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What a Wonderful World (An #AtoZChallenge post): G is for Gateway Arch National Park

 

The Gateway Arch towers over the trees in the foreground

My husband recently re-retired, and we are front-loading travel. My #AtoZChallenge posts this year will explore our adventures--some pre-retirement, some post. Today's location: Gateway Arch National Park.

When I think of national parks, I most often envision vast areas of wilderness. Gateway Arch National Park is smack dab in St. Louis, Missouri--hardly a wilderness. The main feature of the park isn't a natural wonder, but rather a man-made monument. Not only is it an engineering marvel, though, it also stands as a symbol of the westward movement that shaped the nation. 

The visitor's center houses a wonderful museum that documents various pioneer movements, as well as the history of the arch itself. 

This exhibit houses an 1840 edition of The Book of Mormon, as well as replica gold coins

This sign talks about the history of skyscrapers
While the museum is definitely top-notch, one of the main draws of the Gateway Arch is the chance to ride up to the top and take in the view. The elevator doesn't go straight up and down, because it had to be arch-shaped, too. So each party visiting the top of the arch gets to enter a pod with seats that give off a decidedly space-age vibe.

The white, egg-shaped capsules with white seats are not for the claustrophobic.

The ride takes about 3-4 minutes, and the view from the top is worth the tight-quartered ride.  Looking to the east, you see the mighty Mississippi River and the land to the east. Looking to the west, you can see the city of St. Louis, Missouri and beyond.
A panoramic view looking east from the Gateway Arch, shows four bridges spanning the Mississippi River, and the green landscape beyond.

A panoramic view from the top of the Gateway Arch, looking to the west. The city of St. Louis, with many skyscrapers surrounding the Old Courthouse, makes for an impressive view.

You are allowed about 30 minutes at the top, then it is time to get back in your space pod and return to earth. Gateway Arch National Park is unlike many other parks, but it is definitely worth a visit!

Come back tomorrow to se where in the world we'll visit next!






Comments

  1. LisaApril 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM

    I've always wondered how an elevator would work in the arch. Thanks for the explanation!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiApril 9, 2025 at 9:19 AM

      It's definitely an interesting design challenge.

      Delete
  2. messymimiApril 8, 2025 at 8:59 PM

    I've seen it, but never up close. Someday I'll have to remedy that!

    ReplyDelete
  3. tasteachApril 9, 2025 at 5:02 AM

    Love your panoramic views. I remember going up in the pods when I visited St Louis. I had had trouble finding my accommodation the night before. It was along the waterfront and I found it was not in a very friendly area of the city.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiApril 9, 2025 at 9:20 AM

      St. Louis has had its share of urban problems. I hope your stay was uneventful!

      Delete

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