trip.

The entrance to the Gateway Arch featuring a National Park Sign that says "Gateway Arch National Park"
A view of the Stadium East Parking Garage from across the corner of Walnut and Broadway in St. Louis.

9:30AM | Pick Your Parking

Preferred parking is available at the Stadium East Parking Garage — just two blocks from Gateway Arch National Park. Please allow your party ample time to travel from your parking spot to Gateway Arch National Park.

Parking Information
A woman and two children in front of the Gateway Arch National Park sign.

9:45AM | See the Sights

Embark on the 8-10 minute journey from the parking garage to Gateway Arch National Park. Upon arrival, our urban oasis offers countless ways to activate your senses — from a stroll down paved paths to a moment of peace sitting by our reflection ponds.

Plan Your Visit
View of the Old Courthouse and downtown St. Louis from inside the Visitor Center beneath the Gateway Arch.

10:15AM | Enter the Visitor’s Center

Enjoy the Park’s indoor amenities, starting with a security screening in the Visitor’s Center. Screening times depend on the size of crowds each day — please plan accordingly and familiarize yourself with our guidelines.

Know Before You Go
An NPS Ranger pointing to details on the historic St. Louis riverfront diorama.

10:30AM | Travel Through History

Explore six interactive exhibits within the Museum under the Gateway Arch — free of charge. Witness the evolution of St. Louis over the centuries, from its early days as a French settlement to its growth into an invaluable port city.

The Museum
A woman with two children riding the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch.

12:00PM | Catch a Birds-Eye View

Near your designated time, head to the north or south tram entrance to begin your tour. Our tour guides lead visitors through interactive exhibits before the Tram Ride to the Top, with 60s-era animation and trivia. You’ll have up to 10 minutes in the Observation Deck, where you can take in sights of the city and the Mississippi River.

Please allow at least 45-60 minutes for your tram tour. For more accessibility information, click here.

Buy Tickets
The entryway to The Arch Store, the gift shop under the Gateway Arch.

1:00PM | Stop for a Stamp & Souvenir

Commemorate your visit with a stamp and a souvenir from The Arch Store. Merchandise includes apparel, books, postcards, and beyond. Pick up your Passport To Your National Parks® book in the gift shop and start your national park adventure!

The Arch Store
People walking on an elevated pathway in Gateway Arch National Park.

1:15PM | Walk or Roll Down to the Riverfront

Just beyond the main Gateway Arch grounds, a 1.5-mile riverfront promenade waits to be explored. Walk, run, or roll down the paved pathways for a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and the historic Eads Bridge.

Visit the Riverfront
Group of friends gathered for lunch at the Paddlewheel Cafe.

1:30PM | Grab a Bite at the Paddlewheel Cafe

Experience dockside dining at the Paddlewheel Café — St. Louis’ only waterfront dining destination. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, with a menu ranging from savory burgers and fresh salads.

Paddlewheel Café
Family seated on the top deck of the riverboat while their daughter points at something in the distance.

3:00PM | Cruise on the Mississippi River

Board a riverboat cruise for one-of-a-kind views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis. These one-hour tours invite you to relive the days of the steamboat era and learn unique historical facts about our city.

Buy Tickets
North Gateway of Gateway Arch National Park, featuring paved paths, Explorer's Garden and Mississippi River

4:30PM | Explore Like Louis & Clark

Stop by the Explorer’s Garden on the North Side of the national park on your journey back to the parking garage. The garden sits in the shadow of the historic Eads Bridge, featuring paved paths and native plants detailed by Lewis and Clark’s expedition journals.

Explorer's Garden
Gateway Arch and entrance to the Visitor Center.

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Whether you plan to spend a whole weekend or a few hours at Gateway Arch National Park, there’s always a new adventure in store. Ready to see the sights above and experience all that lies below?

Plan Your Visit

Looking for More Experiences Below

Child holding VR headset in Gateway Arch museum

Virtual Reality Theater

Try the newest thing to do at the Gateway Arch Virtual Reality Theater! Travel back to the 1850s St. Louis Riverfront era through the lens of a VR headset.


VR Theatre Information
View of the old courthouse and Gateway Arch

Old Courthouse

Explore the historic Old Courthouse where many noteworthy court cases were held — two important cases include the Dred & Harriet Scotts’ freedom suit and the Virginia Minor’s case for women’s right to vote.


Old Courthouse Information
Group of people sitting on Gateway Arch steps listening to NPS Ranger

National Park Service Programming

Explore Gateway Arch National Park with a National Park Ranger at your side! Participate in National Park Ranger-led programs and tours.


NPS Programming