Thank You

Thank you for participating in the ranger-led museum education program at Gateway Arch National Park. The following information provides program details and logistics for both on-site and virtual programming.

You should have received a reservation confirmation email with specific details about your program, including:

  • Contact Information: Please carefully review your contact information to ensure accuracy.
  • Requested Program: Confirm that the program listed matches your request.
  • Program Time: Verify the scheduled time for your program.
  • The National Park Ranger assigned to your class will contact you prior to the program, via email for more information or special needs.

If you notice any discrepancies in your confirmation email, please contact Group Sales at 314-923-3048 for assistance.

We look forward to welcoming your group!

NPS Ranger showing a student the tactile bison in the New Frontiers exhibit.

Reservations for On-Site Programming at Gateway Arch National Park

Dark blue icon with a light blue car inside of a parking space graphic.

Drop off and pick up areas

Directions on arrival by bus or coach at the Gateway Arch and Riverboats can be found on our website under “Plan Your Visit”. Designated drop-off and pickup areas for the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse are found on Market Street (west bound only) and Chestnut Street (east bound only).

Please Note: You must enter through the west entrance that faces the Old Courthouse; the Arch legs are exit only.

View Drop Off and Pickup Information
Dark blue icon with a light blue destination marker.

Arrival at the Gateway Arch

Upon arrival, please have a representative check in at the Ranger Information Desk, located just inside the entrance, to confirm your reservation with a National Park Ranger. Your group is required to go through a security checkpoint before visiting the Gateway Arch. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled program time and keeping the number of purses, bags, and backpacks to a minimum. Closed water bottles are permitted through security, however there are areas of the Gateway Arch Visitors Center where food and drinks are not allowed, including the museum and Tram Ride to the Top. Please make sure your group complies with these regulations. After completing security, please take the stairs or elevator to the mezzanine level (the one with the large map of the United States on the floor) to meet the ranger assigned to your program(s).

View Security Guidelines
Icon of a sandwich.

Bringing and storing your lunches.

Your group is welcome to bring their lunch. When the weather permits, we encourage you to eat outside on the beautiful grounds of Gateway Arch National Park or Luther Ely Smith Square. In the case of inclement weather, we will provide a place for your group to eat inside. Please note that lunch will be picnic style, tables and chairs are not available inside or outside. In order provide this service for multiple groups, we ask that you combine all your lunches into large bins or boxes marked with your school/class/group name. This will also help you navigate through Arch security more efficiently. The bins should no larger than 17 inches tall and 23 inches wide to fit through the security scanner. A National Park Ranger will help show you where to store lunches on the mezzanine level while you enjoy your programming.

Reservations for Virtual Programming in Your Classroom

A NPS Ranger posing for a photo on the park grounds on Luther Ely Smith Square with the Old Courthouse off her left shoulder.

Confirming with your National Park Ranger

The National Park Ranger assigned to your class will contact you prior to the program, via e-mail and/or phone. The ranger will want to know the following information:

  • Confirm the program topic, date, time (and time zone).
  • Is there anything specific you would like to see highlighted in the program?
  • Please share any other pertinent information about your class.
  • What digital platform you will be using and the digital link to connect to.
Man on a virtual meeting with a black headset

Day of the Virtual Program

The ranger will call in using the link you provide. Please be prepared to share your screen or hosting capability with the ranger so they can use any digital materials they have created. The presentation will last 20-25 minutes and allow time for students’ questions. The time may be adjusted slightly, so please be flexible.

We hope that you have an enjoyable and educational experience at our park, in-person or virtually. Please feel free to contact 314-923-3048 if you have questions.