10 – Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch also known as the door to the West is the tallest monument in the United States, which is located in Saint Louis, Missouri on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Its height is 192 meters, this being an architectural structure that presents a figure of a flattened catenary arch. It was built as a monument to celebrate and commemorate the westward expansion of this country.
In this place is not only the Gateway arch, but also a center located in the underground part of the Memorial for all visitors. Below is the Museum of Westward Expansion, which presents the entire history of the opening to the West that took place in 1800.
And as if that were not enough, there are also several theaters showing films about the theme of the opening and about the construction of the Gateway Arch.
Access to the Gateway Arch
Arrival at the Gateway Arch is via the Hartzog, Jr. Visitor Center subway stop, which is located directly below. People who visit this great place are transported from the lobby to the observation area at the top of the arch by means of a passenger train.
This train has a maximum capacity for 40 people and is made up of 8 capsules where 5 visitors can be transferred in each of these. It also has a speed of 104 meters per hour and the journey lasts around 10 minutes.
Visitors to this site must first pass through a security pesto before entering the Gateway Arch. Weapons and knives are not allowed. On the other hand, if you have bought the tickets in advance to be able to enter, the ideal is to arrive at least 30 minutes before the time established for your tram.
Platform
The observation deck is built with a size of 19.81×2.13m. It is closed with resistant glass windows that provide views towards the east and west of the city of San Luis.
In it there is also a conventional maintenance elevator and stairs that have 1,076 steps that reach the top of the Gateway arch. These elevators and stairwells are only used for emergency situations and site maintenance.
How much money is needed to visit the Gateway Arch?
The price of the tram to enjoy a pleasant view in this great place can vary between $5 and $10, to see the movie known as “Monument of the dream” it costs between $4 and $7 and to enjoy both things, that is, the tram and the movie must be paid between $11 and $14.
Everything depends on the season in which you are going to visit the Gateway Arch. It should be noted that the entrance for children under 3 years of age is totally free.
The climb to the top of the arch is often in high demand by its visitors, in order to acquire tickets long lines must be made and there may be a possibility that they will run out at any time of the day. So, so you don’t miss the trip, the best thing you can do is buy tickets online by ordering the official Gateway Arch website, which is www.gatewayarch.com.
What time of day is best to go to Gateway Arch?
In fact, any time is ideal to visit the tallest monument in the United States. But if you dare to climb to the top of this arch at night you will have the best view with the lights of the city.
The best thing you can do is to see it inside if you can bear the trip to the top by tram. During the tour you will have an idea of how its construction was carried out, you will see how its interior works and you will know the structural supports of the Gateway arch.
Upon reaching the top you will have a spectacular view of the city of St. Louis, including the Mississippi River and the popular East Subway.
Where to sleep when visiting the Gateway Arch?
In the city of San Luis, Missouri, there is a wide variety of hotels near the Gateway Arch, where the best ones to stay are the following:
- Four Seasons St.Louis
- Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch St.
- Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by
- Hilton Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
- Marriott St.Louis Grand Hotel
- Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch
- Saint Louis, Autograph Collection
- Indigo – St. Louis – Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- RL St Louis Airport
- Holiday Inn St Louis Downtown/Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
- Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park
- Hampton Inn St Louis- at the Arch
- Hotel Courtyard St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center
- Hotel Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott St Louis Downtown
- Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel – Saint Louis South Interstate 55
Without a doubt, the Gateway Arch is one of the main attractions of the city of San Luis that you cannot miss. It marks a small part of the history of the United States for being the tallest monument in this country.
