St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 28, 2012…Throughout the holiday season, many of us will finally get to enjoy some extended time off with family, friends and other loved ones, and for those looking to start a new family tradition, a visit to the majestic Gateway Arch could be just the ticket. From the “Journey to the Top” and the Museum of Westward Expansion to shopping at the Gateway Arch Museum store, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy and enough to keep families coming back year after year.
Among the Arch’s most popular attractions is the “Journey to the Top” tram ride, which transports visitors up 630 feet to the top of the Arch, where on a clear day, spectators can see nearly 30 miles in each direction. To the west, there are breathtaking views of the Downtown St. Louis skyline, and to the east, there are more amazing views of the Mississippi River and Illinois.
The fun continues beneath the Arch in the Tucker and Odyssey Theatres. The film “Monument to the Dream” sends viewers back in time to witness the incredible construction of the Arch. The award-winning 1967 documentary screens daily, on the hour, at the Tucker Theatre. In the Odyssey Theatre, the film “Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West” screens daily on a giant four-story screen, complete with THX Sound. The movie gives viewers the chance to follow Lewis and Clark as they make their way across the Old West to explore the unchartered lands of the Louisiana Purchase and beyond.
After watching a movie or two, Arch guests can explore the Old West at the Museum of Westward Expansion, which houses numerous displays showcasing the tools, guns, animals and wagons used by the explorers, pioneers, cowboys and Native Americans who helped forge our nation.
And, for those still searching for the perfect holiday gifts, the Arch can also be a great place to complete any holiday shopping. The Gateway Arch Museum Store offers an extensive selection of books, DVDs, CDs, toys, apparel and other collectible gifts highlighting the Arch, Lewis and Clark, Native American culture, westward expansion and our nation’s national parks. At the Levee Mercantile vintage store, shoppers can learn about the commercial products available on the St. Louis riverfront in the 19th century and pick up a variety of nostalgic gifts, including old-time cookbooks, soaps, and treats such as homemade breads, pretzels and muffins, saltwater taffy and cinnamon sticks.
“As families and friends make plans to gather together this holiday season, we encourage them to add a trip to the Gateway Arch to their to-do lists,” said Justin Struttmann, Director of Operations for the Gateway Arch. “Whether you’ve been here before, or are witnessing the beauty of the Arch, up-close, for the very first time, a trip to the Gateway Arch grounds is always a unique and special experience, and the holidays are a perfect time to take advantage of all the monument has to offer.”
The Gateway Arch is located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. It is one of the many attractions in the Core of Discovery – downtown St. Louis’ attractions district. For more information on the Arch’s many attractions, call 877-982-1410 or visit www.gatewayarch.com. The Core of Discovery was created by the partners at the Gateway Arch, which include the National Park Service; its cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association; and its park partner, Metro. The Core of Discovery also represents a commitment by the National Park Service, Jefferson National Parks Association and Metro to work in partnership with their downtown neighbors to make the visitor experience even better.
For more information, contact:
Julie Hauser, The Hauser Group (314) 436-9090
Tags: Metro