Building An Accessible Experience
Gateway Arch National Park is dedicated to providing an inspiring experience for all ages and abilities. The park’s improvements over the past decade include accessible attractions and experiences. With the exception of the Tram Ride to the Top and the second and third decks of the riverboats, most attractions at Gateway Arch National Park are wheelchair accessible.
A Monumental Effort
In 2018, Gateway Arch National Park started its multi-million-dollar renovation project to improve overall accessibility, rehabilitate the park’s landscape, and renovate and expand the Museum and Visitor Center. Today, the park holds one of the most wheelchair accessible museums in St. Louis. The project also connects Gateway Arch National Park to the Mississippi Riverfront, downtown St. Louis, and the Old Courthouse.
Today, the effort continues with a new renovation project for the Old Courthouse. Reopening May 3, 2025, the Old Courthouse will feature updated museum exhibit accessibility, an elevator, upgraded HVAC, additional restrooms, and the addition of ramps into the building.
Tram Ride to the Top Accessibility
The top of the Gateway Arch is not wheelchair accessible. To reach it and return, you must manage a minimum of 96 steps, which are separated into 6 flights of stairs. The floor is curved on the observation deck. Please be aware you may need to stand 30-60 minutes or longer, especially during the busy summer season. Please note, there are no restrooms or benches at the top of the Gateway Arch Arch and wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are not permitted in the tram cars or at the top.
Explore Accessible Features and Experiences
- Museum under the Gateway Arch
- Virtual Reality Theater
- “Monument to the Dream” Documentary
- Park Grounds
- Old Courthouse
- NPS Programming
- Riverboat Cruise
- Keystone Exhibit
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Tactile and Braille Signage
Increasing Museum Accessibility
Our Museum under the Gateway Arch and forthcoming Old Courthouse exhibits are designed with everyone in mind. From tactile artifacts to ease of movement, each feature has something new to discover at every corner.
Museum Under the Gateway Arch
Uncover a variety of new and untold stories about the Gateway Arch, St. Louis, and our nation in our world-class, free museum. The Museum under the Gateway Arch was designed with optimal museum accessibility by prioritizing Universal Design throughout all galleries to make the experience better for all.
Understanding Universal Design
Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, or ability. The museum features hands-on, touchable exhibits; large print text cards; front access for wheelchairs; interactive computer simulations; and much more.
Riverfront Accessibility
St. Louis’ historic riverfront is home to the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Although the cobblestone levees can be hard to navigate, new sloping pathways now lead from the Arch grounds down to the riverfront for greater accessibility. Read on to learn more about accessibility on the riverfront.
Visiting the Riverboats from Gateway Arch National Park
If driving by car, parking is available for a cash fee on the levee at 50 South Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63102. There are ramps on the levee that are wheelchair accessible to get onto the Riverboat docks.
Visiting the Gateway Arch from the Riverboats
Enter Gateway Arch National Park from the riverfront via the Grand Staircase or ramps. For wheelchair, electric scooter or stroller access, use the ramps from the riverfront to the park grounds. Another park entrance is available in the north via Laclede’s Landing, the 1st and 2nd Street entrances to the park are also wheelchair accessible.
Aboard the Riverboats
The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are wheelchair accessible for boarding and the first level of the riverboat. Upper decks are not ADA compliant as they are only accessible by staircase.
Note: Due to the slope of the levee, the paved pathways on the cobblestones leading to the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are not ADA compliant. For additional information or assistance, please email info@gatewayarch.com or contact our Call Center. To learn more about accessibility at Gateway Arch National Park, visit the Gateway Arch National Park website.
Gateway Arch National Park Accessible Services
We offer a wide range of accessible services throughout the park. Explore our services for visitors with limited mobility or have additional accessibility needs.