Welcome to Gateway Arch National Park
The National Park Museum has received a massive update and expansion since our last visit
The entrance to the museum
The museum is divided into sections. This section focuses on the design of the arch
A model showing how the elevator works
Here is a model of the tulip style seats that the cabins of the elevator use
This section covers 1838-1860 or the Riverfront Era
There is a big display on riverboats
Here is what the riverfront looked like back then
This section covers 1804 - 1840 or Jefferson's Vision
Statue of Thomas Jefferson
A very large teepee is on display
This section covers 1764 - 1804 or the Colonial St. Louis
There is a cabin on display here
Pelt trading was big during this time
This section covers the Manifest Destiny
Full-sized stagecoach on display
There is also a tribute to Native Americans
This section focuses on 1860 - 1930 or New Frontiers
The big focus here is manufacturing
In the Arch Lobby there is a museum store and models of the arch. This model shows the visitor viewing area at the top of the arch
A huge wall mural of prominent figures that helped lead to the building and construction of the arch. Behind the wall is a theatre that shows a documentary on the arch
Before deciding if you actually want to go to the top. There is a full scale mockup of the top that you can try out. The real beacon on top of the arch is the same size as the one on display here
Time to take our ride to the top
The capsules are quite snug.
Looking out into the insides of the arch and the emergency staircase
Welcome to the top
The windows aren't very big, but they offer a great view
Illinois
The shadow of the arch on the Mississippi River
One last look at Illinois
Downtown St. Louis, Missouri
There's the new entrance to the Arch
For those wondering what it looks like at the Top during the current "situation"
It is 630' tall at the very center of the top of the Arch
The exit is the old entrances to the Arch.
The Gateway Arch National Park is a great place to visit