The view from the Gateway Arch

St. Louis’ most recognizable sight is the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot arch along the Mississippi River was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and built in the 1960s. It commemorates Thomas Jefferson and the city’s role in the country’s westward expansion and is operated by the National Park Service as part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

The distance between the outer sides of the triangular legs at the bottom of the arch also measures 630 feet. The arch is a catenary curve, meaning the shape (upside down) is the shape that would be formed by a chain hanging from two supports. (If there are any math geek designers out there, check out the mathematical formula behind the arch.)

A trip to the base of the arch offers plenty of photographic opportunities, and entry to the base of the arch is free. The Museum of Westward Expansion and some theaters are located beneath the arch. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A trip to the top of the arch takes visitors on a four-minute narrated tram/elevator ride up the leg of the arch to the observation area with windows in the top span of the structure. Tickets are $10 for adults.

The theaters beneath the arch show “Monument to the Dream,” a look at the construction of the monument, and “Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West,” a documentary about the Louisiana Purchase. Tickets to each film are $7 for adults.

 

Old Courthouse
Near the Gateway Arch (and prominent in many photos of the monument) is the Old Courthouse, (also part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) famous as the site where slaves Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom — the first two trials for that case (1847 and 1850) were held here. And Virginia Minor’s trial for a woman’s right to vote in the 1870s was also held here. At one time, slaves were auctioned from the front stairs of the building. (These were re-enacted in January 2011 as part of the Civil War sesquecentennial.)

The Old Courthouse went out of use in 1930 as the city had outgrown the space. Today, two restored courtrooms can be viewed on the second floor along with other exhibits about Dred Scott and the history of the area.

Entrance to the courthouse is free, and the building is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

 

Citygarden
Also downtown near the Old Courthouse is Citygarden, a downtown park with sculptures, video art, plants and fountains. It’s a great place to lunch outside! Citygarden is free to visit and is open from sunrise to 10 p.m.

Walking Tours
To explore downtown St. Louis on your own, consider printing out a map for an architecture tour or visual arts tour.

 

Helicopter Tours
If you want to go a little more high-class, you can take a helicopter tour of St. Louis. Tours start at $35 per person (with a minimum of two people and maximum of three) and are available from 11 a.m. to sunset. Reservations are not required, and the office is located below the Gateway Arch Grand Staircase.

 

Riverboat Cruises
Another option is to take a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. One-hour sightseeing tours are $14 per adult and tell about the history of the riverfront, Mississippi River, Gateway Arch and historic sites. Reservations are required, and boats leave from the levee below the Gateway Arch. Book online or call 1-877-982-1410 for information and reservations.

Or perhaps the Oktoberfest Cruise is more your style. At $38 per adult, the cruise runs 1-3 p.m. Sunday and includes a buffet of German food and a live German band. Book online or call 1-877-982-1410 for information and reservations.

• Find a walking route to the Gateway Arch or other downtown attractions with our Washington Avenue & Downtown Guide.