Getway to the West - St. Louis Arch

I been to the Gateway Arch twice in my life. Once was when my family and I were moving across country from the west to the south. We stopped at the arch to say "goodbye" to the west before making a new southern life.

When I saw the Arch for the first time, I didn't really care. I was upset about getting up rooted. I spent the day feeling sorry for myself. Call me a spoil child but I didn't appreciate it.

The second time I visited, I was in awe. It looks studding next to the Mississippi river. This landmark towers above the rest of the city. No matter where you are standing the Arch's beauty radiates around you. It is truly a site to see. Pictures do not do it justice.

Standing for westward moment and the role St. Louis played, the Gateway Arch is located in Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. The Gateway Arch stands tall at 630 feet making it the world's tallest arch and the nation's tallest monument. You can stand at the bottom of the arch for free or pay to ride in a small egg shaped elevator to the top.

Underground located next to the visitors center is the Museum of Westward Expansion, a free museum. This museums house a large variety of exhibits on American settlement of the west including tools and artifacts, history of Lewis and Clark's expedition, Native Americans and of course Buffalo.

No trip to the arch is complete without traveling to the top. We brought our tickets, climbed the stairs and waited for our capsule to arrive.

The tram capsules run roughly every 10 minutes. The ride to the observation deck takes about 4 minutes though it feels longer if you are claustrophobic. The egg shape pods fits five people at a time all sitting knees to knees. I went with my friend who hated small spaces and told me that it felt like 10 minutes to get to the top.

 

From the top you get a wonderful view of the city through little windows. Though both days I went were a little cloudy, it is said you can see almost 30 miles into the distance. It is a little awkward to look through the windows as they are tiny and you have to lean and bend down to get the best views. We spent about 10 minutes up there looking around and taking photos. You can stay as long as you would like.

If you are in the St. Louis area, the Gateway Arch is an unforgettable sight. A trip to St. Louis won't be complete with a glance up this iconic Monument.