Yes, 91 ACRES…so, we’re sharing a top-five list of year-round, photo-ready, Instagram-approved spots within the park.

NOTE: Professional photographers and videographers may be required to obtain a permit prior to shooting at Gateway Arch National Park. Learn about photography permit requirements at nps.gov/jeff.

1. Upscale your photos on the Grand Staircase

The steps of the Grand Staircase provide a breathtaking perspective for a long gown and train, a group of friends decked out for prom or an elegant wedding party. Gateway Arch National Park’s grand staircase offers something no other staircase in the country has – views of America’s tallest man-made monument soaring in the background. The stairs face the east so plan for a morning photo session because it offers peak lighting for displaying the Arch in the background.

Pro Tip: Have the subject of the photo stand partially up the illustrious staircase. Using a .5 zoom on a cell phone camera or a wide-angle lens, the photographer should crouch low to the ground and tilt the camera upwards in a worm’s-eye view to highlight the subject and the majesty of the Arch.

Pro Tip: Touring the Arch with a group? This is an ideal spot for an ensemble photo. Stagger members on different steps to provide an inviting pose that showcases everyone clearly while also adding texture to the pic.

Bonus: Pose at the far East or West end of the base of the staircase (near the levee) for another aesthetically pleasing stairway shot that shows off the grandiose staircase while the Arch hovers behind.

2. Gateway to your “Good Side”

Want to feature the subject’s “good side”? Fortunately, both sides of the Arch offer breathtaking views. Among the sprawling 91 acres, the park’s north and sound ends both supply lush greenery and wandering paths while also bestowing an optimal distance from the monument to incorporate captivating scale in portraits.

Pro Tip: Late March delivers a bonanza of magnolia blooms in pinks and whites, while summer and fall play host to a colorful landscape of various flora.

3. A Reflection Worthy of Rave Reviews

Reflections make every photo more interesting. Your comments section is sure to blow up with compliments when you take a photo near the reflecting ponds on the North or South ends of the park. The reflecting light can offer a mystical effect behind your subject or capture the reflection of the Arch itself.

Pro Tip: Try a wide angle setting or step away from your subject to capture the full scale of the background.

4. Base-ics of the Iconic Closeup

One of the most popular photos visitors capture gets up-close-and-personal with the monument. Standing at the base of one of the legs and looking up is a remarkable feeling which can be captured in a well structured photo. This is ideal for two subjects, standing closely to the interior sides of the bottom piece…looking down into the camera.

Pro Tip: Either as a selfie or with the help of a photographer lying on the ground, shoot skyward at the interior apex of the Arch’s bottom piece.

5. Forced Perspective Perfected

With the monumental curve at the perfect distance, one can ‘hold’ the Arch up from the bottom of its legs, ‘push’ the legs apart, or even ‘pat’ the monument on its head. The possibilities are nearly limitless and entirely entertaining.

Pro Tip: To achieve the distance required for forced perspective, shooting from the west (near Luther Ely Smith Square) in late afternoon when the sun is to the photographer’s back is ideal…unless a dark silhouette caused by the bright eastern sun is part of your aesthetic!

The post 5 Picture-Perfect Photo Spots in Gateway Arch National Park appeared first on Gateway Arch.

1. Planning ahead is key

What’s worse than hearing, “We’re sold out”? While the Museum at the Gateway Arch is always free, tickets are required for the Tram Ride to the Top of the Arch and the Documentary Movie “Monument to the Dream.” The tram ride sells out early and often, particularly during spring break, summer and the holiday season, so purchase your tickets in advance via our webstore or by calling 877-982-1010.

2. Determine your parking… now!

While there are numerous parking garages and surface lots located near the Arch, we are excited to announce that through a partnership between Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Interpark along with Bi-State Development, preferred parking at a discounted rate ($9 for first five hours) is available at the Stadium East Garage, located at 200 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102.

