We drove down from Chicago to get a real road trip vibe. Of all the best friend trips we have taken this was our first road trip as adults. Also the drive is not bad at all, I left the city. Picked up Ash in the suburbs and we kept heading south all the way to St. Louis.
We’re staying at the Hilton Pennywell and it was a breath of fresh air. We were just expecting to drop our bags off and head to the Arch. But our room was ready early so we checked in and then we headed up to our king room on the 4th floor. 403, not a good view but nice room overall. King bed, refrigerator and the standard desk and stand alone chair. It also had a standard luggage rack. I have noticed some new modern hotels will have it built into the furniture.
Then we headed down to the Gateway Arch National Park. I learned that it is the smallest of all the National Parks in the United States at 91 acres. Gateway Arch National Park is nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. At its core is the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes the nation’s westward expansion. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Arch was completed in 1965 and remains the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Last time I was there I was a kid … like 12 maybe? And OMG the top is the exact same! Its like a time warp going up there!
The park encompasses the Old Courthouse, where the infamous Dred Scott case was first heard in 1847. This landmark decision denied citizenship to African Americans and intensified national tensions leading up to the Civil War. The courthouse was closed for many years for updates and renovations. The final result is stunning. When you walk in and find yourself under the dome stop and look UP ⬆️ it’s a gorgeous part of our American culture.
Beneath the Arch lies a state-of-the-art museum that delves into over 200 years of American history, from the Louisiana Purchase to the civil rights movement. I remember seeing a museum when I visited before but what they have created now it nothing short of magnificent. The interactive exhibits and immersive displays offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s expansion and the diverse cultures that shaped it. Not only that they have put a huge emphasis on what this experience feels like for someone who is blind or other disabilities.
A highlight for many is the Tram Ride to the Top, where visitors ascend to the Arch’s apex for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. What some might not realize is that experience is not engaging for someone with a disability. When they redesigned the museum in 2018 they thought about someone who is disabled and may not be able to see at the top.
Gateway Arch National Park is open year-round, offering a range of experiences for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and families alike. Admission to the museum is free, while tickets for the Tram Ride to the Top can be purchased online or on-site. Given its central location, the park is easily accessible by public transportation, and nearby parking options are available. We parked at the hotel and it was $25 for overnight self parking.
In essence, Gateway Arch National Park encapsulates the American journey—its aspirations, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you’re gazing up at the towering Arch, exploring the depths of the museum, or reflecting on the nation’s past at the Old Courthouse, a visit to this park offers a profound connection to the stories that have shaped the United States.
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