Nothing symbolizes St. Louis better than the Gateway Arch. Since construction was completed in October of 1965, the silhouette of this amazing monument has been used to appropriately represent St. Louis as the gateway to the west.
The Arch is the anchor of the riverfront and is widely known for its lofty tram ride to the observation room at the top, but this national park also offers the Museum of Westward Expansion, a giant-screen movie theatre, beautiful grounds, and is the base of operations for sightseeing cruises along the river.
Throw the family in your Ford and head on down to enjoy the fall colors from atop this popular tourist attraction. But before you go, here are a few more interesting facts you should know:
- The Arch stands at 630 feet and is the tallest national monument in the U.S.
- The width of the Arch at ground level is exactly the same as the height.
- Over nine hundred tons of stainless steel was needed to construct the Arch.
- Because the margin of error was so minute, construction was done at night to prevent distortion that could be caused by sunlight.
The ride to the top of the Arch is a thrilling experience. Underneath the north and south legs, visitor board one of two enclosed trams. Within four minutes, you’re at the indoor Gateway Arch Observation Area that offers spectacular views of the region.
The Arch is located just east of the downtown area at the heart of the riverfront entertainment district. There are many places to leave the Ford, including a parking garage just a couple blocks away.
For seasonal hours of operation and more specific directions from your area, you can call a toll free customer service number: 877-982-1410. Or visit the website at www.gatewayarch.com
When most folks think about Jefferson Barracks, they think of the military cemetery, but the adjoining park offers multiple possibilities for great family fun. The massive grounds features picnic areas, hiking trails, fields for baseball, soccer and Frisbee golf, along with several venues that are available for private functions.
Complementing all the terrific family amenities is great history. Established in 1826, Jefferson Barracks was the country’s first “Infantry School of Practice” and continued to be used as a major military facility until 1946.
Named for President Thomas Jefferson, this installation played an important role in westward expansion. It was a gathering point for troops heading out to service for numerous wars. Famous names from history who served here included Jefferson Davis, U.S. Grant, Zachary Taylor and William T. Sherman.
What is now an archery field, paved hiking trail and amphitheater was once a U.S. Army post from 1826 to 1946. Long before you could zip around the playing fields in your Ford Focus, there were legions of soldiers being transported by horse and buggy.
As one of the nation’s oldest interment sites, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery has served as a burial place for soldiers from all wars. When the post was opened in 1826, Jefferson Barracks became the army’s first permanent base west of the Mississippi River.
Although Jefferson Barracks was formally established as a national cemetery in 1866, the first burial, at what is now Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, is believed to have taken place the year after the post was founded on August 5th in 1827. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Jefferson Barracks is located at the end of South Broadway south of Kingston in St. Louis County. Hours for the park grounds are 8 a.m. to one half hour past sunset, except when reservations are issued. The National Cemetery is open to visitors every day of the year from dawn until dusk.
You may know it as the Wolf Sanctuary, but the official name is the Wild Canid Center. This organization was founded in 1971 by Dr. Marlin Perkins and a group of local individuals who were concerned about difficulties facing this breed. This conservation organization works diligently for the preservation of the wolf.
Located about twenty miles southwest of St. Louis, the WCC sits on sixty-three acres of isolated, wooded grounds. The facility is world renowned as one of the imminent centers for wolf conservation and reproduction.
Jump in the Ford Explorer and head on out because you will enjoy “exploring” this amazing sanctuary. You are invited to take a one hour guided walking tour of the wolf enclosures that totals round trip about a half mile. The tour offers a terrific opportunity to see and photograph some of the most endangered canids in the world, including species from South America, Africa and the American southwest.
Don’t forget to bring along cameras and binoculars.
Public tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On a public tour you are grouped with other visitors. You can call or visit the website for established tour times.
Private tours can be scheduled any day of the week.
Your family may also enjoy the center’s popular evening program. This is a fun and educational opportunity to be entertained with stories about wolves while sitting around an outdoor campfire.
Following the Campfire Program, you and your hosts will walk about a 1/2 mile (round trip) to an area near the wolf enclosures for the highlight of the evening. Your hosts will attempt to get the wolves to howl. The wolves typically respond but, like all wild animals, they are unpredictable. After the Howl, you will enjoy warm beverages and snacks during a Q & A session.
Fire up the Ford and head on out. Here are the directions and phone number.
25 miles Southwest of St. Louis at Washington University's Tyson Research Center. From HWY 270 take I-44 west to Beaumont/Antire Rd (exit 269). The center is located on the North side of the highway.
Call 636-938-5900 for reservations.
