Also known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Arch rises to twice the height of the Statue of Liberty and towers above the St. Louis skyline. This monument to westward expansion has a tram system that carries visitors to the observation room at the top. The Museum of Westward Expansion and a gift shop are located at the base of the Arch. Daily museum and tram hours are 9 am-6 pm in winter, 8 am-10 pm in summer. (Plan on waiting at least an hour, unless you go right at opening time.) The Odyssey Theatre shows movies about the region and its history on a four-story screen. Riverboat cruises on the Mississippi, directly in front of the arch, offer great sightseeing. During the summer months, visitors can rent bicycles and quadcycles along the riverfront and ride the Riverfront Trail. The trams cost US$10 adults, US$7 youth, US$3 children 3-12. The Odyssey Theatre costs US$7 adults, US$4 youth, US$2.50 children. Riverboat sightseeing costs US$12 adults, US$6 children 3-12. St. Louis Riverfront, St. Louis. Phone 314-982-1410. http://www.gatewayarch.com.
