Gateway Arch

The third day of our Missouri vacation began with a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch.  The arch and area around it is undergoing a major renovation.  As a matter of fact, they had just re-opened the tram to the top about a week before we arrived.  We did get to ride to the top, but other areas of the park were still closed (like the National Expansion Museum).  

The arch is the tallest national monument in the U.S., and the tram ride to the top was interesting.  The designers came up with an innovative way to move passengers along a curved track.  The tram system combined the technology of an elevator, trolley, and ferris wheel.  The ferris wheel part was evident as the super-small tram car righted itself several times as we moved up the track.  

The top of the arch offered views of both St. Louis and the Mississippi River.  Luckily it was a clear day, so we had no problems with the view.