Gateway Arch National Park — Visitor Info

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Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest and most urban unit in the system — the 630-foot stainless steel Arch and surrounding grounds on the St. Louis riverfront, commemorating westward expansion. There's no wilderness, no trails to speak of, and no camping; it's a downtown monument park you can see in an afternoon.

Page content last verified: July 2026

Check current conditions before you go: Tram rides to the top of the Arch sell out on busy days, especially summer weekends — book ahead. All visitors pass through airport-style security to enter the visitor center; weapons of any kind (including pepper spray and pocket knives with fixed blades) are prohibited. Always check the official Gateway Arch Alerts & Conditions page first.

Quick Facts

Location

Downtown St. Louis, Missouri riverfront

Entrance Fee

None for grounds/museum; tram to the top is ticketed separately

Reservation Needed to Enter?

No for grounds/museum; tram tickets recommended in advance

Permit Needed For

Not applicable for typical visits — no backcountry or camping permits exist here

Lodging

None — no camping; downtown St. Louis hotels nearby

Managed By

National Park Service

Visitor Centers

Gateway Arch Visitor Center & Museum

Beneath the Arch itself — free museum, tram ticket counter, cafe, and store. Enter through the west entrance facing 4th Street and the Old Courthouse; the Arch legs are exit-only.

Old Courthouse

A short walk from the Arch — historic courthouse (site of the Dred Scott case), free to enter, no ticket required.

Museum hours run roughly 9am–6pm (later on summer Fridays/Saturdays); park grounds are open 5am–11pm year-round. Confirm current hours on the official NPS hours page before you go.

Entrance Fees & Tram Tickets

The park grounds, museum, and Old Courthouse are all free — no ticket needed. Riding the tram to the top of the Arch requires a separate ticket, roughly $15–$19 for adults depending on the date (peak days cost more), with discounted pricing for children and America the Beautiful pass holders ($3 off, up to 4 tickets per pass). Tickets are sold at the entrance, by phone, or at gatewayarch.com — booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in summer. Parking is not included in any ticket; street parking, downtown garages, and public transit are the usual options.

Every Kid Outdoors — Free 4th Grade Pass

Since the grounds and museum here are already free, the Every Kid Outdoors pass mainly helps with the tram ticket discount (like other America the Beautiful passes) and with free entry at fee-charging parks elsewhere.

Permits & Reservations

No permit is needed for any typical visit. Tram tickets are recommended in advance but not a formal "permit" — book through gatewayarch.com or by phone.

Camping

There is no camping of any kind at Gateway Arch National Park. This is a compact downtown monument site with no campgrounds, RV areas, or backcountry. Stay at one of the many hotels in downtown St. Louis, a short walk or drive from the park.

Good to Know

Security screening is required to enter the visitor center — arrive a little early, especially with a timed tram ticket.
The Arch legs are exit-only — always enter through the west entrance facing 4th Street.
Combine with downtown St. Louis: Busch Stadium, the Old Courthouse, and the riverfront are all within easy walking distance.
The tram ride itself is part of the experience — small pod-style cars carry visitors up through the Arch's curved interior structure.

More National Parks

See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.

Fees and regulations change from year to year. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Gateway Arch National Park site before you go.

Sources: NPS – Fees & Passes · NPS – Operating Hours · NPS – Alerts & Conditions