Dates we visited: July 6th, 2021
Where we stayed: St. Louis West KOA

Gateway Arch National Park, set along the bank of the Mississippi river in St. Louis, is unique in the National Park system. The park is many things. It is a beautiful green-space in the heart of a city. It is a striking triumph of architecture and engineering. It is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson for opening up the U.S. west to expansion, as well as to Dred Scott, who’s historic court case was heard nearby. And it is also a sprawling museum that documents the history of indigenous people in the area.

Because this park is intertwined with the city, it reminded us a little bit of Hot Springs National Park. After finding a good parking spot nearby, we walked along the Gateway Arch Trail to reach the main arch and museum entrance.

We decided not to ride to the top of the arch on this trip. Kristy and I have each done that ride in the past, and it’s something we would love to come back and do with Owen at a future date.

We spent some time exploring the museum and its numerous interactive exhibits about the history of the region, and the construction of the arch. Kristy and Owen got a bit more time in the museum than I did. That was because I made the mistake of bringing my hiking backpack, along with it’s ever-present bear spray, with us. Turns out bear spray is not allowed inside the Arch or Museum, so I had to make a quick run back to the truck to drop it off.

The Junior Ranger program here is based entirely on activities within the museum, and is geared for kids a bit older than Owen. That said, we were able to work through enough of the booklet for Owen to score another Junior Ranger badge from a friendly and informative Park Ranger.

The focus on history and architecture at Gateway Arch National Park, along with its urban location, makes it distinctive in the National Park system. Owen was a little bummed he didn’t get to ride to the top this time, but that’ll be something to look forward to in the future!