Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse Thanksgiving Holiday Alert
The National Park Service reminds visitors that the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse will be closed Thanksgiving Day, November 26, and will re-open Friday, November 27. The park will operate with extended hours November 27 and 28.
ACTIVITIES AND EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS
At the Arch Visitor Center: The Gateway Arch Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. November 27 and 28. The award-winning documentary, Monument to the Dream, will show every 45 minutes in the Tucker Theater. Visitors can shop for Arch memorabilia, books, clothing and more at the Museum Store and Levee Mercantile, both located in the Arch lobby.
At the Old Courthouse: The Old Courthouse will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. November 27 and 28. At 2:00 p.m. each day, visitors can participate in a 30-minute, scripted Dred Scott mock trial in the Old Courthouse’s restored courtroom, where they will play the roles of the trial participants (judge, bailiff, lawyers and jury members). Ranger talks will be offered in the Old Courthouse exhibit galleries and rotunda. Interactive, hands-on programs will showcase the story of the Plains Indians and westward pioneers. Visitors can explore free exhibits focusing on early St. Louis and Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery expedition, as well as learn how Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom. The Old Courthouse Gift Shop will also be open.
Children can participate in the Junior Ranger program and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Visitors can inquire at the Information Desk in the Old Courthouse about any of these programs.
EVERY KID IN A PARK PASSES
Fourth graders or 10-year-old home schoolers can redeem their Every Kid in a Park voucher at the Old Courthouse or Arch Information Desk. This pass grants free entrance to every national park. Visit www.everykidinapark.gov for more information.
TICKETING REMINDER
Timed tickets are required to enter the Arch facility. Arch “Entry-only” tickets ($3/adults, free/kids ages 3-15) includes entrance to the Arch Visitor Center and the Monument to the Dream movie. Journey to the Top tickets ($10/adults, $5/kids ages 3-15) includes entrance to the Arch Visitor Center, tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, and the Monument to the Dream movie. Tickets can be purchased at the Old Courthouse, online at http://ticketsforthearch.com, or by calling 877-982-1410. Due to the likelihood that tickets will sell out, visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.
Entrance to the Old Courthouse and its museum galleries are free.
PARKING AND ROAD CLOSURES REMINDER
A variety of parking locations are available within walking distance to the Arch and the Old Courthouse. A list of preferred downtown parking locations is available at http://getaroundstl.com/attractions/parking. Metered street parking is available around the Old Courthouse.
Visitors are encouraged to check www.gatewayarch.com/directions for up-to-date information on road detours and construction surrounding the Arch grounds before their visit. The Arch is accessible only by foot via the Walnut Street Bridge located at Memorial Drive and Walnut Street, near the Old Cathedral, and by the Arch Grand Staircase, located on the Mississippi Riverfront.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.gatewayarch.com, www.nps.gov/jeff, or www.facebook.com/gatewayarchNPS; or call 877-982-1410.
ABOUT: The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, which features the Journey to the Top tram ride and the documentary film Monument to the Dream, is open daily during the winter from 9 am to 6 pm. The Old Courthouse, which features westward expansion exhibits, is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Old Courthouse is located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. Most programs are FREE of charge and open to the public. Programs and events at the park are made possible by the generous support from our cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association, and Bi-State Development. To purchase Arch tickets, go online to www.gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410, or visit the Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center at the Old Courthouse. The Arch’s museum is closed for renovations until mid-2017.