Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
Capture iconic Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline views from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Free, accessible, and a photographer's dream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for Arch photos
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
Best Time
Best light for Arch photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Capture iconic Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline views from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Free, accessible, and a photographer's dream.
"The best photos of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis are actually taken from the Illinois side of the Mississippi river."
📸 Best Arch Photos
Get the best Gateway Arch pics from the Illinois side! The viewing ramp offers a unique perspective.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Plenty of parking available, often with no crowds, making for a hassle-free visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gateway Arch & Skyline View
Viewing Ramp
Capture iconic photos of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline from this unique vantage point across the Mississippi River.
+1
The Grand Staircase
Viewing Ramp
A raised platform offering a fantastic, unobstructed perspective of the Arch and city. Perfect for photographers.
Riverfront Fireworks
Park grounds
Experience dazzling Independence Day fireworks over the Mississippi River with the Arch as a backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Arch Views
Safety & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Arch Photos
Get the best Gateway Arch pics from the Illinois side! The viewing ramp offers a unique perspective.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Plenty of parking available, often with no crowds, making for a hassle-free visit.
🚶♀️ Ramp Hike
The viewing ramp is a bit of a climb, but totally worth it for the views.
🎆 Fireworks Viewing
Prime spot for 4th of July fireworks! Arrive early for the best spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Arch Photos
Get the best Gateway Arch pics from the Illinois side! The viewing ramp offers a unique perspective.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Plenty of parking available, often with no crowds, making for a hassle-free visit.
🚶♀️ Ramp Hike
The viewing ramp is a bit of a climb, but totally worth it for the views.
🎆 Fireworks Viewing
Prime spot for 4th of July fireworks! Arrive early for the best spots.
💡 Fountain Status
The 'tallest man-made geyser' fountain reportedly hasn't functioned in years.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park for its stunning, free views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline, especially from the elevated viewing ramp. Many appreciate the easy parking and the park's safe, clean environment, despite its East St. Louis location. Some note minor obstructions like power lines in photos, and the famed fountain's non-operational status.
"Went to this area to see the Independence Day fireworks this year...kind of on a whim. Wasn't disappointed.
Planned to go to the park but parked at the Casino Queen parking lot and another family explained a lot people watch them from the wall bridge over the Mississippi River just about the Metro Train level.
So we tried that instead.
A lot of people there...I would suggest getting there reasonably early...hard to say because we got there around 7pm and went and ate at the casino first. The food area there is open to all ages and decent variety and prices.
Came out around 9 and although the middle of the bridge looked full already, we found a peaceful spot just above the shoreline I think.
Great photo spot/angle for the arch and explosions.
Want to try the park area maybe next year."
Jack Young
"Beautiful park. Clean, easy parking. The ramp is a bit of a hike, but doable. I was a little apprehensive because E. St. Louis has a bit of a reputation, but this place was safe and monitored. Beautiful view of the arch. Loved my visit!"
Neal Thomas
"Great place to see the arch for free, no hassle, no one else there (so plenty of parking). Plus you can get the flag in the picture. -1 star because there are power lines in the way."
Gwen Peterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in East St. Louis, Illinois, directly across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. It's easily accessible by car via I-55/I-70. Parking is generally plentiful.
While direct public transport to the park itself might be limited, you can take the MetroLink train to the nearby Casino Queen station and walk or take a short ride to the park.
The park's viewing ramp offers the most popular and direct route for capturing skyline and Gateway Arch photos.
Depending on your route, you might encounter tolls on bridges crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois. Check your navigation app for specific toll information.
Yes, driving from downtown St. Louis is straightforward. You'll typically cross the river via the Eads Bridge or the Poplar Street Bridge and follow signs for East St. Louis and the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is completely free to enter and enjoy. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for seeing the Arch.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. For specific events like fireworks, hours may be extended. It's always a good idea to check local listings if you're planning around an event.
No advance booking is required for general park access. However, for special events like the 4th of July fireworks, it's wise to arrive early as it can get crowded.
Standard park rules apply. You can bring picnic items, but large group setups or amplified music might be restricted. Check with park management for specific event guidelines.
The viewing ramp is a paved incline, making it accessible for many. However, it is a sustained climb, so consider your mobility.
📸 📸 Photography
The elevated viewing ramp at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park provides the most iconic and unobstructed views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline.
Some visitors have noted that power lines can be present in some shots, particularly from ground level. The ramp helps to minimize this.
Golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for Arch photography.
Yes, the park's layout allows for incorporating the American flag into your photographs with the Arch in the background.
Drone regulations can be complex and vary by location. It's best to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone usage to avoid any issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park itself doesn't have dedicated restaurants, but it's adjacent to the Casino Queen, which offers various dining options open to all ages.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy by the river.
During events like the 4th of July, food vendors are often present. The Casino Queen also provides convenient dining.
The Casino Queen offers a range of quick-service and sit-down options. You can also find various eateries in East St. Louis.
Alcohol is generally not permitted in public parks. Stick to non-alcoholic beverages and be mindful of park rules regarding food waste.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is easy and plentiful, which is a huge plus when wrangling children. 📸 Photographers
Aim for golden hour for the best light, and be prepared to incorporate the river and flag into your compositions. 💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Capturing the Iconic Gateway Arch
+1 This vantage point allows for clear, unobstructed shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a warm glow on the Arch and the city. Many visitors specifically seek out this park for its photographic potential, making it a must-visit for anyone with a camera. While the ramp is the primary draw for Arch photography, the park also offers a spacious green area along the riverfront. This provides opportunities to frame shots with the riverbank or even the American flag in the foreground, adding depth and context to your images.
Safety and Visitor Experience
The park's main attraction, the viewing ramp, is described as a bit of a hike but is manageable for most.
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