Description
The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government within the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages all national parks, most national monuments, and other natural, historical, and recreational properties with various title designations.[3] The U.S. Congress created the agency on August 25, 1916, through the National Park Service Organic Act.[4]
The Gateway Arch National Park was initially designated the “Jefferson National Expansion Memorial” (a national memorial) by executive order on December 21, 1935. The Gateway Arch was completed on October 28, 1965 and the area surrounding it was redesignated as the “Gateway Arch National Park” (a national park) in 2018. The park is maintained by the National Park Service. At 91 acres, it is the smallest national park in the United States, however the Arch itself is the tallest structure in Missouri and taller than the Washington Monument and Statue of Liberty. The Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century.
Join us at Gateway Arch National Park as National Park Service staff provide a look back at the history of this federal agency and how our own Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse fit into the story. We will have a number of park rangers on staff to answer questions. Gateway Arch National Park, 11 N 4th St #1810, St. Louis, MO 63102
Where to Park?
Though Gateway Arch National Park does not operate any parking facilities within our boundaries, we have a Preferred Parking Program at nearby Stadium East Parking Garage. It is $9 for 5 hours. Pre-purchasing parking at iparkit.com/TheArch is highly recommended, especially on Cardinals game days or days when other large events are happening. If parking is not pre-purchased on event days, the special $9 rate will not be recognized and event day parking rates will apply. Some spots at Stadium East Parking Garage are accessible.
Use Explore St. Louis’s map of downtown parking facilities to find additional parking garages downtown. It is a considerable walk from all parking points to the Arch, so please plan travel time accordingly.
Parking along the levee by the riverboats may be available depending on current water level. Parking along the levee requires a cash fee and is not operated by Gateway Arch National Park or its partners.
Drop-offs For Bus Tours, Field Trips, and People with Mobility Issues:
Passenger vehicle drop-off/pick-up spaces are available on 4th Street across from the Old Courthouse and on Memorial Drive alongside the Old Cathedral Parking lot. Loading/unloading zones appropriate for both buses and passenger vehicles are available on Chestnut Street between Luther Ely Smith Square and the Hyatt hotel, and on Market Street between Luther Ely Smith Square and Gateway Tower. Parking is not allowed at any of these drop-off locations – the driver must remain with their idling vehicle and must move as soon as dropoff or pickup is completed.
For bus parking locations, email [email protected] or call (877) 982-1410.