We did one of the earliest tours and had plenty of time to go through the museum after we went up in the arch. It’s really an experience that everyone should do! The view is great.

We were lucky to have a sunny and clear day while visiting the Arch. Before entering the area where you line up to board the trams they have built a new very informative museum about the history of the state, the city and the arch. Lot of technical features and even some historic artifacts like a coach and an cabin on display. Preparing for the tram you are entertained by the guide and a digital movie on the wall. There are 8 carts with 5 seats. We boarded one cart by ourselves and did not want to think about having to share it with another 3 persons as it is cramped inside. We took the South tram up. After having enjoyed the views we were ready to go down but by that time the South tram did not work anymore and could not come back up. Now they had to start up the North tram which was not working because it was a quiet day. All in all with a small group of tourists we had to wait for over an hour in a drafty environment, without facilities before we could go down by North tram. Apart from apologies for the delay we did not get even a coffee voucher for the inconvenience. We found that a bit strange. Nevertheless go up there because the views are stunning.

I am from the St. Louis area. I have been to The Arch many times. However, they remodeled it and I was anxious to see the changes. Our experience started trying to find parking. It was hard. We finally parked in a garage a couple blocks away and walked. When we got there the park was beautiful. I liked the little pond thing with the seats around it. We went inside. There is a pod/elevator set up to look at and take pictures of. Take advantage of it. They don't like for you to take pictures of the actual ones. I bought my ticket and it told me when to go for my elevator would go up. I thought great it will be quicker. We went thur the metal detectors and I headed to the line in time for my elevator up. It took forever. I just wanted to go up and come down. Instead I had to listen to lectures and pictures and trivia. It takes 4 minutes to go up the arch and 3 to get back down. It took an hour. People were really packed in at the top, too. It was uncomfortable. So don't go up if you're clausterphobic or have a fear of heights. If you have mobility issues I wouldn't advise it either. The waiting and the sardine feeling were the 2 worst parts of going there. The museum has been updated. It's interactive, interesting, and informative. There is a place to get food but we didn't go there. We did go to the store. It had the regular touristy stuff but in addition to that there were books, fudge, and jewelry. We got fudge - yum and some touristy stuff. Overall it was a great experience. Now that I've gone up I really don't feel the need to the top again. I would go to the museum again. I'm sure I missed things and didn't get to see some things long enough. With going up to the top we were there for 4 hours. But I think I could have spent a little longer. If I had smaller children I think I would have spent less time.