The Arch, at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri
Visiting the St. Louis Arch
Today I had the pleasure of again visiting the St. Louis Arch in Missouri. The name is actually the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. There is a lot more going on there than might meet the eye initially. There is a museum, movies, shops, and the ride up to the top of arch, for starters. What made today so special, is that it was our first time going up into the actual arch. In short, you ride up in a little tiny car, round or egg shaped, and its a very interesting ride!
What is so neat about it in part, is the museum, and the history presented there from different angles. They have done a very very nice job of what it must have been like to be traveling around in those days, from horseback to a finer carriage and everything in between. Well I guess the main other sources of transportation would be the covered wagon, and traveling on foot.
You can see examples of the wildlife they encountered, and and all sorts of things. They have recordings that you can listen to, and all kinds of things to see that they used long ago to live in their day to day lives.
I wanted to share about the experience in that little car that took us to the top of the arch, then back down again. I knew it would be small, and they have an example one that you can try out to see if you will be ok with it or not first. Its also a great place to take photos as well, as taking them on the ride itself isn't really encouraged. Its a little bumpy, and can one can feel a little sway if the winds are strong outside. If that is the case, I tell myself that its better it bend a little that be too stiff in a strong storm!
While it was my first time today, it maybe wasn't my MOST favorite experience, lol, but I would do it all over again. I also would recommend it to others to do at least once. You will be glad you did. The view from the top is amazing, and you can take your time looking out of the several little windows to see the area below. You can see stadiums, the big downtown are, courthouse, and the river of course.
The Arch was very beautiful today, as always. Its an amazing piece of art really, and super massive and sturdy. When you are close, and look up, hold on because it will "dazzle" your senses for lack of a better word! You get a sense of how big and massive it is. Do go sometime, if you have not had the chance yet, or go again and experience everything they have to offer there.
The history alone is worth going for, its just so cool. The little stores are fun as well, as is the big lawns, steps down to the river, etc. I was pleased to see so many people from what seemed world over, there. This country is so wonderful, and has so much to offer! The National Parks, Forests, Memorials have so much to offer.