I hadn't been to the Arch in probably 20 years. We've driven by it literally dozens of times since, and our kids always asked when they could get up close to see it. Well, we planned time on a recent weekend to St. Louis. We were pleasantly surprised at how interesting the museum in the base of the Arch was. Even though I pre-purchased our tickets to the top, we had to wait while the elevators were repaired. That was a little nerve wracking -- the kids worried the elevator would break down while we were on it, but everything was fine. At first they weren't too organized on how to handle those of us who were waiting, but soon they got it together and came up with a system where we didn't have to just stand in line and wait, but rather could visit the museum without losing our place in line for when the elevator was fixed.

The historical movie about making the Arch was fascinating, we had a great time at the top, and also had a lot of fun taking pictures from many different angles outside. They had a nice gift shop, too. All in all, a great experience.

It's an amazing piece of architecture and is visible from all over Saint Louis. It's really beautiful Must see!

If you don't mind tight spaces you will enjoy going to the top of the Arch for a spectacular view. If you are a little clautrophobic you can skip going up and just wander around the free museum at the bottom.

If you are going to St. Louis for the first time, you simply must see the arch and ride their little bitty elevators to the top. The view at the top is astounding but it is pretty much the same view you would see from any tall building in any city. The monument itself is the marvel and the historical information imparted very interesting. The lines are long and it is not cheap for a quick ride to the top and down but it was fun once.