I had high hopes, but in the end didn’t have time to visit the Gateway Arch on my most recent visit to St. Louis.

I drove near it, and had a magnificent view of it from Illinois as I drove across the bridge to get back to the airport. I was not able to get any pictures of it. They should really have a turnoff with a view area for motorists to get a good look at the arch and the city.

Oh well, the next time I’m in St. Louis I’m going to give it another try the next time that I’m in the area, and by golly, I’m going to make it. I’m also going to hook up with MamaKitty while I’m there too.

I’ve seen it from the air as I’ve flown into St. Louis to make connections to elsewhere.

I saw it a few years ago from the ground as I drove from Lambert Field to a town in Illinois.

Unfortunately I’ve never actually been to it. I would love a chance to see it, up close and personal.

Big Announcement:

R8 will be returning to Illinois for a meeting sometime next week. The plan is to fly into Lambert Field and drive to O’Fallon, IL.

I may have some slack time in there somewhere. If the stars align themselves correctly, and I can talk my traveling companions into it, I might be able to visit the Gateway Arch.

That elevator thingy will bring out the claustrophobia in you. I hated the ride up and never wanted to go down, but the view was kewl as was the display at the base.

Bring a water bottle- there’s no A.C. on the way up.

I am not easily impressed by manmade buildings and monuments, but this was really beautiful, and I got some great photos of the Arch. The little pods you ride in to the top are interesting in themselves, but there are also things to do at the base, such as a film about how the Arch was built, and a museum about the westward expansion. I love St. Louis!! Do go to the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens while you are there!! This is one of my favorite U.S. cities!!

If you go up to the top of the arch at sunset, you can possibly stay long enough to see the city by day and by night, esp. if you are alone or with just one other person. Larger groups will have to keep moving to make room for others because there is not a lot of room in the observation area.

Some of my friends when we were younger honestly thought you had to climb up the arch to get the the top. Needless to say, we still make fun of them for that one.

I would have never noticed unless a little girl pointed out to her dad: “Look at the shadow!”

I am from the east coast and my boyfriend lives right near St. Louis (in Illinois)..and I really wanted to go see the arch!
he said we could go up..I never knew that. So anyway. i went in October of 2005.
I almost backed out when I saw the little trams you take up. My b/f got a little aggravated with me, because we stood in line for over an hour. So..if you are scared of being cramped in a small place with strangers or scared of heights..dont go on this trip. But if you dont mind..take the trip up.

The ride down was better than the ride up. It was much faster. Nice view..a little small up there, but it was a neat experience.
Oh..last time I was in St. Louis (in July) people were stuck in the arch for hours…so beware of power failures.. eek! I think I would have DIED being stuck in those trams!!

If you are planning to go to the top of the Arch make sure you book reservations in advance because the wait times for a tram ride to the top can be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours!