Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Fact Sheet

The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch — Tom Sawyer a replica 19th-century paddlewheel riverboat — transports riders back in time to when steamboats\ ruled the mighty Mississippi and fueled the nation’s westward expansion, making St. Louis truly the Gateway to the West.

The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are part of the oldest Mississippi excursion boat company that has called St. Louis its home port since 1917. The riverboats were originally brought to St. Louis in 1964 to accommodate the spectators who wanted a closer look at the construction of the Gateway Arch. Today, the Tom Sawyer continues to offer the best views of St. Louis and the Gateway Arch from the Mississippi River. Located on the historic St. Louis Riverfront below the south leg of the Gateway Arch, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer daily, one-hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruises; evening Skyline Dinner Cruises; specialty cruises such as Fireworks, Halloween, PJs and Pancakes with Santa Claus Cruises, and many more; and private event charters. National Park Service rangers from Gateway Arch National Park narrate select St. Louis Riverfront Cruises throughout the season (times vary). The first Wednesday of the month, the narration highlights freight transportation, passengers learn about the key assets and opportunities that position the St. Louis region as the Ag Coast of America. Then, on select Thursdays, the MO History Riverfront Takeover Cruise, led by the Missouri History Museum, uncovers the history of the bustling riverfront and the engineering marvel of the Eads bridge. Millions of passengers have discovered the city’s rich heritage aboard the riverboats.

April through October, visitors can get a bite to eat at the Paddlewheel Café—located on the riverboats’ dock—where they can enjoy amazing views of the Arch while dining on burgers, BBQ pork nachos, grilled chicken Caesar salads, and more.

The St. Louis Riverfront underwent a renovation led by Great Rivers Greenway, as part of a $380-million project to enhance the visitor experience at the Gateway Arch. This project included the elevation of the riverfront to decrease incidents of flooding, as well as new walking and biking paths. The riverfront hosts various outdoor events throughout the year.

The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
• Educate visitors with narrated St. Louis Riverfront Cruises, highlighting the history of St. Louis and the role the working river plays today.
• Entertain guests during special events, wedding receptions and private parties with a chef-inspired menu, live music and incredible views of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch.
• Captivate riders on unique cruises such as: Skyline Dinner Cruises, Fireworks Cruises, PJs and Pancakes with Santa Claus Cruises, a New Year’s Eve Cruise and more.
• Can host private parties, corporate meetings, weddings and receptions; and offer a variety of sit-down or buffet selections, bar arrangements, entertainment and décor. One of the captains is even ordained to marry couples!

Cruise Season
St. Louis Riverfront Cruises are offered daily, March through December (closed Thanksgiving Day). Skyline Dinner Cruises are available select, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Specialty cruise dates vary. A complete cruise schedule for the year can be found at gatewayarch.com/riverboats.

Location and Parking
The riverboats are located on the downtown St. Louis Riverfront, below the south leg of the Gateway Arch at 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63102. Convenient parking is available for a fee on the cobblestone levee in front of the riverboat dock (subject to weather and river levels).

Accessibility
The dock and first floor of the riverboats are handicap accessible. Service animals are welcome.

Tickets
Guests can purchase cruise tickets online at gatewayarch.com/buy-tickets, or by calling 877-982-1410,

Media Contact
media@gatewayarch.com