The Gateway Arch is an experience enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Recent improvements have expanded access to even more of our attractions. With the exception of the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the second and third decks of the riverboats, and the upper floors of the Old Courthouse, most facilities at the Gateway Arch are wheelchair accessible. See below for specific directions to our various attractions.
Tram Ride to the Top: The Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch is not fully accessible for guests with mobility impairments, as no wheelchairs, scooters or strollers are permitted on the Observation Deck. To reach the top and return, you must be able to manage at least 96 steps, divided into six flights, and you may need to stand for 30–60 minutes. No seating or restrooms are located at the top of the Arch.
New Museum at the Gateway Arch: The new Museum at the Gateway Arch was designed to prioritize universal design throughout the galleries to accommodate people of many different abilities and to make the experience better for everyone. Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size or ability. The museum features hands-on, touchable exhibits; large print text cards; front access for wheelchairs; interactive computer simulations; and much more.
Gateway Arch National Park Grounds: Motor vehicles are prohibited but electric-powered mobility assistance devices (e.g. electric scooters, wheelchairs, and Segways) for transporting persons with disabilities are permitted on park roadways and walkways. See here for more information.
Guests may borrow a wheelchair by leaving a valid form of identification with a National Park Service ranger at the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch or Old Courthouse.
Parking for the Gateway Arch: Preferred parking at a discounted rate ($9 for first five hours) is available at the Stadium East Garage.
- Location: 200 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102
- Pre-purchase parking with no validation required: iparkit.com/TheArch If parking is not pre-purchased, validation is required by scanning/stamping your parking ticket at one of two validators located inside the Visitor Center at Gateway Arch National Park. Validators are located in the West Entrance lobby just outside the restrooms and on Level 3 next to the Explore St. Louis Information Desk.
- Important note: Pre-purchasing parking is HIGHLY recommended on St. Louis Cardinal game days. If parking is not pre-purchased, event day parking rates will apply and parking tickets cannot be validated.
Additional parking locations in downtown St. Louis, visit explorestlouis.com/travel-tools/get-around-st-louis/downtown-parking/
Parking for the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are located on the Mississippi River accessible from the cobblestone levee at 50 S. Leonor K Sullivan Blvd. (St. Louis, MO 63102). Riverfront parking is available for a cash fee and is not operated by the Gateway Arch or Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. To access the riverfront parking, take Chouteau Ave. east to Leonor K Sullivan Blvd. north. For maps and directions, go to gatewayarch.com/riverboatdirections. DO NOT USE GPS NAVIGATION due to recent street closures along and near the riverfront. Note: Parking availability is subject to weather and river conditions. For current parking updates, please visit gatewayarch.com/riverboatdirections prior to your visit.
Hearing-impaired visitors may request assisted listening and captioning devices for the documentary movie and the museum from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
Sight-impaired visitors may request audio description devices for the documentary movie from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
Service animals (as defined by the US Department of Justice) are permitted at the Gateway Arch and the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.
Strollers are permitted everywhere except in the Arch trams and the Observation Deck at the top of the Gateway Arch. You may park strollers at the tram ride loading zones located below the Gateway Arch before taking your Tram Ride to the Top. Many families park strollers there, so you may want to label yours with your name and address.
Visiting the Riverboats from the Arch grounds: New, sloping pathways now lead from the Arch grounds down to the riverfront. If driving by car, parking is available for a cash fee on the levee at 50 South Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63102.*
Visiting the Arch from the Riverboats: Enter the Arch grounds from the riverfront via the Grand Staircase. For wheelchair access, use the ramps from the riverfront to the Arch grounds. Another park entrance is available at the north via Laclede’s Landing, the 1st and 2nd Street entrances to the park are also wheelchair accessible.*
Visiting the Arch from downtown St. Louis: All walking paths onto the Arch grounds from the City are open. See our Pedestrian Map for details.*
*Visitors entering the monument must use the west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs have become exits only.
**NOTE ABOUT RIVERFRONT ACCESS: Due the slope of the levee, the paved pathways on the cobblestones leading to the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are not ADA compliant.
For additional information or assistance, please email [email protected] or contact our Call Center at 877-982-1410.
To learn more about accessibility at the Arch grounds, visit the Gateway Arch National Park website.