You can pre-purchase parking with no validation required online. If parking is not pre-purchased, validation is required by scanning/stamping your parking ticket at one of two validators inside the Visitor Center at the Gateway Arch. (Validators are located in the West Entrance lobby just outside the restrooms and on Level 1 next to the Explore St. Louis Information Desk.)

With each preferred parking purchase at the Stadium East Garage, $1 will go to support ongoing conservation and preservation efforts, educational opportunities and community programs at Gateway Arch National Park through Gateway Arch Park Foundation.

3. Know where you should enter the Arch

For more than 50 years, visitors entered the Arch at the monument’s legs. But all that changed in 2018 with the renovations to the Arch Visitor Center and Museum. Now the only entrance to the Arch is the monument’s west entrance plaza, which faces the Old Courthouse and Fourth Street. (For visitors needing to be dropped off, use the ADA-accessible sidewalks along Luther Ely Smith Square at Market Street & Memorial Drive, or at Chestnut Street & Memorial Drive to reach the west entrance plaza.)

If you’re taking the Tram Ride to the Top, arrive at the Arch at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled tram time.

4. There is so much to see, so take your time

Where should you begin your Arch visit? It’s all up to you! Here’s our suggestion, though: Book a Tram & Movie Combo, which includes the tram ride and the documentary movie “Monument to the Dream,” about the construction of the Arch. See the movie first, then take the tram after – you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the construction workers who built the Arch without wearing harnesses!

Before or after the tram and movie, tour the free Museum at the Gateway Arch, which explores more than 200 years of St. Louis history, from colonial times to the Arch’s construction. (Allow at least one or two hours to explore the museum, but more time may be desired.) The six exhibit galleries feature an array of artifacts and interactives, including a full-sized, vertical log house for visitors to experience life as a St. Louisan in the 1700s, a 5-block scale riverfront levee model of what downtown St. Louis Riverfront looked like in 1852, and a replica of the historic Old Rock House featuring stones from the original building that were saved during demolition.

During or after these adventures, grab a bite to eat at the Arch Café or shop for limited-edition souvenirs and gifts at The Arch Store. Both the café and store are located in the tram lobby.

5. Don’t forget the park grounds

With a jaunt around the 91-acre Gateway Arch National Park grounds via the park’s five miles of pedestrian pathways, you’ll have access to the Arch and riverfront from all sides, as well as the grounds’ iconic reflecting ponds. You’ll also see a diverse mix of more than 4,000 trees, including many species native to Missouri.

The 7.5-acre North Gateway of Gateway Arch National Park includes the Lewis & Clark Explorers’ Garden for children with a raised walkway featuring views of the Eads Bridge and the Mississippi River. Plus, you’ll get unencumbered access to Laclede’s Landing to explore other parts of the city.

While the Old Courthouse is currently closed for renovations, walk around the perimeter of the historic building to take in its incredible architecture and reflect on the many civil cases heard there throughout history, including Dred and Harriet Scott and Virginia Minor.

6. Share your experience, and come back again soon

We want to see where your Arch journey takes you! Share your experience with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag @gatewayarchstl in your photos and use the location “Gateway Arch National Park” or “Gateway Arch.”. Also, leave us a review on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook or Google, as we take your thoughts seriously in making the Arch experience the best it can be for future visitors.  And please, come back and visit again very soon!

The post 6 Things to Know When Visiting the Gateway Arch appeared first on Gateway Arch.

Bag your pet’s waste

Always leash your pet

Respect wildlife

Know where you can go

Share your visit with your pup! Tag us on Instagram @gatewayarchstl!

 

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Your dog can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger! All they have to do is visit the park, take the pledge and get a badge. Learn more online.

