Sky High at The Saint Louis Arch!

Hey all!

Today, we're in Saint Louis, Missouri, preparing to ride the Tram to the top of the Saint Louis Arch! This extraordinary structure represents architectural brilliance and Thomas Jefferson's vision of a nation extending from coast to coast. Known as the Gateway Arch, it stands as the tallest monument in the United States, designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, reaching 63 stories above downtown St. Louis. Since 1965, millions have visited St. Louis to experience the Tram Ride to the Top of this iconic "Gateway to the West." Upon arrival at the arch, visitors first pass through a Museum that showcases everything from the history of innovation in the United States to the history of the Louisiana Purchase. If you'd like to see pictures of some of the exhibits, you'll find them in our photo report below. When you reach the Trams for the St. Louis Arch, you are divided into eight separate groups. You will then watch a Preshow video highlighting historical events that occurred during the arch's construction. I somewhat wish they focused more on the Arch's construction itself, but I understand they aim to appeal to all audiences, including younger guests. We were then directed to the tram pods that would take us up. Each pod accommodates around 5-6 people and has low clearance, so those over six feet may find it a bit cramped. You are then lifted up the arch on this enclosed Ferris wheel-like tram system until you reach the summit. Once at the top, you have ten minutes to walk around and enjoy the view of St. Louis below! While we were there, a Cardinals MLB game was in progress, offering a fantastic bird's-eye view of the game. On the other side, you get a wonderful view of the Mississippi River. After ten minutes, you're led back to your tram pod for the descent. The descent takes 3 minutes, compared to the 4 minutes it takes to ascend. Overall, this is a really cool experience if you have time in St. Louis. Be sure to make a reservation a day or so in advance because they book up fast. Now, check out our photo report below!

St. Louis Arch, Here We Come!

We Have A Reservation To Go Up On The North Tram

We Will Be In Pod 8!

Before We Go Up, We Get A Pre-Show!

We Now Await Our Tram....

The Trams are small. So watch your head!

We Are Now At The Top! Pictured is the Mississippi River.

Below you can see the St. Louis Skyline.

The MLB Cardinals Game Plays Down Below!

Inside the Arch, we are 630 feet up.

The Windows are very small, so you have to lean into them for a good picture.

Tall people, beware!

A Plaque at the Top.

Some of the Facts. Please excuse the Glares!

A Bit More Facts!

We will now work our way down again on the Trams.

Back on Ground Level, You Will enter a Museum Showcasing Everything From American Innovation to The Louisiana Purchase!

OSHA would be proud!

The Machinery in the picture above was used to manufacture Buffalo Hide.

Some Native American Attire

Here Lies an Old Cabin

A Mini Cabin!

Jefferson Doing His Thing....

They sure liked their fur back then!

A Covered Wagon that looks like it may have been on the Oregon Trail... Without the Dysentery..

St. Louis Dry Goods...

An Old Paddlewheel. Who Knows.... It Might Be Reliable Then Some Of Our Transportation Today.... Cough Cough....

A Map of Exploration in the 1800's

Uh... You do you man....

That'll Do it.

Thanks for Reading!

As Always, Keep On Coast'N'