Gold Medal Views: How to Visit the Gateway Arch During the 2026 Championships
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St. Louis is about to become the center of the figure skating world. From January 4–11, 2026, the nation’s top athletes will glide into the Enterprise Center and Centene Community Ice Center to compete for gold and a spot on the road to the Winter Olympics. While the skaters on the ice are sure to be captivating, we invite athletes, families, and fans to step away from the rink for a few hours to experience a different kind of adventure at Gateway Arch National Park.
Whether you are here to cheer on a favorite skater or taking part in the competition, the Gateway Arch offers a unique winter escape that connects the spirit of modern champions with over 200 years of American history.
Experience the View from 630 Feet Above the Ice
There is no more iconic way to see St. Louis than from the top of the Gateway Arch. Standing 630 feet high, the observation deck provides a breathtaking perspective of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. In early January, the crisp winter air often provides the clearest views of the year.
The Tram Ride to the Top is our most popular experience, and we recommend planning your visit Monday, January 5 through Thursday, January 8 to take advantage of our Value Day pricing. These are the most budget-friendly days for families and fans to visit. On Value Days, tickets are only $15 for adults (ages 16+) and $11 for youth (ages 3–15). The entire Tram Ride to the Top experience typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes. Please keep in mind that once you reach the observation deck, time at the top is limited to under 10 minutes to ensure all guests can enjoy the view with easy access to the windows.
To make the most of your trip, consider our combo tickets. These packages include the Tram Ride plus access to our immersive storytelling attractions:
- Monument to the Dream: An award-winning 35-minute documentary movie detailing the incredible engineering feat of building the Arch.
- Cobblestones & Courage: A 10-minute Virtual Reality experience that transports you back in time to the historic 1850’s St. Louis riverfront.
Dive Into 200 Years of History
Your visit isn’t complete without exploring the stories that built this city. The Museum under the Gateway Arch is free to enter and features interactive exhibits covering the founding of St. Louis, westward expansion of the United States, and the construction of the Gateway Arch. We suggest dedicating at least 60 minutes to wander through these galleries.
Just a short walk from the visitor center, you will find the recently reopened Old Courthouse. Admission is free, making it an easy addition to your afternoon. This architectural gem is where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom, sparking a pivotal moment in American history. Spend an hour here exploring new exhibits on the Scott family and the architecture of the building.
The Half-Day Essentials Itinerary
If you are looking for a way to fit the Arch into your competition schedule, here is a suggested itinerary to ensure you don’t miss a thing:
- Arrival: Use local transit to travel from the Enterprise Center to the Gateway Arch. It’s a quick trip that drops you on the north end of the park at MetroLink’s Laclede’s Landing station.
- Museum Exploration (60 minutes): Start underground and discover the origins of the Gateway to the West.
- Monument to the Dream (35 minutes): Watch the story of the Arch come to life on the big screen.
- Tram Ride to the Top (45–60 minutes): This includes pre-boarding exhibits, the tram journey, and your time at the top. Please note that time at the observation deck is limited to under 10 minutes to allow all guests a chance to see the view.
- Virtual Reality Theater (10 minutes): Experience the 1850’s riverfront through a digital lens.
- Old Courthouse (60 minutes): Conclude your visit by walking through one of the most historically significant buildings in the country.
Celebrate the Championships with Exclusive Giveaways
We are celebrating the figure skating spirit with several special offerings for championship attendees:
- Limited-Edition Stickers: Visitors who take the Tram Ride to the Top will receive a limited-edition Gateway Arch x figure skating sticker to commemorate their visit (available while supplies last).
- Souvenir Photos: You can purchase special themed souvenir photos to remember your journey to the top of the Arch.
- Social Media Contest: Make your visit even more rewarding by participating in our social media contest! Once you reach the top of the Arch, look for our contest signage to find the official hashtag and entry instructions. Simply take a photo of your championship-level view, post it to Instagram using that secret hashtag, and tag us @GatewayArchSTL. You could win a prize pack filled with items from The Arch Store thanks to our partners at the Jefferson National Parks Association.
Getting Here from the Rink
To help you get around with ease, Metro Transit, our local transit agency, has created a dedicated guide for using public transportation while you are in St. Louis. This guide features instructions on how to travel from the Enterprise Center directly to Gateway Arch National Park. By choosing transit, you can bypass the city traffic and head straight to the history, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights of downtown St. Louis along the way.
Between the high-stakes competition and the edge-of-your-seat performances, we hope you find time to soar to the top of St. Louis’s most famous monument. We look forward to welcoming the figure skating community to the Gateway Arch!
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