America’s smallest national park at just 193 acres, centered on the 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch on the St. Louis riverfront, with a museum on westward expansion beneath it.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

A half day covers the Arch and museum, easily extended to a full day by adding downtown St. Louis.

No special permit is required.

St. Louis itself is the gateway — this is an urban, downtown park with no separate gateway town.

There's no entrance fee to the park; the tram ride to the top of the Arch has a separate fee.

Why Visit?:

Gateway Arch is by far the smallest and most urban national park in the system — just 193 acres centered on the iconic 630-foot stainless steel arch on the St. Louis riverfront. It's a genuinely different kind of park visit: no hiking boots required, just a walk downtown.

Beneath the Arch, the museum on westward expansion adds real historical depth, making this as much a history stop as a scenic one.

Things to Do:

Riding the tram to the top of the Arch is the signature experience, with sweeping views over the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. The Museum at the Gateway Arch, included with tram tickets, covers the story of westward expansion and the Arch's own construction in genuinely engaging detail.

A walk along the riverfront and a visit to the nearby Old Courthouse round out a complete half-day visit without needing a car at all.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is about 20 minutes from downtown, making this one of the most easily reached national parks in the system.

Nearby Attractions:

Downtown St. Louis offers Busch Stadium, the historic Soulard neighborhood, and a wide range of dining within easy walking or short-drive distance of the park.