ST. LOUIS — From yoga, an astronomy series, to a puppet program, coffee with a ranger and more, the Gateway Arch National Park has a variety of free events open to the public this summer.
“Discover the history and significance of Gateway Arch National Park and enjoy all aspects of the 91-acre park grounds with ranger-led programs such as walking and running tours, yoga under the Arch, puppet programs, coffee with a ranger, and much more,” said Pam Sanfilippo, program manager for the Gateway Arch National Park, in a press release.
As of July 2, visitors at the Gateway Arch National Park, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings, according to a Gateway Arch NPS tweet.
Below is the list of events.
Each night will feature a presentation by a guest speaker at 6:45 p.m. in the Arch Visitor Center followed by a telescope viewing of the night sky from 8-10 p.m. in the Arch west entrance plaza.
Kids Explorer Night July 10: Children ages 5-12 will have an opportunity to build their own “Galileoscopes'' assisted by “Sky Ranger” Rich. They can earn a Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. A “Galileoscope” is based on the principles of the one built by the famous astronomer. To serve a spot, send an email to Richard_fefferman@nps.gov.
New James Webb Space Telescope Aug. 14: Attendees will learn about the brand new instrument, its “first light,” and new discoveries it has already made. A kid-friendly program that will feature images from the Webb Telescope is set for July 13 at 10 a.m. in the Tucker Theater.
Participants should meet near the Arch Visitor Center entrance equipped their own with a mat, tower and water. They will be joined by Ranger Grace and a yoga instructor for an all-levels yoga session under the Arch. Ranger Grace will share how different yoga poses relate to themes at the park. Sessions will be held indoors on the Arch Visitor Center mezzanine if it rains.
Runners can join Ranger Frank on a two-mile run through the Gateway Arch National Park now through Aug. 13. Participants should meet him near the Arch Visitor Center entrance.
Park rangers will educate children on various themes of the Gateway Arch National Park through puppets. Attendees should meet in the education classroom located on the lower level of the Arch Visitor Center.
For those who wonder what it is like working for the National Park Service, they can meet at the Arch Café located on the lower level of Arch Visitor Center to chat with an Arch employee. Topics and employees change each day, from interpretive park rangers to tram mechanics and members of the part management team.
Participants can explore the Gateway Arch National Park’s trails with a ranger-led walking tour of the grounds. They will hear about the history of St. Louis. Attendees should meet the ranger near the Arch Visitor Center. In case of inclement weather, the meeting place will be in the Arc Visitor Center lobby.
Participants can explore six exhibit galleries that cover more than 200 years of shared history and learn about the purpose of the Gateway Arch National Park and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion. Those interested can inquire about a tour with a ranger at the information desk in the Arch Visitor Center lobby.
In the Gateway Arch museum, a ranger will have a cart filled with objects such as animal hides, tools and clothing from early history. Participants will have a chance to see and feel the objects and learn about them.
The $3 fee entrance fee included in each Tram Ride at the Top ticket and adult documentary movie ticket will be waived on those days.
For more information, visit the Gate Arch website.