St. Louis, Missouri! Yes, I’ve been here before but it’s my first time to visit the Gateway Arch!

So, I finally got to see the Arch up close. It’s pretty darn impressive! Standing at 630 feet, it’s like America’s front door, if your front door was a giant silver rainbow. The Arch isn’t just a pretty face, though. It’s got history, a tribute to the westward expansion of the United States and a nod to Thomas Jefferson’s vision.

Since my friend and I arrived late in the day, we didn’t get a chance to ride the tram to the top. I’ve heard it’s an experience in itself. They have this unique tram system that takes you all the way up. And the view from the top, from what I’ve seen in pictures, is simply breathtaking. You can see the whole city sprawled out beneath you, and the Mississippi River just rolling by.

But the Arch isn’t the only cool thing about the park, there’s also a museum underneath. Here, you can dive into the stories of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who shaped America. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hop on a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi and see the city from a different angle! We didn’t do that though.

And right across the street, there’s the Old Courthouse. It’s like walking through the pages of a history book. Pretty cool!

By the way, it’s interesting to note that there was semi-rowdy rally underway in front of the courthouse that afternoon regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

But, I digress…

Yeah, all in all, St. Louis was a blast, and the Gateway Arch? It’s a must-see! Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good view, it’s got something for everyone.