The Gateway Arch From the Inside – St. Louis
The Gateway Arch – St. Louis
If you’ve ever seen a picture of St. Louis, you’ve probably spotted the Gateway Arch. It’s that iconic, shiny steel curve that looks like it’s reaching straight for the sky. You know the one. But here’s the kicker—did you know you can actually go to the top? Neither did we, until we were mapping out our two-month road trip across the USA in 2023. It was one of those “oh, we’ve gotta see it” items on the list, but we quickly learned it was so much more than just a quick stop for a photo op.
Like any good road trip planner, I dove deep into the details and double-checked the Arch’s visiting hours and costs (because, you know, who wants to show up to a locked gate?). Imagine my surprise when I found out there’s a whole adventure waiting inside the Arch. I had been living for 50+ years, and no one had ever mentioned that you could actually ride to the top. I mean, seriously, how was this secret kept?
A little history lesson: The Gateway Arch was the brainchild of architect Eero Saarinen, who won a national competition in 1947 to design a monument that captured the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction kicked off in 1963, and by 1965, the stunning 630-foot steel arch was complete. To ensure it could withstand the elements—earthquakes, winds, you name it—the Arch’s foundation is buried 60 feet into the ground. Pretty wild, right?
You Can Do What??
Now, here’s where the fun begins. To get to the top, you’ll hop into these retro little “barrels” (that’s what they call them!) that are tucked inside the legs of the Arch. There are two sets of eight barrels, one on each side, and you enter them through a set of stairs that lead up from the museum beneath the Arch. Word to the wise—reservations are a must, and you must be on time, so make sure to plan ahead. I can’t remember if there’s another way for those with mobility challenges to access the barrels, so it’s a good idea to check before you go.
Heading Up to the Top!
Once you’re inside the barrel, it’s a quick 9-minute ride to the top. As you ascend, it’s a bit of a strange experience—there are no windows during the ride, so you have no real sense of how high you’re going. When you finally reach the top and step into the tiny observation room, though, you’re hit with the view—and wow, it’s dizzying! On one side, you’re looking out over the city; on the other, the mighty Mississippi. If you’re like me and have a mild fear of heights (and small spaces), it might feel a little intense, but the thrill of seeing St. Louis laid out beneath you is absolutely worth it.
All in all, I’d give this experience a solid 10/10. It’s a must-do if you’re in the area, and it’s definitely more than just a photo op. So, if you’re ever in St. Louis, don’t just admire the Gateway Arch from the ground—take the trip to the top! You won’t regret it.
For more information, and/or to buy tickets, click here. Have fun!
