Gateway Arch, Saint Louis (must see)
Commonly known as the "Gateway to the West," the Gateway Arch is a memorial commemorating the westward expansion of the United States. Clad in stainless steel and shaped as a weighted catenary arch, the structure is an iconic symbol of Saint Louis, visited annually by more than four million people.
At 630 feet (or 192 meters), it is the tallest accessible building in Missouri and the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Some sources even claim it is the tallest human-made monument in the entire Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the United States.
The Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and German-American structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947. It opened to the public on June 10, 1967. The surrounding grounds were initially designated as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, created on the site of the earliest buildings, which were deliberately demolished in 1942 to make way for the monument.
The Arch is hollow and houses a unique tram system in each leg 鈥� a chain of eight cylindrical, five-seat compartments that can carry up to 40 visitors at a time to the observation deck at the top. Near the top, passengers climb a slight incline to reach the observation area, which accommodates up to 160 people and has 16 windows on each side.
While in motion, the trams swing like Ferris-wheel cars, giving rise to their description as "half Ferris wheel, half elevator." The trip to the top takes four minutes, with a three-minute descent. In addition to the trams, there are two emergency staircases (one per leg) and a 12-passenger elevator.
In 1965, the Federal Aviation Administration warned that pilots flying beneath the Arch would be fined and could have their licenses revoked. To date, at least ten daredevils have defied this order.
Visiting the Arch is a quintessential Saint Louis experience. The lift mechanism may seem quirky, but the panoramic views of the city and its historic waterfront make it well worth the ride.
Tip: Go early to explore the small (free) museum before taking the tram to the top.
At 630 feet (or 192 meters), it is the tallest accessible building in Missouri and the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Some sources even claim it is the tallest human-made monument in the entire Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the United States.
The Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and German-American structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947. It opened to the public on June 10, 1967. The surrounding grounds were initially designated as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, created on the site of the earliest buildings, which were deliberately demolished in 1942 to make way for the monument.
The Arch is hollow and houses a unique tram system in each leg 鈥� a chain of eight cylindrical, five-seat compartments that can carry up to 40 visitors at a time to the observation deck at the top. Near the top, passengers climb a slight incline to reach the observation area, which accommodates up to 160 people and has 16 windows on each side.
While in motion, the trams swing like Ferris-wheel cars, giving rise to their description as "half Ferris wheel, half elevator." The trip to the top takes four minutes, with a three-minute descent. In addition to the trams, there are two emergency staircases (one per leg) and a 12-passenger elevator.
In 1965, the Federal Aviation Administration warned that pilots flying beneath the Arch would be fined and could have their licenses revoked. To date, at least ten daredevils have defied this order.
Visiting the Arch is a quintessential Saint Louis experience. The lift mechanism may seem quirky, but the panoramic views of the city and its historic waterfront make it well worth the ride.
Tip: Go early to explore the small (free) museum before taking the tram to the top.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saint Louis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Gateway Arch on Map
Sight Name: Gateway Arch
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saint Louis, Missouri
Create Your Own Walk in Saint Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saint Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Saint Louis Downtown Walking Tour
Missouri鈥檚 main city, Saint Louis, is a vibrant metropolis, alive with culture, music, and art. But before the French fur traders ever showed up, this land was home to the Mississippian tribes, who had already built thriving communities along the river.
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Forest Park Walking Tour
Forest Park, a massive urban park in Saint Louis, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Renowned for its multiple entertaining and educational facilities, such as museums, zoo, and green areas, it is often and quite deservedly regarded as one of the city's crown jewels 鈥� an ideal location for a great time out! Let's see what you can find on the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Walking Tour
Saint Louis, Missouri, is a perfect destination for those with a taste for great architecture, especially if it is associated with an important spiritual value. Indeed, this city features some of the most famous and interesting churches in the USA.
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles