Why the Gateway Arch Is a U.S. National Park - Explained

Why the Gateway Arch Is a U.S. National Park - Explained
Lachlan Everhart 15 October 2025 1

National Park Eligibility Quiz

Test if a hypothetical site qualifies as a U.S. National Park based on the three criteria described in the article: significance, integrity, and public benefit.

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How much educational, recreational, or inspirational value does the site offer to the public?

Ever wondered why a sleek steel curve in downtown St.Louis counts as a national park? The answer weaves together history, law, and a bit of civic pride. Below we untangle the story, the criteria, and what the designation really means for visitors and preservationists.

What Exactly Is Gateway Arch National Park?

Established in 2018, Gateway Arch National Park protects the iconic Gateway Arch and the surrounding riverfront landscape. The park covers roughly 91 acres, stretching from the arch’s base on the west bank of the Mississippi River to the museum and visitor center on the east side. Its official name reflects the original 1935 monument, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which commemorates westward expansion.

The National Park Service and Its Role

The National Park Service (NPS) is the federal agency that manages the nation’s park system. When Congress upgrades a site to “national park” status, the NPS takes over daily operations, funding, and long‑term preservation. For the Gateway Arch, the agency added new staffing, interpretive programs, and a dedicated budget line in the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

How Does a Site Earn the National Park Label?

There’s no single formula, but three core factors guide Congress and the NPS:

  • Significance: The site must hold exceptional natural, cultural, or historic value.
  • Integrity: The resource should retain its key features without extensive alteration.
  • Public Benefit: The area should offer educational, recreational, or inspirational experiences for a broad audience.
These criteria echo the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which created a legal framework for protecting historic landmarks. The Arch already met those thresholds decades ago, but a formal national‑park designation required congressional action.

Why the Arch Qualified

First, the Arch is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Built between 1963 and 1965, the 630‑foot stainless‑steel structure was the tallest monument in the United States at its completion. Second, its symbolism is deeply tied to the nation’s story of westward expansion, a theme cemented by the adjacent Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Third, the site’s location on the Mississippi River gives it a natural‑landscape component, providing riverfront habitats and scenic vistas.

Ranger guiding visitors in the visitor center while workers maintain the arch.

Comparing the Arch to Traditional National Parks

Key Differences: Gateway Arch NP vs. Typical U.S. National Parks
Feature Gateway Arch National Park Average Large National Park (e.g., Yellowstone)
Primary focus Historic monument & riverfront Natural wonders & wildlife
Acres ≈91acres >2million acres
Annual visitors (2023) ≈4million ≈4million (average)
Managing agency National Park Service National Park Service
Designation year 2018 (as a national park) Varies, many early 1900s

While the Arch’s acreage is tiny compared with parks like Yellowstone, its visitor numbers are on par, showing how cultural landmarks can draw crowds just as powerfully as wilderness.

The Role of U.S. Congress in the Designation

Only Congress can officially change a site’s status to “national park.” In December 2017, the Senate passed a bipartisan amendment that renamed the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial as Gateway Arch National Park. The House approved the change a month later, and President Trump signed the bill into law on February 26, 2018. The legislative process underscores the political weight behind the title.

How the Designation Affects Visitors

For tourists, the upgrade brings a few tangible benefits:

  • Enhanced facilities: The new Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits, a theater, and a rooftop café with river views.
  • Free ranger‑led programs: From historic talks to river ecology walks, the NPS provides daily educational opportunities at no extra cost.
  • Preservation funding: Federal dollars now support structural monitoring, corrosion control, and landscape restoration.

Preservation Challenges Unique to the Arch

Maintaining a 630‑foot stainless‑steel monument is no small feat. The NPS conducts a full structural inspection every two years, checks for rust in the rib seams, and applies protective coatings. Additionally, the river’s fluctuating water levels require constant shoreline reinforcement to prevent erosion behind the monument’s base.

Watercolor scene of tourists on the riverfront trail with the arch and tram.

Common Misconceptions

Many people mistakenly think the Arch is a “national monument” or a “state park.” While it was once designated a national monument in 1935, the 2018 change broadened its scope to include surrounding lands, elevating it to national‑park status. Another myth is that the park focuses only on the arch itself-actually, the riverfront trail, museum, and historic downtown area all fall under the park’s protection.

Quick Facts Checklist

  • Official name: Gateway Arch National Park
  • Location: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Size: ~91 acres
  • Established as a national park: 2018
  • Managed by: National Park Service
  • Key attractions: The arch, Visitor Center, Riverfront Trail, Museum of Westward Expansion

Planning Your Visit

Arrive early if you want to ride to the top-tickets sell out quickly during peak summer weekends. The tram runs every 15 minutes, and you’ll spend about 30 minutes inside the arch. Afterward, explore the Museum of Westward Expansion for a deeper dive into the pioneer era. Don’t forget to walk the riverfront trail; it offers sweeping views of the skyline and the Mississippi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Gateway Arch upgraded from a national monument to a national park?

Congress wanted to recognize the broader historic and cultural landscape surrounding the arch, not just the monument itself. The park designation allowed the NPS to protect the riverfront, museum, and visitor facilities under a single management plan.

What are the main criteria for a site to become a U.S. national park?

A site must have exceptional significance (natural, cultural, or historic), retain its essential characteristics, and offer broad public benefit such as education or recreation.

Can I camp inside Gateway Arch National Park?

No. The park is an urban historic site without designated camping areas. Nearby campgrounds are available in the St.Louis region, but not within the park boundaries.

How does the National Park Service fund the preservation of the arch?

Funding comes from a combination of federal appropriations, the park’s own entrance‑ticket revenue for the tram ride, and occasional congressional earmarks for major restoration projects.

Is the Gateway Arch listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Yes. The entire Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the arch, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, reinforcing its historic protection before the park upgrade.

1 Comments

  1. Cynthia Lamont

    Observe how the article lazily conflates “national park” with “urban monument,” ignoring the strict legal definition that the National Park Service enforces; this is a grave misrepresentation that deserves a scathing rebuttal.
    Furthermore, the phrasing “sleek steel curve” is an oxymoron that betrays a lack of precision-steel is anything but sleek without proper context.
    In short, the piece should have been proofread before publishing.

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