About
St. Louis is a major city in eastern Missouri, sitting along the Mississippi River. It is known as the Gateway City, a name that reflects its long role as a point of departure for travel into the American West.
What draws visitors
The city's most recognizable landmark is the Gateway Arch, a stainless-steel arch that rises above the riverfront and gives St. Louis its best-known image. Its setting along the Mississippi makes the riverfront a natural place to start a visit, whether you come to look up at the arch or to walk the waterside.
History as a gateway
St. Louis's history is closely tied to westward movement. Its position on the river made it a starting point for those heading farther into the continent, and that story runs through the city's streets and riverfront. If you enjoy places where history is tied to geography, the city offers a clear sense of why it earned its nickname.
Planning a visit
- Riverfront: The Mississippi shoreline and the arch are the natural center of a first visit.
- City history: The gateway role gives the city a coherent story to explore on foot or by car.
- Eastern Missouri: St. Louis serves as a base for exploring the surrounding region.
St. Louis suits visitors interested in American history, river landscapes and a city shaped by its place on a great waterway. Come with an open schedule, and let the riverfront and the arch set the pace of your day.
