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Although most people ask about the largest national parks in the country, today we’d like to share about the smallest national park in the U.S. Gateway Arch National Park covers less than 91 acres. Compare this to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is the country’s largest national park, spreading over 13 million acres in Alaska. While Alaska’s treasure is mostly remote wilderness, Gateway Arch National Park sits central to downtown St. Louis. It’s undoubtedly a unique national park. So, is it worth a visit? We’ll let you decide. Let’s dive in and learn more!
Hot Tip: Be sure to check out Your Ultimate Guide to Lake Louise Camping before visiting Lake Louise on your Missouri road trip!
Where Is Gateway Arch National Park?
Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the U.S. at about 91 acres. Located in downtown St. Louis, this park symbolizes the westward expansion under President Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s. The park sits on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, a natural border between Missouri and Illinois. Gateway Arch National Park includes a museum under the arch, the arch, and the Old Courthouse.
When Did Gateway Arch National Park Become A National Park?
Once called the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Gateway Arch National Park was redesignated a national park in 2018 under President Trump. Missouri Senators introduced legislation for the redesignation, and even though there was controversy over this decision, the change was made.
Many officials believe the park should be named a national monument – like the Statue of Liberty National Monument – because it doesn’t provide many recreational opportunities and doesn’t protect significant landscapes.
Plus, most national parks cover thousands of acres. It’s even less than 2% the size of the next smallest national park, Hot Springs National Park. Some people believe the redesignation was made only to increase tourism.
What’s So Special About Gateway Arch National Park?
So why is this an area of preservation? Gateway Arch National Park is a site of historical significance. President Thomas Jefferson ushered the U.S. into a new era after completing the Louisiana Purchase and sending Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark on an expedition across the country.
The men began and ended their journey in St. Louis. The arch signifies this “gateway” to the West while honoring President Jefferson and these explorers. The arch stands 630 feet tall and spans 630 feet from leg to leg at ground level. Its construction began on February 12, 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965.
However, Gateway Arch National Park also preserves another significant piece of history. On April 6th, 1846, Dred Scott and his enslaved wife, Harriet, filed a lawsuit seeking their freedom from their owner. Their case was heard in St. Louis’ Old Courthouse. In 1857, the trial reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that African Americans were not entitled to citizenship.
The Old Courthouse is part of Gateway Arch National Park. Even though Dred Scott and his wife didn’t find the freedom they longed for at the time, this trial led to the Civil War and freedom from enslavement for all African Americans.
3 Most Popular Attractions In Gateway Arch National Park
Usually, we would suggest visiting the Old Courthouse and walking through the exhibits that detail this critical trial in our country’s history. Due to the park’s size, there isn’t a lot to do at Gateway Arch National Park. In 2021, the Old Courthouse began renovations, and it has been closed since. They are currently eyeing a spring or summer 2025 reopening. Plans for a grand re-opening ceremony will be shared here as they become available.
1. Take the Tram Ride To the Top
Head up to the top of the 630-foot arch via a unique tram ride that feels more like a space capsule than an elevator. Tickets can purchased online. Prices range from $15-19 for adults and $11-15 for children ages 3-15.
The entire experience is less than an hour; from the pre-boarding video to the top of the arch to your return to the ground. It’s a spectacular view of St. Louis from the top of this engineering marvel.
2. Explore the Museum
Underneath the arch is the park’s museum. It’s free to guests and features a timeline of exhibits encompassing over 200 years of history. You can also learn about the inspiration behind and engineering of the Gateway Arch. Plan to spend about two hours exploring the museum as there’s a lot of information to discover.
3. Watch the Monument To the Dream Film
The Monument To the Dream film is another ticketed attraction at Gateway Arch National Park. This film is presented in the museum underneath the arch and explains the roles of the monument’s engineers, architects, and builders.
It’s about 35 minutes and is ideal for family members who don’t want to ride the tram to the top of the arch. Adult tickets are $7, and child tickets are $3.
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After you’ve enjoyed your time by the reflecting ponds, stroll through the Explorer’s Garden afterwards. There, you’ll find plants that Native Americans used during Lewis and Clark’s expedition and their notes detailing their travels; including the things they had learned from Native Americans.
Relax, enjoy nature, and take a tech break at the reflecting pools and garden at Gateway Arch National Park. Don’t miss out on this peaceful experience in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Lay out a blanket, set up a folding chair, or rest on a park bench.
Best Places For Camping Near Gateway Arch National Park
About 30 minutes from Gateway Arch National Park is Sundermeier RV Park in St. Charles, Missouri. This campground features back-in and pull-through sites from $57-62 per night. Good Sam members receive a 10% discount. Weekly stays get the seventh night free. Sites are full hookups, and guests can access bathhouses, laundry, and a general store.
If you prefer a city park, check out 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters, Missouri. Situated on a 140-acre lake inside a 500-acre park, this campground offers beautiful scenery just 35 minutes from downtown St. Louis. There are 75 full hook-up sites, a dog park, bathhouses, and a clubhouse.
The nearest KOA is on the Illinois side, about 22 minutes from Gateway Arch National Park. Amenities include a seasonal swimming pool, playground, bark park, jumping pillow, and hardline internet to each pull-through site.
Is Visiting Gateway Arch National Park Worth It?
Gateway Arch National Park is undoubtedly a place to visit at least once. It’s not a bucket list item like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Yellowstone; but it retells a critical piece of our country’s history. Although we think it should be called a “national monument” rather than a “national park,” that doesn’t detract from its significance.
And like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Gateway Arch is an amazing engineering feat. Learning more about its construction is worth it, even if you’re not interested in the history.
Have you ever visited the smallest national park in America?