 

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While the National Park System is comprised of more than 400 sites, at a little over 90 acres, Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest designated “national park.” But don’t let the acreage fool you. The park is truly an urban oasis in downtown St. Louis. According to the National Park Service, the landscape design for the park, created by Dan Kiley, one of the country’s leading contemporary landscape architects, “reflects the curvilinear nature of the structure. Kiley applied geometrical precepts and classical landscape design elements to create a setting that is both spectacularly and subtly appropriate. The scale, impact, and design of the grounds constitute an essential mooring for the world-famous Arch and merge the Arch and its grounds, with one reflecting the other.”

The grounds feature pathways for walking, jogging or cycling; ponds that provide areas for picnicking or relaxation; as well as the North Gateway, which includes a natural amphitheater and the Lewis and Clark Explorers’ Garden, an area for kids to play. The grounds are also home to diverse plant life that includes native species as well as historical panels that detail historical events, people and places that have connections to the park land.

This summer, take a morning or afternoon to explore and enjoy the Gateway Arch park grounds! They are open to the public and dog friendly – so bring your furry four-legged friend too!

The post Exploring Your Urban National Park appeared first on Gateway Arch.

As you plan for your visit, we want you to keep in mind these five important things:

1. Know before you go! The Gateway Arch Visitor Center and the Museum at the Gateway Arch are free to enter; but tickets are required to take the Tram Ride to the Top and to watch the Documentary Movie “Monument to the Dream.”The Tram Ride to the Top sells out early and often, especially during spring break, holidays and the summer travel months. Reserve your tram and movie tickets in advance on our reservations page or call 877-982-1410.
2. Determine your best way to the Arch. Visit our directions page to find your way to the Arch from any of St. Louis’ convenient highways and bridges, as well as walking directions and public transit information.
3. Plan ahead for parking. Gateway Arch National Park does not have dedicated, on-site visitor parking. Visitors should go online to Explore St. Louis’ downtown parking directory for a list of preferred parking options located near the Arch and Old Courthouse. All of these parking locations have been verified by Explore St. Louis for handicap accessibility and safety standards. Metered street parking is also available around the Arch and Old Courthouse. Two handicap-accessible curbside drop-off and pick-up areas for Arch visitors are located at the west end of Luther Ely Smith Square, on Fourth Street across the street from the Old Courthouse.Curbside drop-off and pick-up areas for Arch visitors are located on the north and south sides of Luther Ely Smith Square, at Market Street & Memorial Drive and at Chestnut Street & Memorial Drive, near the beautiful new west entrance of the Gateway Arch. Parking is available on the St. Louis Riverfront levee for a cash fee.
4. Accessibility at the Arch. The recent renovations to Gateway Arch National Park were completed under the guidance of Universal Design principles, allowing those of all abilities to experience the Arch’s grounds, visitor center and museum.Due to its unique design, the Tram Ride to the Top is not handicap accessible. The Keystone Exhibit, located in the tram lobby, is a replica of the final section placed at the top of the Arch and offers an accessible experience for everyone. Webcams at the top of the Gateway Arch give keystone exhibit visitors a live view through the replica’s windows.
5. There is only one entrance to the Gateway Arch. All Arch visitors must enter the monument at its new west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Arch legs are exits only.

The post 5 Things You Need to Know When Visiting the Gateway Arch appeared first on Gateway Arch.

Photo Credit: Austin Lau [@wowlauwow]

Photo Credit: Adam Wayne [@adamwayne_arts]

Photo Credit: Hannah Boxerman [@hmfoxyboxy]

Photo Credit: Brandon Bates [@brandonbates]

Photo Credit: Brendan Wolff [@brendan_wolff]

Photo Credit: Zach Dalin [@zachdalin]

Photo Credit: Debbie Fenelon [@debfene]

Photo Credit: Lucas Mills [@mistersllim]

Photo Credit: Talia Ogliore [@talia.ogliore]

Photo Credit: Eichelberger Photo [@eichelbergerphoto]

The post Our Fave Fall Instagram Finds appeared first on Gateway Arch.

We’ve compiled a few of our favorite pictures from America’s Biggest Birthday Party under the iconic Gateway Arch. Check them out!

