Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch is the smallest national park in the United States (91 acres) and the only one inside a major-city downtown — the 630-ft stainless-steel catenary curve on the St. Louis riverfront, completed in 1965 to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase and the westward expansion. Originally designated as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in 1935, it was redesignated as Gateway Arch National Park in February 2018, the 60th US national park. The site protects the Arch, the Old Courthouse (where the Dred Scott case was first tried), and a 91-acre landscaped grounds along the Mississippi. Park entry is free; the tram ride to the top of the Arch is a separately ticketed concession ($19 base). The park sits at the confluence of I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70 in downtown St. Louis — the easiest interstate access of any US national park.

• Smallest US national park (91 acres) and only one inside a major-city downtown
• Redesignated from national memorial to national park in February 2018 (60th US national park)
• Gateway Arch is 630 ft tall — tallest arch in the world and the tallest monument in the US
• Tram ride to the top: $19 base (separate concessioner ticket)
• Park entry is free; park sits at the confluence of I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70 in downtown St. Louis

• Tram ride to the top of the Arch (4-min ride, separate ticket)
• Museum at the Gateway Arch (free)
• Old Courthouse (Dred Scott trial site)
• Riverfront promenade along the Mississippi
• Documentary film "Monument to the Dream"

Best months: April–June and September–October — comfortable temperatures, reliable visibility from the Arch top.

Closures: Park grounds are open year-round (no gate). The Arch tram occasionally closes briefly for high winds (sway exceeds 18 inches at 150 mph) or maintenance.

Notes: Tram tickets routinely sell out 2–4 hours ahead in summer; reserve at gatewayarch.com. The Arch sways up to 1 inch in 20 mph winds and up to 18 inches in 150 mph winds; visible motion is rare but possible.