📷 Photo by Kenny Nguyễn on UnsplashGateway Arch
St. Louis, MO
A 630-foot stainless-steel arch. Small tram pods take you to a viewing room at the top.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is 192 m (630 feet) tall and just as wide at its base. It was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and built between February 1963 and October 1965; the first tram to the top began running in 1967. The arch is designed to sway up to 46 cm (18 inches) in winds of around 240 km/h (150 mph).
Small five-seat capsules carry you to the top in about four minutes, where narrow windows look out over the city and the Mississippi; the whole tram experience, including time at the top, takes 45 to 60 minutes. There are no restrooms at the top. Rides sell out on busy days, so book ahead. The museum beneath the arch, about St. Louis's role in westward expansion, is free; visitors typically spend about an hour there.
- Nearest town
- St. Louis, MO
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.6247, -90.1848
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- DraftKings at Casino Queen RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from Gateway ArchMotorhomes
- Eagle PointCampsite5 mi from Gateway ArchFree
- Safari RV ParkMotorhome stopover5 mi from Gateway ArchMotorhomes
- Tent campingCampsite7 mi from Gateway Arch
- Ellis IslandCampsite17 mi from Gateway ArchFree
- Piasa IslandCampsite22 mi from Gateway ArchFree
All campsites in Missouri · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Gateway Arch?
Gateway Arch is in St. Louis, MO, at GPS 38.6247, -90.1848. It is about 38 mi from Augusta.
Can you camp near Gateway Arch?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Gateway Arch?
Gateway Arch is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Great River Road: the upper Mississippi and Neon, diners and endless horizons – Route 66 by camper from Chicago to Santa Monica.
What is there to see near Gateway Arch?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (5 mi), Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (7 mi), Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (9 mi) and Sainte Genevieve Historic District (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Gateway Arch?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)