ST. LOUIS - Gateway Arch National Park continues the 10th season if it’s popular Gateway to the Stars series on Saturday, Sept. 7 with Animals of the Park and Saturday, Oct. 5 with Ghosts of the Arch Grounds. Each event is free and open to all ages, and features a twilight, ranger-led interpretive talk followed by telescope viewing of the moon and stars led by the St. Louis Astronomical Society (weather permitting).
Attendees should meet “Sky Ranger" Rich Fefferman at the water feature outside the circular glass west entrance of the Gateway Arch, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse, for both the interpretive talk and stargazing.
The telescope viewing may be cancelled if skies are cloudy. Call 314-655-1708 the afternoon of the event for an update on the weather.
Animals of the Park Stargazing Experience
When: Saturday, Sept. 7; 6:30-10 p.m.
What: The recently transformed Gateway Arch grounds are more than just an oasis from the concrete and steel of the rest of the city. Learn about the surprising variety of animals and wildlife that actually inhabit the area.
Ghosts of the Arch Grounds Stargazing Experience
When: Saturday, Oct. 5; 6:30-10 p.m.
What: On the present-day site of Gateway Arch National Park once stood a French colonial village, a thriving riverfront port and a warehouse district. Learn about the adventures and misadventures of St. Louis’ historical figures such as Percy Green, Thomas Targee, James Eads and Kenneth Swyers, and how they helped shape the history and lore of the area.
Gateway Arch Visitor Reminders
Visitors to the Arch must enter the monument at the new glass west entrance, which faces the Old Courthouse. The Arch legs are exits only. Entrance to the Arch Visitor Center and the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free.
Gateway Arch National Park does not have designated on-site visitor parking. A list of parking locations near the park can be found at http://getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available around the park.
The Tram Ride to the Top of the Arch sells out early and often. Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tram ride tickets in advance at gatewayarch.com/buytickets. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled tram time. For more information, visit nps.gov/jeff or gatewayarch.com, or call 877-982-1410.
ABOUT: The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of Gateway Arch National Park, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, which features the Tram Ride to the Top, the Museum at the Gateway Arch, the documentary film Monument to the Dream, The Arch Store and The Arch Café, is open daily during the winter from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Old Courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 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 gatewayarch.com, call 877-982-1410 or visit the ticket counter in the Arch Visitor Center.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
