Situated in St. Louis, Missouri, Gateway Arch National Park stands (literally and figuratively) as the the gate towards the western United States. The westward expansion not only served as a gain of more land, but as a symbolic progression of pioneering. Of course, the gaining for one party resulted in losses for another party. Gateway Arch National Park highlights the complicated history of westward expansion.
Must See Spot: Gateway Arch Park Museum - This should be your 1st stop on the trip to the Arch. It's easy to find, as it is located directly under the arch. It's a great and free way to gain perspective and learn the history of the area and movement of Westward Expansion. Unlike many places, this museum proudly shares the history of indigenous peoples and transparently shares the dark side of Eurocentric oppression upon the Indigenous peoples and their culture.
Gram Worthy: St. Louis Arch - Duh. It's the reason you came here. At 631 feet tall and 631 feet wide, the Arch is a symmetrical sight to behold. For the brave souls, take a pod to the top to see downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The experience in total takes roughly an hour. My advice is to do your research - this is not for folks who are even remotely claustrophobic. There is a pod when you enter the museum so that you can test your fears and see if you can make the trip.
Get Moving: Kiener Plaza Park - Just a few blocks up the street from the Arch lies Kiener Plaza Park. This green space is a perfect spot to throw the frisbee, grab a seat on the grassy yard, or gaze at the fountain. The park also creates the perfect picture of the Arch. The Old Courthouse prominently sits in the foreground, with the Arch sitting dominantly in the background.
Grab a Bite: Down the road from the Arch is Union Station. This place absolutely has to be on your St. Louis bucket list. Once a train station, the structure has been since converted into shops, a ropes course, restaurants, a ferris wheel, etc. The bones of the structure remain, but the space is open-air and massive. Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, and request an outdoor seat. A fire show over the giant fountain/pond takes place every hour!
See the Sun: Gateway Arch Park - Surrounding the Arch is a large green space for people to picnic, walk around, and take in the sheer grandeur of the man-made wonder. Visitors can also walk towards the Mississippi River - there are giant steps going down towards the banks. Grab a seat and watch the river flow on by, or get some exercise by scaling the steps.