AN AWESOME SIGHT! Like I mentioned earlier, it was a memorable moment to come across that bridge and see the Gateway Arch soaring it’s full 630 feet high in the sky. I remembered seeing it for the first time with my parents and it was great to hear my kids excited about this monument. It was designed by Eero Saarinen during a competition in 1947. A few years later they dedicated this arch as a monument to the westward expansion in American. It is the highest monument in America and is made of stainless steel.

This was the best group shot before Grace darted away to try and entice a duck off that water. The arch grew larger as we approached…so did the kid’s eyes.

Here is the ultimate hands-on learning experience…OR you could say that my kids just can’t keep their hands off of things, but I think the first phrase sounds better.

I couldn’t resist buying Grace a bonnet after she enjoyed the Lewis and Clark information…so, here is our little spunky Pioneer Woman.

Grrrr! This was the beginning of The Museum of Westward Expansion and Grace thought that bear was hilarious. Of course, having the bear stuffed was a good thing in my opinion.

We are ready to ride to the top! Don’t those people behind us look thrilled to be going up in the tram with us??? Our family of five actually filled a whole car so those nice women were spared the full McD experience.

Grace looks out as we ascend to the top.

All three enjoying the view. Nice to see your kids amazed at more than the latest video game!

The Gateway Arch website has a quiz and a game on it which are related to the various facts about the monument. I’d highly recommend this as a great family stop…then again, I guess you could call it an American Classic!

UPDATE

Find an HDR Version of the Gateway Arch through this link. My husband Dave compiled three photos to make this piece. I thought you might enjoy seeing it.