Discover St. Louis: What Else is Hidden in Missouri?

Introduction to the Gateway Arch: Missouri’s Pride

When you think of Missouri, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it the bustling city life, the rich history, or the enchanting natural beauty? For most, it’s the iconic Gateway Arch. This blog post will guide you through the splendour of this top tourist destination while filling you in on notable features, practical information, and trivia about the Arch. But we don’t stop there.

We will also capture the allure of Missouri’s cultural heritage, exploring beyond the Gateway Arch. By the end of this post, you’ll be savvy about architectural genius, historical landmarks, flavor-packed food scenes, epic landscapes, and captivating underground adventures that form the heart of the Show Me State.

Ever wondered what makes the Gateway Arch the symbol of Missouri? Or curious to uncover hidden gems for your next Missouri visit? Let us embark on this written journey to answer these questions and unfold much more!

The Top Tourist Destination in Missouri: The Gateway Arch

About the Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is often regarded as the number one tourist destination in Missouri. The arch, shimmering in stainless steel and towering over the city skyline, is not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of westward expansion in American history.

Key Features

The Ride to the Top

Visitors to the Arch can experience a unique journey to the top, 630 feet above ground level, in a specially designed tram system. The view from the top oversees not just St. Louis, but extends up to 30 miles to the east and west on a clear day.

The Museum at the Gateway Arch

Located below the Arch, The Museum at the Gateway Arch, takes the visitors on a historical journey with its six themed exhibits. Each exhibit offers knowledge about different periods in American history, with special attention given to St. Louis’ role in westward expansion.

Gateway Arch National Park

Surrounding the Arch is the 91-acre Gateway Arch National Park with its lush green spaces, perfect for a tranquil getaway amidst urban hustle and bustle.

Practical Information

Operating Hours and Tickets

The Gateway Arch is open for visitors throughout the year, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, with varying operating hours depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on site, subject to availability.

Location and Accessibility

Centrally located, the Arch is easily accessible from various parts of the city, with extensive parking facilities. Measures have been taken to ensure the venue is accessible for people with disabilities.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unquestionably, the allure of the Gateway Arch extends beyond its design. It encapsulates symbolic importance, historical relevance, and remarkable visitor experiences, hence making it Missouri’s must-visit destination.

A Few Quick Highlights

• The tallest man-made monument in the United States
• High-tech visitor centers with interactive exhibits
• Panoramic views spanning up to 30 miles around
• Centrally located and easily accessible
• Inclusive and accessible to all visitors

Delving Deeper into Missouri’s Iconic Landmark: The Gateway Arch

Arch Design and Construction

Concept and Design

The Gateway Arch represents an architectural genius, a conception of Eero Saarinen who won the design competition in 1947. He designed this structure as a simple yet elegant representation of a weighted catenary, the idealized shape of a chain hanging freely between two supports.

Construction Challenges

The construction of the Gateway Arch was a formidable task undertaken between 1963 and 1965. Due to the unique shape of the arch, sections had to be elevated and inserted one at a time, presenting construction challenges that were unprecedented at that time.

Attractions Around the Gateway Arch

The St. Louis Riverfront

Adjacent to the Gateway Arch is the revitalized St. Louis Riverfront, offering a variety of recreational activities. Here, visitors can enjoy paddlewheel riverboat cruises, explore the historic Eads Bridge, or walk along the miles-long scenic Riverfront Trail.

Old Courthouse

A part of the Gateway Arch National Park, the Old Courthouse is a significant historical site where major cases, including the Dred Scott case for freedom, were heard that shaped the course of American history.

Experiencing the Arch: Tips and Suggestions

Best Time to Visit

While the Gateway Arch is welcoming throughout the year, the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon on weekdays, when the crowds are less and views from the top are just as spectacular.

Unique Events

The Gateway Arch frequently hosts a range of exciting events and activities. These include Ranger-led tours, stargazing programs, outdoor concerts in the summer, and many others.

The Gateway Arch: A Sound Bite of Its Legacy

The Gateway Arch isn’t just the most famous thing in Missouri, it’s truly a nostalgia-laden tribute to the American spirit of pioneering and exploration. All its facets, from the engineering feat to the compelling museum, promise to engage, educate, and inspire visitors.

Noteworthy Gateway Arch Facts

• Stands at 630 feet, the same both tall and wide
• Constructed with 900 tons of stainless steel
• The distance between its legs at ground level is 630 feet
• On a windy day, the Arch can sway up to 18 inches, but visitors won’t notice the movement
• Has withstood numerous earthquakes and continues to be a symbol of structural resilience

Missouri’s Cultural Heritage: Tourism Beyond the Gateway Arch

Missouri Historical and Cultural Districts

Historic Downtown St. Louis

Beyond the Gateway Arch, the historic downtown of St. Louis is also a major tourist draw. The area is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Tourists can explore an assortment of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and music venues.

