Know Before You Go, Gateway Arch National Park

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Gateway Arch National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour starts in Kiener Plaza, by the statue of Frankie Muse Freeman
• The tour goes in one direction, generally west to east, and in a clockwise fashion. 
• The best time to visit is during the summer. 
• Advance tickets are recommended for films, VR, cruises, and trams.
• A lot of this walking tour has no shade, so bring sun protection.
• The tour covers 1.5 miles; participants must walk this distance.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.

• Tram Ride to the Top starts at $12
• St. Louis Riverfront Cruise starts at $24
• Documentary Movie starts at $4
• Virtual Reality Theater starts at $8

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Old Courthouse - Daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m
• The Gateway Arch - Opens year-round, closing only on major holidays.
• Summer Hours: 9 am-8 pm; Regular Hours: 9 am-6 pm.
• Basilica of Saint Louis - The church opens to visitors on the first Sunday afternoon Mass. Museum hours are 10 am-2 pm, Fri-Sun, but may vary.
• The remaining stops are open from around 5 am to 11 pm or operate 24/7.

Get Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Smartphone for taking the tour and taking pictures
• Phone charger with wall plug
• Walking shoes
• Sun protection
• Money for food, drinks, and souvenirs
• Tickets for attractions, if pre-purchased online

Best Time to Visit 

The park is open year-round. But the best time to visit is during the summer. That’s when open hours are longer, and the lawn and gardens look their best. 

Safety Information 

Be careful and look both ways when crossing streets.

Be mindful that a lot of this walking tour has no shade, so bring sun protection.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.