Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri, where you can experience the legendary Gateway Arch. Soaring 630 feet (192 meters) above the west bank of the Mississippi River, this internationally recognized symbol of St. Louis holds the title of the world's tallest arch and Missouri's tallest accessible structure.
Clad in sleek stainless steel and designed in the form of a weighted catenary arch, this incredible monument stands on the 1764 founding site of the city. Envisioned as a memorial to the westward expansion of the United States and dedicated to the American people, it anchors Gateway Arch National Park as a National Historic Landmark. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1947, construction began in 1963 and opened to the public in 1967. When visiting this popular destination, commonly called "The Gateway to the West," you can admire its dramatic engineering and explore the surrounding historical grounds.
Nearby historic structures preserved within the park's historic site include the Old Cathedral as well as the Old Courthouse, which houses part of the reconstructed historic Old Rock House in its basement. Standing beneath this monumental masterpiece offers a memorable connection to American history and monumental design.
What to see at Gateway Arch
- The world's tallest arch standing at 630 feet tall
- Designed by renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen
- Clad in stainless steel and built as a weighted catenary arch
- Located on the historic 1764 founding site of St. Louis along the Mississippi River
- Features preserved historic sites nearby including the Old Cathedral and Old Courthouse
Visiting tips
Explore the surrounding National Historic Landmark grounds to view preserved historic sites like the Old Cathedral and Old Courthouse.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Gateway Arch is easy to reach on St. Louis’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cahokia. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our St. Louis travel guide.
See the full St. Louis travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.