Gateway Arch Scouting America Programs

We welcome Cub Scouts of all levels to Gateway Arch National Park! Reservations for all Cub Scout programs are taken year round. These free programs are approximately 50 minutes in length, each highlighting a different, age-appropriate theme.

A one-month advance reservation is required. Programs are available Tuesday – Sunday. Minimum of six scouts required (max 30). Groups with less than the minimum may be placed with another group, if available. To make a reservation, please complete the scout inquiry form below.

Scout Inquiry Request
Boy wearing a cub scouts uniform facing the Gateway Arch.

Explore Our Cub Scout Programming

Tiger cub boy scout badge

Lion and Tiger Cubs

Fun & Games
Learn about the lives and pastimes of nineteenth century boys and girls. Scouts will create and take home a pioneer toy.

Tiger cub boy scout badge

Lion and Tiger Cubs

Plains Indians
Explore the culture of the Plains Indians. Learn about their dependence on the buffalo, what they ate, what they wore, and how they had fun. Includes a create and take home activity.

Wolves boy scout badge

Wolf Cubs

Council Fire (Wolf Core Adventure)
Explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch and learn about the history and future of your community. Talk with a National Park Service ranger and learn about service to community and country. Fulfills requirements 3a, 3b, and 5.

Bear boy scout badge

Bear Cubs

Paws for Action (Bear Elective Adventure)
Scouts will explore the history of their country and community and learn how our national park rangers work to preserve and protect our collective treasures. Fulfills requirements: 1, 2a, 2b and 3.

Webelos boy scout badge

Webelos

Building a Better World (Arrow of Light Required Adventure)
Join one of our national park rangers as they facilitate a discussion about the rights and responsibilities that come with being a scout and a citizen. Be ready to ask the ranger about their work in building a better world. Fulfills requirements 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Scouting America Workshops

Scouting America workshops are available for scouts, grades 6 – 8, and are scheduled at varying times June – August. These workshops are designed to help scouts earn specific merit badges. Space is limited and workshops fill up quickly.

Reservations open on the first Monday in January, so please make your reservations early. Reservations are made in the order they are received. A member of our team will contact you via email once the registration has been completed. To make a reservation, please complete the scout inquiry form below.

Please view our descriptions of our scout workshops listed below.

Image of a boy scout badge with legal scales on it.

Law Merit Badge

Does protecting the law involve bravery? Does telling the truth equal courage? Investigate the judicial system and its important role in our society. Scouts re-enact a historic trial and debate contemporary issues. An attorney and a National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger will discuss their roles and responsibilities in society. This workshop is held at the Old Courthouse.

Workshop Available
Monday, June 9, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm
Friday, August 8, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm

Image of a boy scout badge with a train on it.

Railroading Merit Badge

Join us aboard the rails for a day-long Railroading Merit Badge Workshop. While traveling on an Amtrak train between St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, scouts will learn the ins and outs of railroading from history to safety to economics, presented by National Park Service staff. A NPS staff member will contact registrants to make arrangements for Amtrak tickets. Fee is dependent on Amtrak ticket prices.

Workshop Available
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6 am – 3 pm
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6 am – 3 pm
Monday, August 4, 2025, 6 am – 3 pm (sold out)
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 6 am – 3 pm

Image of a boy scout badge with the statue of liberty on it.

American Heritage Badge

Explore the history of St. Louis in the Museum under the Gateway Arch and learn about the important role this city played in the development of our nation. Afterwards, take a cruise on the Mississippi River, aboard the Gateway Arch Riverboats, and experience the river first-hand. Riverfront cruise tickets $26 adults and $15 children ages 3 – 15. A Gateway Arch staff member will contact registrants to purchase riverfront cruise tickets.

Workshop Available
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm
Thursday, August 7, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm (sold out)

Image of a boy scout badge with a Native American headdress on it.

Indian Lore

At the Museum under the Gateway Arch, scouts will learn about the traditions, practices, and histories of American Indian tribes in a variety of regions, but specifically about the Osage Indians who played a major role in the history of St. Louis.

Workshop Available
Friday, June 13, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm
Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 9 am – 1 pm

Image of the Gateway Arch National Park commemorative scouting patch

Commemorative Patches

A special scout patch may be purchased upon completion of a park scout program. For more information about scout patches and other resources, please visit the educational resources section below.

Scout Reservation Form

Scout Leaders and/or parents please complete this form to receive additional details about field trips or register your scout(s) for the merit badge workshops provided by the National Park Service. A member of our team will contact you once the form has been completed.

Educational Resources

You are invited to use the following educational resources provided by the National Park Service to enrich your group’s learning experience.