Day 1

 

After eating breakfast at the hotel it’s time to start the day at the famous Gateway Arch. The Arch is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is on the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and offers beautiful outdoor scenery with an observation area that overlooks the mighty Mississippi. You can also venture inside to the underground visitors center. The visitor’s center features educational information about St. Louis as well as the westward expansion of the United States and offers a snack bar. A documentary film by Charles Guggenheim is also shown in the Tucker Theatre. The film is shown several times daily and depicts the building of the Arch. The visitor’s center is also where tickets to the top of the Arch are purchased. There are 2 trams that travel to the top of the Arch allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful view from the 630 feet high structure. On a windy day you can even feel the arch swaying in the wind. The Gateway Arch is open 7 days a week, hours vary by season. Prices for the Arch attractions are as follows:

·        Tram Tickets: $10 Adults (16 and up), $7 Youth (13-15), $3 Children (3-12).

·        Movie: $7 Adults (16 and up), $4 Youth (13-15), $2.50 Children (3-12).

·        Tram and Movie: $14 Adults (16 and up), $11 Youth (13-15), $5.50 Children (3-12).

 

 

After visiting the Arch it’s time for lunch at the Arch View Café located on the docking barge of the St. Louis Riverboat. The café has burgers, chicken strips, pizza, fries, and many other yummy selections. 

 

 

After visiting the Arch you can tour the Old Courthouse which is also on the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Admission into the Old Courthouse is free and you can see the sight where the many historical events have taken place such as the Dred Scott Slavery Trial. Also on the grounds of the Memorial is the historic Old Cathedral, which is also known as the Basilica of St. Louis. Admission is also free for the Old Cathedral. 

 

 

Laclede’s Landing has several wonderful restaurants to choose from. One of the best they offer is the St. Louis Fish Market. The Fish Market offers both sushi and regular dining menus. They have steak, lobster, fresh fish, and chicken dishes. Prices are between $5 and $42.