In 2023, Gateway Arch National Park received over two million visitors, according to data gathered by the National Park Service using location-based information from visitors' cellular phones. This method allowed for an accurate estimation of the number of people visiting the park at any given time.
A news release issued on February 29 revealed that since 2019, Gateway Arch National Park has welcomed a total of 7,728,021 visitors. The year with the highest visitor count was 2023, which saw approximately 2,422,836 individuals. In contrast, the year with the lowest visitation within this five-year period was 2020 when only 486,021 visitors were recorded.
"We are pleased to see such strong visitation in 2023," said Jeremy Sweat, Superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park. "The National Park Service is looking forward to continued collaboration with our park partners to create high-quality visitor experiences in 2024 and as we prepare for the reopening of the Old Courthouse in 2025, which will further expand opportunities for park visitors."
Gateway Arch National Park is home to several locations and monuments that attract tourists. These include the Gateway Arch Monument - a towering stainless steel arch standing at 603 feet; the Old Courthouse - a historical site where the first two cases in the Dred Scott v. Sanford legal fight were tried; and The Captain’s Return - a striking sculpture of William Clark, Meriweather Lewis and Seaman the dog. These sites offer varied exploration spaces for visitors.
Ryan McClure, executive director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation shared his perspective on the increased visitation numbers in his statement: "2023 was a busy year for our city with events like St. Louis City SC MLS season's debut and Battlehawks' return to Dome along with many new attractions." He added optimistically that he hopes "increased national tourism and current residential projects will drive Arch visitation even more. The Gateway Arch National Park is a hub for St. Louisans and our visitors, and the investments made in it are paying dividends for our entire region."
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a nonprofit conservancy established in 2009, serves as the official philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park. It funds the park’s conservation and preservation efforts, along with educational opportunities for the public, including students and teachers.
