"Saint Louis- Missouri" Saint Louis by Hosell

Saint Louis Travel Guide: 1,095 reviews and 1,866 photos

St. Louis Gateway Arch

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park was established on the banks of the Mississippi River, on December 21, 1935, to commemorate the westward growth of the United States between 1803 and 1890. Cost for the $30 million national monument was shared by the federal government and the City of St. Louis.

The park features the Gateway Arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen who won the design competition in 1947. The stainless steel structure rises 630 feet high from a 60-foot foundation and spans 630 feet at ground level. Its classic weighted catenary curve sways 1/2" - 1" in 20 mph wind. Construction on the nation's tallest memorial began in 1961 with the "topping out" in 1965 and dedication in 1966.

The floor plan of the Underground Visitor Center follows a circular pattern with galleries depicting a 100-year span of westward expansion and the Tucker Theatre. Additional attractions include two passenger trams to the observation room at the top and the Museum of Westward Expansion.

Visitors to the Gateway Arch can step back in time and savor the past at Levee Mercantile. The 1870s style riverfront general store is located in the Visitor Center beneath the Arch. Many food products selected for Levee Mercantile feature Missouri artisans who use traditional recipes and time-honored production methods.

Riverboats at Mississippi River

Join Gateway Arch Riverboats for one of its spectacular Mississippi River sightseeing cruises. Narrated by seasoned riverboat captains, these scenic cruises recapture the vibrant life upon the river at the peak of the steamboat era. Historic ports of call along the Mississippi's banks, lively river characters from Mark Twain to Louis Armstrong and famous river tales are all brought to life in the course of a delightful, hour-long journey up the river and back through time. Don't miss out on downtown St. Louis' most unique entertainment !!!.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful city!
Cons:Nothing!

Last visit to Saint Louis: Jul 2003
Intro Updated Sep 1, 2005
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Reviews (20)

The only home of throwed rolls! - Saint Louis

The only home of throwed rolls! Restaurants (1)

People who visit Lambert's Cafe for the first time are invariably amazed at the generous portions served on each order.... more travel advice

On the way to top of the Arch - Saint Louis

On the way to top of the Arch Things to Do (19)

Here we are my friends and me,on the very small lift that taked us to top of the Arch. It spent about 3 minutes to reach... more travel advice

Main entrance at Bass Pro. - Saint Louis

Main entrance at Bass Pro. Things to Do (19)

This is a picture taken at main entrance at Bass Pro.My friends and me during our visit to Springfield.If you like... more travel advice

Bass Pro Things to Do (19)

Also in Springfield,another good idea is visit this megastore Bass Pro.Has everything for Fishing,Hunting and Outdoor... more travel advice

Comments (15)

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850prc Feb 11, 2006 at 5:56 AM

I lived in St Louis MANY years ago. Haven't visited since about 1981. Glad to see that beers are still free at Grant's Farm. Did you visit the zoo? Very nice page, Manuel.
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deecat Feb 17, 2005 at 5:01 AM

Great overview, Manuel, of a wonderful historic Midwestern city. Your photographs are just excellent. So glad that you enjoyed Saint Louis as much as I do.
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Arenas Feb 16, 2005 at 8:57 AM

Estupenda pagina y fotos!!
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misterrabbit Jun 4, 2004 at 1:39 PM

Manuel, deecat told me to visit your pages. (I went on the trip to Missouri with her.). Excellent job. Thorough & informative. You have nice photographs. I don't have work on VT, but I love to look at other people's pages. (no scanner/digital).
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arasnosliw May 12, 2004 at 5:46 PM

great stl pages.. you should also mention that crazies flock to the Arch in attempts to climb up it with suction cups or land on top with a parachute!
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MATIM Mar 23, 2004 at 10:43 AM

look out a bear behind you!!!
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herzog63 Dec 28, 2003 at 3:01 PM

Those Caverns sound like fun to explore! I hope to visit the Arch someday!
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morgane1692 Nov 6, 2003 at 3:59 PM

the Arch is sooo much greater when you're standing in front of it, kind of like the Eiffel Tower! But that museum of the Westward Pioneer Movement underground here, that was soooo my favorite part of the whole visit.
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sim1 Oct 17, 2003 at 9:28 AM

Great page Manuel! Wow, the Gateway Arch looks fantastic, and the views from up there are great! Cool that you can up the Arch, hahaha, but I think I would feel scared though going up so high :-))
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lirk Oct 13, 2003 at 10:27 AM

Veo q lo pasastes bien en San Luis,estupendas fotos sobre todo las del Arco!!