Gateway Arch National Park

Is Gateway Arch National Park, really a national park? This is one of the most common (and contested) questions related to this park that was designated a national park in 2018. It’s the smallest in the national park system, and most people (including me) feel that a national monument designation is more appropriate. But what do I know?

Regardless, the significance and history of this place is pretty interesting. The arch was built to commemorate America’s westward expansion, and the park also includes the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case was heard. Similar to Cuyahoga, this was a park I thought would be difficult for me to get to, as I really had no reason to visit St. Louis other than go to this park, which took less than an hour to explore. However, I did catch a break as I had to only do a short detour on a drive to Colorado to visit this park.

Unfortunately, it was the middle of summer, and St. Louis is very hot and humid. My dog Sally was making the trip out west with me, and with nowhere cool and safe to leave her, my visit was restricted to all of the outdoor parts of the park. I couldn’t visit the top of the arch or the museum, but I bet they are worth going to!