 

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Thank you, #STL for an incredible three days! We can’t wait for next year! : @zachdalin • • We want to see your pictures from Fair Saint Louis 2019! Use #FairSTL and tag us in your pictures!

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Admiring the Arch during the Fair St Louis on Independence Day . . . . . @fairsaintlouis @gatewayarchstl #stl #stlouisarch #fairstl #fairstlouis2019 #thearch #gatewaytothewest #saintlouis #sunglasses #reflection #blondehair

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July 4th in St. Louis with the historic old courthouse and the Arch in front of the fireworks. #stl #fairstl #fairstlouis #fireworks #mo #nikond850 #sigmaphoto

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Great way to spend the 4th of July!!! @usapt_crewdogs flew their #pirateship through the @st.louisarch. Thanks for all the fans who came out to watch the show! • photos by: @sfc_jesse_robbins • #firsttimeever #makinghistory #traintowin #crwteam #flythroughthearch #iseeyouandraiseyouone• • @usaptcommander @usapt_crewdogs @armygoldenknights @usarmy @usarec @morgangeorge7788 @ssg_clay_stevens @sfc_ryan_orourke

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Plunge into the sky and shatter the darkness… • • • • • • • #fourthofjuly #fireworks #america #stlouis #saintlouis #explorestlouis #visitmo #riverfronttimes #stlouismo #stl #314 #gatewayarch #eastside #fairstl #longexposure #longexposurephotography #justgoshoot #moodygrams #way2ill #justgoshoot #creativeoptics #shotz_fired #theimaged #Compositionkillerz #milliondollarvisuals #depthobsessed #shotz_fired #shotzdelight #heatercentral #earth_deluxe #lazyshutters

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Yesterday marked the final day of Fair Saint Louis (@fairsaintlouis), a 3 day festival with food, drink, music, shows and fireworks celebrating the 4th of July. The fair was first organized in 1981 by Robert R. Hermann, a STL businessman, and local civic leaders with the goal of creating an event to unite the region and promote St. Louis to the country and world. What a great event!

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I M A G I N E . . . Can you even fathom what it might be like to take that leap, racing down through the @gatewayarchstl onto a 10-foot target? Now imagine doing it from a few thousand feet HIGHER, and *that* is how talented the @gkblackteam is. #wow #airshow #armygoldenknights #stl #stlouis #downtownstl #fairstl #photooftheday #f7 #11mm #landscape #cityscape #skydive #aerial #benandbeccalee

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Photos for @stltoday: Scenes from @fairsaintlouis on the 4th of July at @gatewayarchnps in @downtownstlouis feat. @brettyoungmusic and @randyhouser. Full gallery at stltoday.com #fair #fairstlouis #fairstl #stlouisgram #concertphotography #fourthofjuly #festivalphotography #photojournalism #holiday #summer #stl #stlouis #countrymusic #countrysinger #livemusic #ontheroad #onstage #americasbirthday #independenceday #eventphotography #concertphotography #postthepeople #brettyoung #randyhouser #4thofjuly #photographer #photojournalist #airshow

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Highlights from the @boeing Air Show at @fairsaintlouis Day 1.

A post shared by Zach Dalin (@zachdalin) on Jul 4, 2019 at 10:12pm PDT

And the best of them all … Superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park Mike Ward posing with the U.S. Army Golden Knights after they parachuted through the legs of the Arch and landed right on target.

 

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What a group!! The Golden Knights pose for a picture with Mike Ward, superintendent of @gatewayarchnps

A post shared by Fair Saint Louis (@fairsaintlouis) on Jul 6, 2019 at 7:12am PDT

For more photos from the 2019 Fair, visit the Fair’s Flickr page.

The post Fair Saint Louis 2019 Photo Recap appeared first on Gateway Arch.