Kansas City’s Jazz District

Traveling beyond St. Louis, Kansas City’s famous Jazz District offers a cultural immersion into the golden age of jazz. This area is home to historic jazz clubs, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the American Jazz Museum.

Natural Wonders of Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks

Tourists seeking outdoor experiences can visit the Lake of the Ozarks. Known for its large reservoir, this area offers recreational boating, fishing, and an array of outdoor activities, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the U.S, boasting a diverse collection of plants from different ecosystems. It’s a green oasis that attracts botany enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

Missouri’s Food and Wine Scene

Culinary Delights

In addition to cultural and natural attractions, Missouri’s food scene is a major draw for tourists. Staples like St. Louis-style BBQ and toasted ravioli, Kansas City’s renowned steaks, and mouthwatering regional desserts provide an authentic taste of Missouri.

Vineyards and Wineries

Missouri’s vineyards and wineries are gaining international acclaim for their various offerings. The state’s wine country is scenic and accessible, providing a great option for tourists interested in wine tourism.

Missouri’s Tourism: The Bigger Picture

The State of Missouri provides a rich blend of experiences for tourists. From the iconic Gateway Arch, cultural and historical landmarks, natural wonders, to culinary delights and wine tours, Missouri delivers in spades.

Missouri’s Fascinating Bits and Pieces

• Missouri is known as the “Show Me State”
• Home to the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch, in St. Louis
• Kansas City has more fountains than any city in the world, except Rome
• Independence, Missouri is the birthplace of President Harry S. Truman
• The University of Missouri was the first public university west of the Mississippi River

Unveiling More Gems in Missouri: Touring Beyond the Gateway Arch

Underground Adventures: Missouri’s Caves

Meramec Caverns

In the heart of Route 66, lies a jaw-dropping labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites known as Meramec Caverns. This ancient formation offers a peek into the subterranean beauty of Missouri and serves as the hideout of the infamous outlaw Jesse James.

Fantastic Caverns

Located near Springfield, Fantastic Caverns is America’s only ride-through cave. The formation, preserved to retain its natural allure, is toured in a tram, making it a unique experience for all age groups.

The Magic World of Branson

Live Shows and Concerts

The town of Branson is popularly known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World”. The city centers around entertainment and is known for hosting a wide variety of live shows and concerts throughout the year.

Silver Dollar City

At the heart of Branson lies Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park. With exciting rides and attractions, live shows, unique craft demonstrations, and delectable food, it offers a wholesome family experience.

Historic Trails and Battlefields

Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails

Immerse in American history by trekking along the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. These historic routes narrate the tale of the pioneers who travelled arduous journeys towards the Western frontier.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

This significant Civil War site near Springfield preserves and interprets the setting of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Visit the site to track pivotal moments in history in the very place they happened.

Discovering the Unique Culture

African American Heritage Trail

Traverse the African American Heritage Trail in Kansas City to pay homage to a series of ground-breaking individuals and monumental events that reshaped the trajectory of America’s civil rights history.

The Glore Psychiatric Museum

One of the most unusual museums in the U.S, the Glore Psychiatric Museum, chronicles the history of mental health treatment. With its artifacts and replicas, it offers a unique, educational, and compelling visit.

Fascinating Facts to Impress Your Travel Companions

• Mark Twain, famous for his works like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, was born in Florida, Missouri
• Missouri is the birthplace of iced tea and the ice cream cone, both dating back to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis
• Kansas City’s barbeque has a unique style, involving a wide variety of meats and a distinct type of barbecue sauce
• Missouri, nicknamed the “Cave State”, is home to more than 6,000 caves
• Missouri houses the tallest habitable residential building in the Midwest, the 42-story One Kansas City Place.

In Conclusion

Missouri, often known as the “Show Me State”, unquestionably has plenty to show. From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the tallest man-made monument in the United States, to the intriguing and diverse experiences offered beyond it, this state captivates every traveler. Missouri’s rich heritage is encapsulated in its historical and cultural districts, from the Downtown of St. Louis to Kansas City’s famous Jazz District, and further passion and vibrancy are seen in it’s mouthwatering food and famous vineyards.

Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Missouri also teems with underground adventures at caves like Meramec Caverns, musical experiences in Branson, and historical trails that date back to the westward expansion era. So whether you’re a history buff, adventure enthusiast, or a food connoisseur, Missouri offers unforgettable experiences for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to enjoy not just the famous Gateway Arch but also the numerous undervalued gems awaiting your discovery.