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St. Louis, Missouri, is home to one of the most recognizable monuments in the United States of America, The Gateway Arch. This massive 630 foot monument represents the gateway to the west, as it sits along the Mississippi Riverfront. A visit to St. Louis would not be complete without a stop at this awesome riverfront attraction. Museums, films, and sights from the top of the arch can educate you, as well as entertain you while you visit the Gateway Arch Riverfront.

The Museum of Westward Mansion lies at the base of this family, friendly attraction. Here you can relive the adventures of the west. From covered wagons to a look at how mountain men lived, this museum focuses on the areas that Lewis and Clark explored. You can take a guided tour of this museum or stroll through the displays at your own pace. Here you can experience the life of an American Indian, as well as 19th Century Pioneers.

The film "Monument to the Dream" shows continually throughout the day, and provides a unique perspective of this highly recognizable monument. The film travels through the process of dreaming of a monument to completion day in 1965. Another theater is home to a changing exhibit. The films featured in this theater focus on life during the time period of the Westward Expansion and how the West was created.

For those that desire a more panoramic view of St. Louis, a tram ride to the top awaits you. At the base of the monument, you can board a four minute tram ride to the top. Each tram car seats up to five people, and sets of two cars leave the base and top every ten minutes. With a total of eight cars traveling between the top and bottom, the line here can become lengthy. To avoid a long wait, for a worthwhile journey, visit before 10:00 a.m, and not on a holiday week-end. With more than one million visitors each year, it is of the utmost importance that you familiarize yourself with the grounds before you visit. By going online and visiting the state of Missouri website, you can become extremely knowledgeable about The Gateway Arch rather quickly.

Parking can be quite tricky during busy times, again if you arrive early in the day, you should not have a problem finding a parking spot in the Arch parking garage. This busy parking garage does have a fee and can fill up rather quickly, therefore; another reason to arrive first thing in the morning. A dinner reservation on the Gateway Arch Riverboat can be the perfect way to top off your day while visiting the Gateway Arch. On this riverboat cruise you can take in some awesome street scape views of St. Louis, as well as the Gateway Arch.

Depending on the season in which you visit the Gateway Arch, your itinerary may need to be adjusted. Summer can be very hot and humid; as well as very crowded with visitors. The quietest time, in regards to crowds, to visit the Gateway Arch is during the winter season. Whichever time of year you choose to visit, your visit will be a memorable one. What are you waiting for? Now is the time to head to St. Louis and experience the gateway of opportunity that awaits you. You will be glad you took the time to visit one of the top, historical attractions in the United States of America.

Learn more about this author, Sara A Broers.
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