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Gateway Arch National Park Day Trip from Denver: What to Do in One Day in St. Louis
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
Updated: May 19
A Daytrip from Denver, Colorado to St. Louis, Missouri
Why Visit St. Louis from Denver
Visiting every U.S. state and National Park is a rewarding travel goal, and the two lists overlap often enough to make efficient planning possible. When a National Park sits inside a state you need to visit, one trip handles both. Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is a perfect example of this strategy in action. Missouri was not high on my list of destinations, but pairing it with a National Park visit made the detour worth it.
Trip Overview: Denver to St. Louis in One Day
This St. Louis day trip starts and ends in Denver. I flew into St. Louis Lambert International Airport, took the MetroLink light rail directly to the Gateway Arch National Park, and walked through the park to the Arch. From there I Ubered to Anheuser-Busch Brewery, then back to the airport for my return flight. The entire itinerary fits into a single day, though stretching it into a weekend trip is easy.
St. Louis Day Trip Itinerary
Stop 1: Gateway Arch Tram Ride to the Top
The MetroLink train drops passengers off steps from the Arch, making it one of the most accessible National Parks in the country. The Arch is visible from anywhere in the park, so navigation is as simple as looking up and walking toward it. Entry to the Gateway Arch museum requires going through a security checkpoint. Leave knives and prohibited items behind.
I did the Tram Ride to the Top in a small capsule that fits five people with limited legroom. This made bringing my small 22L Osprey backpack perfect. The ride takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Visitors get 5 to 7 minutes at the top before descending. Time slots are assigned at the ticket counter upon check-in.
A VR Experience is available for purchase but skippable. It amounts to a roped-off section of the museum floor where visitors sit in VR headsets. Not worth the upcharge.
Practical tip: Buy tickets in advance online to secure your preferred tram time, especially on weekends.
Stop 2: Lunch Near the Gateway Arch
The Brewhouse Historical Sports Bar is located inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a short walk from the Arch. The name packs in every search keyword a tourist might type, but the food is serviceable and the location is convenient. It works as a reset point between stops when you want a sit-down meal close to the park.
Stop 3: Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruise
The Riverboat Cruise departs from the dock at Gateway Arch National Park and runs approximately 30 minutes. An onboard audio narration explains the landmarks along the Mississippi River, though the speaker quality can be muffled in spots.
A few things to know before boarding: alcoholic drinks are available for purchase before boarding and on the water, outdoor seating is limited so arriving early helps, and Verizon customers should expect no cell service on the river. Packing a small foldable camp chair is a practical move for anyone who wants guaranteed outdoor seating.
Stop 4: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour in St. Louis
Uber is the practical choice for getting from the Arch to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Public transit adds significant walking time to the route.
The Day Fresh Tour runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is the most popular option. It includes a free beer at the end, redeemable in the beer garden.
The beer garden is a good place to try St. Louis fried ravioli, a local specialty the city claims as its own invention. It is worth ordering.
Final Thoughts on This St. Louis Day Trip
This itinerary is efficient for travelers working through a bucket list of states and National Parks. St. Louis delivers a National Park, a historic landmark, a brewery tour, and a Mississippi River cruise in a single day. After finishing this trip, the next stops on the state and park circuit were Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.
I was able to fit everything I needed for the day into my new Osprey Tempest 22L, which I use for everything from hiking to workdays to travel.
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