Reaching New Heights: Day 2 at the Gateway Arch

St. Louis, MO

Day 2 took us all the way to the top of one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. 🤔

Our morning started a little earlier than planned. An unexpected sinkhole turned up on our route, so we made an early departure from the hotel to get ahead of it. You asked for adventure, we delivered!

Our first crew of bus loaders had everything packed and ready in no time, with a big shoutout to Finn for showing up extra early to lend a hand. We also got to begin the day singing happy birthday to Nora on the bus. Happy birthday, Nora! 🎂

After a few hours of driving, some good tunes, and a screening of the Lorax, we rolled into St. Louis and caught our first look at the Gateway Arch gleaming in the sunshine. We grabbed group photos and stretched our legs before heading inside.

First up was a movie about the building of the arch, an incredible feat of engineering. Here’s the part that stuck with us: the dangerous construction was expected to cost as many as 13 lives, yet every single worker made it through safely. After a quick lunch at the museum cafe, we explored the exhibits and soaked up the history of the region.

Then came the big moment. In groups of five, we packed into the retro little tram pods and made the steep climb upward, watching the arch’s inner workings the whole way. At 630 feet, the views over the city were unreal, and everyone was so brave on the ride up.

We caught a little more sun, then hit the road again with a stop at Freddy’s for burgers and shakes before pulling into our hotel safe and sound. Onward!