Art Hill in Forest Park

Talk about wide open spaces! This sprawling hill extending from the St. Louis Art Museum is a favorite outdoor destination among locals and tourists alike. Lay out a blanket and people watch, or wander over to the plaza and fountains at the base of the hill for a shadier spot to enjoy the sunset.

Castlewood State Park

If you’re feeling bold, venture a little further from the city to this lush valley surrounding the Meramec River. A picnic isn’t fully complete without a beautiful view to go with it, and this park’s wide array of overlooks make for great spots to sit and soak in the beauty. Work up an appetite by hiking along one of the many trails throughout the park or sauntering along the river, then lay your blanket down in a shady spot in time to watch the sunset.

Citygarden

Want to kick back in a more urban setting? This interactive sculpture park is the place for you. Take a stroll along winding paths and bask in the glow of 24 sculptures from internationally renowned artists, six rain gardens, a children’s spray plaza and a 180-foot-long pool with a water fall. Then stretch out on the granite-topped “meander wall” and enjoy your picnic in this beautiful urban oasis.

Gateway Arch National Park

Would this list really be complete if we didn’t mention the Gateway Arch? We might be biased, but we can’t think of a better STL picnic spot than under the most iconic STL monument. Take a seat on the main staircase or drop your blanket on the grassy lawn and watch the riverboats float down the Mississippi. And if you’re feeling brave, take a trip up to the top afterwards to look out over the city. You really can’t beat a nice meal followed by a beautiful view!

Missouri Botanical Garden

You don’t need to be a plant enthusiast to enjoy this scenic garden in the city. With 79 acres of horticultural displays and formal and international gardens, you’re sure to find a spot to lay out a blanket, pour some wine, break out some snacks and picnic the evening away! Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth, and make sure to check out the numerous events held throughout the summer.

Tower Grove Park

With over 280 acres of grassy meadows, playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails and pavilions, this National Historic Landmark Park has it all. There’s even four designated picnic sites available for reservation if you’re bringing the whole crew with you. And there’s no better time to soak up all this park has to offer than mid-summer, when it plays host to numerous festivals and concert series. If you don’t feel like packing your own dinner, stop by on the second Friday of the month for Food Truck Friday!

The post Where to Celebrate National Picnic Month in St. Louis appeared first on Gateway Arch.

There is truly something for everyone at the Fair. Between the Boeing Air Shows, performances by the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team, family friendly activities (including rock climbing and a ninja warrior course!) in the Purina Festival Zone, engaging with brands in the Interactive Zone, honoring our military service members at Salute to the Troops, and, of course, the chart-topping entertainment on the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Stage and the spectacular Edward Jones fireworks that will close out each night … it’s sure to be a Fair that’ll be remembered forever.

Here’s a quick glance at the entertainment for each night:

• Thursday, July 4: Brett Young, Randy Houser
• Friday, July 5: Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill
• Saturday, July 6: The Flaming Lips, Vertical Horizon

Visit the Arch during the Fair! The Arch will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each night of the Fair. Take a break from the heat – explore the brand-new Museum at the Gateway Arch, watch the documentary movie Monument to the Dream or take the Tram Ride to the Top. The National Park Service will also host daily programs such as living history demonstrations and a performance by the St. Louis Story Stitchers. For more information about these programs, click here.

If you’re taking a tram ride, you are strongly encouraged to plan ahead of your visit. All tram ticket holders are advised to arrive at the Arch grounds at least 60 minutes ahead of your scheduled tram time, as you will go through two security checkpoints.

Please remember that multiple street closures will be in place and parking will be in high demand. Visit getaroundstl.com for a list of parking locations near the Arch or plan to arrive by MetroLink to the 8^th & Pine or Laclede’s Landing stations.

Be sure to visit our Fair Saint Louis FAQ page for more information on visiting the Arch during the Fair. For all you need to know about Fair Saint Louis, visit fairsaintlouis.org. See you at the Fair!

Photo credit: Ronald Gaddis

The post Get Ready for Fair Saint Louis 2019! appeared first on Gateway Arch.