St. Louis Overview | An informative introduction to St. Louis, Missouri
Discover the Gateway Arch
St. Louis, Missouri | A Monument to Westward Expansion
Soaring above the skyline of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch stands as a powerful tribute to exploration and ambition. It honors the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, the American pioneers, and visionary architect Eero Saarinen, who designed the Arch to represent the gateway to the West.
An Architectural Marvel
At 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Its size is truly awe-inspiring:
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75 feet taller than the Washington Monument
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Twice the height of the Statue of Liberty
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180 feet taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza
Engineering Feats
The Arch’s sleek, modern design is a masterpiece of precision and innovation:
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Shape: Weighted catenary curve (perfect mathematical balance)
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Height: 630 feet (roughly 63 stories)
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Weight: 43,000 tons of stainless steel and concrete
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Flexibility: Sways ½" to 1" in 20 mph winds—usually undetectable to visitors
Experience the Arch Tram
Riding to the top of the Arch is an experience:
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Ride Time: 4 minutes to the top
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Capsules: Each holds 5 passengers
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Views: On a clear day, enjoy 30-mile panoramas in every direction from 630 feet above St. Louis
Explore the History Beneath the Arch
Below the Arch lies the Museum at the Gateway Arch, featuring immersive exhibits on:
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The journey of Lewis and Clark
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The vision of Thomas Jefferson
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The westward migration of pioneers, traders, and settlers
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The complex story of America’s frontier expansion
📍 Plan Your Visit
Whether you're an architecture buff, history lover, or trail traveler, the Gateway Arch is a must-visit landmark on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Location: Downtown St. Louis, Missouri
Open daily; Advance tram tickets recommended
Lewis and Clark Trail
Icons, Treasures, Legends & Lore
Travelers' Stories
"My family traveled west by car from St. Louis, Missouri to Great Fall,Montana."
"We never knew history could come alive in such a fascinating way. The Lewis and Clark Trail journey was a perfect blend of education and adventure, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for our past.”
Doug M.
"As the boat swung around, the mountains looked like they moved apart and opened up, and when we passed through they seemed to close (or shut) behind us."
" Meriwether Lewis from the same spot beheld this phenomenon and journaled, "from the singular appearance of this place I called it The Gates of The Rocky Mountains."
Mary B.
"From a bluff high above the Missouri River I could see the Lewis and Clark Expedition campsite of May 30, 1805 near Pablo Island."
"Lewis writes about the beauty of the place: "The hills and river Clifts which we passed today exhibit a most romantic appearance."
Dawn C.
Explore some of the most beautiful and rugged
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