Gateway Arch, Saint Louis (must see)

Commonly known as the "Gateway to the West", the Gateway Arch is a memorial commemorating the westward expansion of the United States. Clad in stainless steel and shaped as a weighted catenary arch, the structure is an iconic symbol of St. Louis and a popular sight, visited annually by more than four million people.

At 630 feet (192 m), this is the tallest accessible building in Missouri and the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Some sources claim that it's even the tallest human-made monument in the entire Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Gateway Arch National Park is the smallest national park in the United States.

The Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and German-American structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel in 1947. It opened to the public on June 10, 1967. The immediate surroundings of the Gateway Arch were initially designated the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial which was created on the site of the earliest buildings, purposely demolished to clear space for the nascent venue in 1942.

The Arch is hollow and accommodates (in each of its legs) a unique tram system – a chain of eight cylindrical, five-seat compartments that can carry up to 40 visitors at once to an observation deck at the top. Near the top of the Arch, passengers alight and climb a slight grade to enter the observation area. The latter holds up to 160 people and has 16 windows on each of its sides.

Whilst in motion, the trams swing like Ferris-wheel cars, which gave rise to the idea of them being "half-Ferris wheel and half-elevator." The trip to the top and down takes four and three minutes respectively. Other than the trams, there are two more modes of transportation including two sets of emergency stairs (one per leg), and a 12-passenger elevator.

In 1965, the Federal Aviation Administration cautioned that pilots who flew beneath the Arch would be fined and have their licenses revoked. So far, at least ten daredevils have disobeyed this order.

Why You Should Visit:
An iconic thing to see in St. Louis and appreciate the history of its world-renowned waterfront. Very quirky lift mechanism to get to the top, but great views when you get there.

Tip:
Go early to walk to the (free) small museum prior to the tram car up.