The National Park Service’s Gateway Arch grounds were heavily impacted by the recent storm that ravaged the St. Louis area. The grounds sustained significant damage to approximately 125-175 trees; however, there was no damage to the Gateway Arch structure itself nor any other facility located on the grounds. Luther Ely Smith Square, the park area between the Arch grounds and the Old Courthouse, lost several trees and sustained damage to others. Some sidewalk areas within the park have been damaged due to uprooted and downed trees. The roof of the Historic Old Courthouse sustained minor damage. Cleanup and restoration of all park areas have begun. The park is receiving assistance from work crews arriving from two National Park Service sites: Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Ozark National Scenic Riverway. Our crews are working extremely hard and hope to have the east side of the Gateway Arch grounds cleaned and open for this weekend’s “LIVE on the Levee” concerts. It is anticipated that the remainder of the cleanup activity will take a week or two. The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse will remain open during the cleanup and repair of the grounds. Because some areas of the grounds may be cordoned off for safety reasons while crews are working, we ask that all walkers and joggers avoid those work areas. The Gateway Arch is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Old Courthouse is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All programs and activities are open to the public and are FREE of charge. Fees are charged for the tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and for the films showing in the Gateway Arch visitor center. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial established in 1935, is comprised of the Gateway Arch, Museum of Westward Expansion, and the Old Courthouse. This National Park Service area commemorates St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 1800s and honors the individuals such as Dred and Harriet Scott who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse.
