Touching the Sky: Our Visit to the Gateway Arch

There is no better feeling than driving into St. Louis and seeing the silver curve of the Gateway Arch shimmering on the horizon. It is the universal sign that we’ve arrived. While we’ve seen it many times from the ground, there is nothing quite like the experience of going inside and up.

The World’s Tallest Arch

Standing at 630 feet tall, the Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. We learned that it’s actually as wide as it is tall, 630 feet from leg to leg. Built to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States, it really does feel like the "Gateway" to all the adventures we’ve had out West.

A Thrilling Ride to the Top

Getting to the top is half the fun. We loaded into the unique tram pods, which feel like a mix between a Ferris wheel and an elevator. As the pods rotate to stay upright while climbing the curve of the arch, you can occasionally catch a glimpse of the internal staircase and the massive steel structure through the glass doors. For Dad, this was his second time at the summit, and he couldn't help but compare it to his first visit. That time, the wait was longer, and a storm rolled through while he was at the top. It’s a jaw-dropping thought: standing at the peak of a giant stainless steel monument during a thunderstorm! While the Arch is designed to be a massive lightning rod and safely ground strikes, the idea of being up there while the sky is electric is definitely a "white-knuckle" memory.

I Spy a Landmark!

Once we reached the observation deck, we spent our time glued to the small, thick windows. We loved the challenge of picking out all the landmarks below: Busch Stadium, the Old Courthouse, and the barges slowly moving down the Mississippi River. On a clear day, you can see for 30 miles!

A Stroll on the Grounds

After descending, we took advantage of the beautiful Gateway Arch National Park grounds. At only 91 acres, it’s the smallest National Park in the country, but it’s perfectly laid out. We found a great spot in the grassy area that you could set up a picnic and just enjoy the view of the Arch reflecting the sun. It was the perfect place for a family stroll to work off some energy before hitting the road again. The kids loved walking directly up to the Arch and touching it. Dads don't forget to take a picture of yourself as Spiderman climbing the Arch! Lol Whether we are looking at it from 630 feet up or from the passenger window as we cross the bridge into town, the Arch never fails to impress.