Gateway Arch National Park is a great destination for a national park vacation. The park was created to honor the vision of President Theodore Roosevelt. As a result, there are several interpretive paths and tourist information points that will help visitors understand the history of this area. Travelers can hike on the trails, or drive along the railroad that was built to help passengers travel between two cities.
The Gateway Arch National Park has a lot to offer to travelers who want to take a break and unwind. There is no camping or staying at the hotels. All of the attractions are located right at the park itself, where visitors can relax by the river, listen to the sounds of nature, or go down into the trench where the historic train came from. One attraction that many do not realize is that the park is connected to the St. Louis’ downtown with the Gateway Arch visitor center, which offers information about the history of the area. Some of these sites are free to visit, while others require a fee.
Among the most popular attractions of the Gateway Arch National Park is the Lincoln Memorial. Built as a commemoration to the six-year-old President Abraham Lincoln, the memorial is located on the Southern edge of the park. It honors all four Presidents whose names are on the building. The park features a interpretive garden where visitors can learn more about the history of the area. On a hot summer day, the gardens are alive with the splendor and magnificence of the surrounding landscape. It can be a pleasant place to spend a few hours, especially if you enjoy flowers.
The Lincoln Memorial is located on the grounds of the former St. Louis Underground Railroad Station. The massive structure is made out of mostly cast iron. The interior of the station is lined with benches that once served as beds for laborers to rest during the construction of the underground railroad. The underground train station is open to the public for tours on a regular basis, and there are also museums in the area that offer special displays about the civil war and the civil rights movement.
In addition to the Lincoln Memorial, the Gateway Arch National Park has a replica of the Missouri bridge that facilitated the north-to-the-Missouri route of the Union Pacific railroad. The museum also features a replica of a nineteenth century stagecoach that is the same model as was used by actors during the late evening and night tours of the park. There is also a United States Civil War Museum complete with a reconstruction of what the soldiers would have camped outside of the city of St. Louis.
Other highlights of the Gateway Arch National Park are the Gateway Arch pedestrian tunnel and the Louis IV bridge. The tramway runs from the Science and Environmental Science Museum to the Arch, which is elevated above the park at an approximate elevation of fifteen hundred feet. It can accommodate up to two hundred and forty people, but is often packed even on weekdays. The tour of the park is free and can be reached by the metropolitan light rail system.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Here is an overview of the weather conditions you can expect at different times of the year:
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures during this season can range from 40°F (4°C) to 75°F (24°C). Spring can be rainy, so visitors should bring rain gear and be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
- Summer (June to August): This is the hottest time of year, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) or higher during the day. Humidity can be high, so visitors should dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.
- Fall (September to November): Temperatures start to cool down during the fall, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 75°F (24°C). Nights can be chilly, so visitors should bring a jacket or sweater.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is the coldest time of year, with temperatures ranging from 20°F (-7°C) to 40°F (4°C). Snow is possible, but typically not heavy.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit to Gateway Arch National Park and dress appropriately for the season.