Gateway Arch, Saint Louis (must see)

Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument completed in 1965 as the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, now known as Gateway Arch National Park. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, it commemorates the nation's westward expansion and the role of St. Louis as the historic "Gateway to the West."

Constructed from stainless steel, the monument remains the tallest arch in the world and the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Its graceful catenary curve has become one of the most recognizable examples of modern American architecture. Visitors can ride a unique tram system inside the legs of the Arch to an observation deck at the top, where windows provide panoramic views extending across the surrounding cityscape and the Mississippi River. Beneath the monument, the Museum at the Gateway Arch presents interactive exhibits exploring westward expansion, Native American history, early settlement, exploration, and the construction of the Arch itself. Landscaped grounds surrounding the monument include walking paths, open lawns, reflecting pools, and connections to the riverfront. Gateway Arch National Park also preserves the historic Old Courthouse, where the early legal proceedings of the Dred Scott case took place. Following a multi-year, $27.5 million renovation, the courthouse reopened to the public in May 2025 with new, fully accessible museum galleries.

Throughout the year, the site offers ranger-led programs, educational activities, special exhibitions, and riverboat cruises departing from the nearby riverfront. Together, the monument, museum, courthouse, and surrounding landscape provide opportunities to explore American history, engineering, and architecture.