A Long Weekend To Do Everything
Take in the sights above and stay for all that lies below the Gateway Arch over a long weekend in St. Louis! Not sure where to start? Our itinerary has you covered as you plan your 3-day trip.
Day 1 — Take in the Views
You’ve recently arrived in St. Louis, and we are happy to have you here for a weekend of exploring Gateway Arch National Park, the St. Louis Riverfront, and the Old Courthouse! Your first day will be full of exciting and fun activities inside Gateway Arch National Park — let’s start your adventure.
9:30 am | Park Your Vehicle
Preferred parking is available at the Stadium East Parking Garage. Please allow yourself and your party enough time to get from your parking spot to Gateway Arch National Park.
9:50am | Enter the National Park
Your journey from the Stadium East Parking Garage to the Gateway Arch National Park Visitor’s Center will take approximately 8-10 minutes. Once you arrive, you will be able to explore the park grounds or make your way into the Visitor’s Center for security screening.
10:00am | Security Screening
Depending on crowds, it may take several minutes to enter the Gateway Arch facility. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before any timed ticket activity.
10:30am | Explore Our Free Museum
Take time to browse the six interactive galleries in our FREE museum. Its stories hold over 200 years of our shared St. Louis history, our nation’s westward expansion, and how the Gateway Arch came to be. The Museum under the Gateway Arch features Universal Design, inviting visitors to peruse the exhibits from multiple angles.
12:00PM | Take Your Tram Ride To the Top
Begin your tour at the tram entrance (North or South) at the time noted on your ticket. The pre-boarding tour features 60s-era animations and trivia. Guests are limited to under 10 minutes at the top of Gateway Arch.
Please allow at least 45-60 minutes for your tram tour. For more accessibility information, click here.
1:00PM | Arch Café
Enjoy lunch with St. Louis flair inside the Arch Café! From toasted ravioli to St. Louis-style barbeque, there is a delicious meal awaiting you after you take in the views from the Top.
2:00PM | Visit The Arch Store
Take a momento home with you when you visit The Arch Store! From Gateway Arch National Park t-shirts to postcards to send to family back home, explore the store to find a gift to commemorate your visit.
2:30PM | Virtual Reality Theater
Slip on a Virtual Reality headset for a 10-minute viewing of how the St. Louis riverfront served as an important crossroads in America’s westward migration. Hear the stories of courage, struggle, and hope of real people who crossed paths here in our award-winning Virtual Reality Theater.
3:00PM | Watch an Award-Winning Movie
Share in the triumphs and struggles of designing and building the Gateway Arch with the “Monument to the Dream” documentary movie, located in Tucker Theater. The 35-minute film describes the details behind Eero Saarinen’s vision, stories of the builders, and the lasting impact of the Gateway Arch on our St. Louis community.
Day 2 — Explore the St. Louis Riverfront
Your adventures continue along the Mississippi River and the historic St. Louis Riverfront. From a riverboat cruise to enjoying city views from the cobblestone levee, discover what day two has in store for you.
11:30AM | Park Your Vehicle
Parking is available on the historic cobblestone levee at 50 S. Leonor K Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO. If rising Mississippi River levels prevents parking on the levee, please park at our preferred parking destination at Stadium East Parking Garage. Please allow yourself and your party enough time to get to the riverboat dock when parking at either location.
12:00PM | Eat Lunch at the Paddlewheel Cafe
Grab a bite to eat and a dockside beverage at St. Louis’ only waterfront dining destination, the Paddlewheel Café! From made-to-order burgers to fresh salads, there is something for everyone in your party to enjoy.
1:30PM | Catch Views on a St. Louis Riverfront Cruise
Witness some of the best views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis on a one-hour riverboat tour. Relive the days when steamboats ruled the Mississippi River and take a few historical facts home from our captain or a National Park Service Ranger.
3:00PM | Take in the Sights on Land
Move along the St. Louis Riverfront to take in the sights of the Gateway Arch National Park, Eads Bridge, and St. Louis skyline. Take extra time to explore the park or enjoy a few moments observing the working Mississippi River on our Grand Staircase or ramps.
Looking for More to Do on the St. Louis Riverfront?
Explore our evening dinner cruises, specialty cruises, helicopter tours and more to extend your day with the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch and the national park!
Day 3 — Visit the Old Courthouse
For your last day, take a step back in history with the exhibits and remodeled courtrooms of the Old Courthouse. This free experience will take you through some of the building’s most influential court cases, African American history in St. Louis, and a deeper look at the U.S. judicial system in the mid-1800s.
11:30AM | Park Your Vehicle
Preferred parking is available at the Stadium East Parking Garage, located only one block from the entrance to the Old Courthouse.
11:45AM | Enter the Old Courthouse
Move through the historic doors of the Old Courthouse and take in its detailed Federal-style architecture. From its eye-catching rotunda to its redesigned courtrooms, there is plenty for all to see on both levels of the building.
12:00PM | Explore the Exhibits
The Old Courthouse has four exhibit galleries featuring the Dred & Harriet Scott Case, African American life in St. Louis, the architectural significance of the Old Courthouse, and the importance of the U.S. judicial system on the first floor. Additional exhibits are located on the second floor which is accessible via stairs or elevator.
2:00PM | Participate in a Jr Ranger Program
Uncover the mysteries of the courtroom with the Old Courthouse Jr. Ranger program! Learn from National Park Service Rangers as you gain valuable insights into the legal system.
Ready to Plan Your Visit?
No matter how much time you have to spend — there is something exciting for all to enjoy in Gateway Arch National Park and along the St. Louis Riverfront. Ready to see the sights above and experience all that lies below?
Looking for More Experiences Below
Skyline Dinner Cruise
Watch the sun set, the city lights turn on, and get a new view of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis on a skyline dinner cruise.
Buy Tickets
Specialty Cruises
Make plans to experience one of our specialty cruises featuring Sunday brunch, history tours, or live music and dancing aboard our riverboats.
View all Cruises
Gateway Helicopter Tours
Take to the sky for a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of St. Louis and the Gateway Arch.
Helicopter Tours