National Association of Counties * Washington, D.C.            Vol. 31, No. 12 * June 21, 1999

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Take it all in, from the top

By Victoria Vickers
editorial assistant

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There’s nothing ordinary about St. Louis’ Gateway Arch. Each leg of the arch sinks 60 feet into the ground. It stands 630 feet high and wide – but not to worry – it was built to withstand earthquakes and only sways up to one inch in a 20-mile-per-hour wind.

In 1947–48, during a nationwide competition to find the perfect monument to the spirit of Western pioneers, architect Eero Saarinen’s design for the stainless steel arch was chosen. Construction of the arch began in 1963 and was completed Oct. 28, 1965.

So, if you dare, ride the tram to the top. Well, almost. The tram stops at the curve near the top. There are a few stairs that lead from the curve to the observation area, which has a 30-mile view of the city and surrounding metro area.

Even waiting in line is an event. An exhibit of American Indian peace medals is currently on the walls of the hallway leading to the tram.

If you’re vertiginous or claustrophobic, a tour of the Museum of Westward Expansion or a movie at either the Tucker or Odyssey theaters will keep you grounded.

However, if you get cold feet, but still want to experience the tram ride, you can do it at ground-level. A short clip of the tram ride may be viewed on an interactive console located in the lobby near the Tucker theater.

Where, when, how much?
Tickets are $6 for adults and $2.50 for children for the first event, and $4 and $2.50 respectively for each additional event. The arch is open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m. in the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. the remainder of the year.

For more information call 314/655-1700. Admission to the museum is free.

Tram ride
The tram runs every five to 10 minutes and seats up to 40 people. If you plan on going as a group of 20 or more, call 314/982-1410, ext. 16 to make reservations; otherwise, you’ll have plenty of time to view the hallway exhibit. The tram has no accommodations for the disabled.

Tucker Theater
The movie"Monument to the Dream" is shown every hour, quarter-past the hour beginning at 9:15 a.m. Tucker is a traditional-style theater and is located in the south leg of the arch.

The Odyssey Theater
Two movies are shown in the Odyssey each day:"Wolves" every even hour beginning at 10 a.m., and the"Great American West" on the odd hours beginning at 9 a.m. The Odyssey Theatre is located in the north leg of the arch. It has a four-story screen and a THX sound system.

The Museum of Westward Expansion
The semicircle-shaped museum is the second largest museum in the national parks system. It is nearly the size of a football field. The museum chronicles the travels of Lewis and Clark, the history of the Westward expansion, and the Louisiana Purchase. It features floor-to-ceiling murals of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and a timeline of major historical events. Admission is free.