Gateway Arch from aboard the Tom Sawyer

Hey everyone! It's us again, the Vagabond Couple, back with more adventures from our journey. After driving from Dublin, Ohio to St. Louis, we decided to cap off the evening with a sunset cruise on the "Tom Sawyer" riverboat. This charming vessel has been offering river cruises since 1964, originally providing curious sightseers a view of the Gateway Arch's construction. The next morning, we rode the unique tram to the top of the Gateway Arch for some stunning panoramic views.

The Tom Sawyer

As we boarded the "Tom Sawyer," the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the Mississippi River. The St. Louis skyline, dominated by the majestic Gateway Arch, shimmered in the evening light. On the Missouri side, we passed the historic Laclede's Landing, a vibrant district known for its cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere. Across the river in Illinois, the landscape offered a serene contrast with its lush greenery and tranquil parks.

Gateway Arch and St. Louis view from Sunset Mississippi River Cruise

The highlight of the cruise was, undoubtedly, the view of the Gateway Arch at sunset. As the sky painted itself in hues of orange and pink, the Arch stood tall, reflecting the colors brilliantly. It's incredible to think that this 630-foot monument, designed by Eero Saarinen, has been a symbol of westward expansion since its completion in 1965.

Other than the arch, the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, often referred to as the "Stan Span", is a stunning cable-stayed bridge that spans the Mississippi River, connecting St. Louis, Missouri, with Illinois across the Mississippi river. Opened in 2014, this modern engineering marvel was named in honor of Stan Musial, the legendary St. Louis Cardinals baseball player, and all military veterans. The bridge features two sleek, diamond-shaped pylons that rise 400 feet above the river, supporting its 1,500-foot main span with a network of steel cables. Not only is it a vital transportation link, carrying Interstate 70 and easing traffic congestion, but it’s also a visual masterpiece, especially when illuminated at night.

Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (Stan Span) viewed from Mississippi River Sunset Cruise

The Stan Span's design reflects the region’s forward-thinking spirit while paying tribute to its rich history and the people who have shaped it. Whether you’re driving across or admiring it from afar, the Stan Span is a symbol of connection, progress, and pride for the St. Louis area.

We caught a train crossing the MacArthur Bridge, often called the "Old Bridge" by locals. This historic truss bridge that spans the Mississippi River, connecting St. Louis, Missouri, with East St. Louis, Illinois, was completed in 1917. It was originally designed for both rail and vehicular traffic, serving as a critical transportation link during the early 20th century.

Train crossing MacArthur Bridge (Old Bridge) viewed from Mississippi River Sunset Cruise

Named after General Douglas MacArthur, the bridge features a distinctive steel truss design that was considered cutting-edge for its time. Over the years, its purpose shifted, and today it is primarily used for rail traffic, carrying freight trains across the river. Despite its industrial function, the MacArthur Bridge holds a special place in the region’s history, symbolizing the growth and connectivity of the St. Louis area during a pivotal era of American expansion. Its rugged, no-nonsense appearance stands in contrast to the sleek modern bridges nearby, offering a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring importance of the Mississippi River as a transportation corridor.

Gateway Arch

It was thrilling to think we will meet the great Mississippi river up close again when we circle back the long way around the United States to the south, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana and then again at New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gateway Arch

The next morning, we couldn't resist the urge to experience the Arch up close. Gateway Arch National Park is managed by the National Park Service (NPS), which ensures the preservation and accessibility of this iconic landmark and its surrounding grounds. The park, which includes the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and 91 acres of green space along the Mississippi River, underwent a massive transformation in 2018 with the completion of the CityArchRiver Project. This $380 million renovation revitalized the park, creating a more visitor-friendly experience with expanded walkways, improved connections to downtown St. Louis, and the addition of the Gateway Arch Museum, which delves into the history of westward expansion and the Arch’s construction.

Gateway Arch National Park Entrance

The NPS works to balance the park’s dual roles as a historical site and a recreational space, offering ranger-led programs, educational exhibits, and events that celebrate the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Through careful stewardship, the NPS ensures that the Gateway Arch remains not only a symbol of American ingenuity and ambition but also a vibrant, welcoming destination for millions of visitors each year.

We made our way to the visitor center and embarked on the 4-minute Tram Ride to the Top. The tram consists of numbered pods, each pod with enough space for perhaps 5 regular people.

Doors of tram to the top of Gateway Arch

The journey itself was fascinating, as the tram system is a unique blend of an elevator and a Ferris wheel, designed to navigate the Arch's curved structure.

A pod of the Tram to the top of Gateway Arch

Reaching the observation deck, we were greeted by panoramic windows offering breathtaking views. To the west, the city of St. Louis sprawled beneath us, with its blend of historic and modern architecture.

View of St. Louis from top of Gateway Arch

To the east, the mighty Mississippi River flowed gracefully, with the state of Illinois stretching beyond. On a clear day, it's said that you can see up to 30 miles in either direction.

View of Illinois from top of Gateway Arch

Delving into the history of the Gateway Arch, we learned that its construction was an engineering marvel. Each leg consists of double-walled steel equilateral triangles, stacked and welded together to form the iconic curve. The foundations extend 60 feet into the ground, ensuring stability against earthquakes and high winds.

Observation Deck at top of Gateway Arch

Beyond its architectural significance, the Arch stands as a testament to St. Louis's role in America's westward expansion. The city served as a gateway for pioneers venturing into new territories, and the Arch commemorates this spirit of exploration and ambition.

City side of Gateway Arch: Entrance to the Museum and Tram to the top

After an enriching morning, we hopped back into Shehzadi, our trusty Toyota Tundra, and set our sights westward on I-70 towards Kansas City. The drive was smooth, with Shehzadi handling the open road like a champ. Along the way, we passed several notable spots:

Columbia, MO

Home to the University of Missouri, this bustling college town boasts a vibrant arts scene and numerous parks.

Boonville, MO

A quaint town with rich history, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and the Katy Trail State Park.

Arrow Rock, MO

A small village that offers a glimpse into Missouri's frontier history, with several historic sites and museums.

As we approached Kansas City, the skyline welcomed us with its impressive array of skyscrapers and historic buildings. While we didn't stop in the city this time, it's worth noting that Kansas City is renowned for its jazz heritage and mouthwatering barbecue.

HuHot Mongolian Grill, Topeka, Kansas

Continuing our journey, we crossed into Kansas and made our way to Topeka for the night. As the capital city, Topeka offers a blend of historical landmarks and modern attractions. After having a sumptuous dinner at a local Mongolian Barbecue (HuHot Mongolian Grill), we settled into a cozy inn, reflecting on the day's adventures and eagerly anticipating what lay ahead.

A Spangles fast food drive-through in Topeka, Kansas

Also in Topeka, we tasted burgers at Spangles, a beloved fast-food chain based in Topeka, Kansas, known for its nostalgic diner-style atmosphere and hearty Midwestern comfort food. Founded in 1978, Spangles has become a local favorite, offering a menu filled with burgers, fries, shakes, and breakfast items, all served with a retro vibe.

A Spangles fast food drive-through in Topeka, Kansas

The chain is particularly famous for its signature "Spangle Sauce," a unique condiment that adds a distinctive flavor to its dishes. With its friendly service, affordable prices, and commitment to quality, Spangles has carved out a special place in the hearts of Topeka residents and visitors alike.

Shehzadi, our Toyota Tundra, continued to perform like a champ as we marked out first 1,000 miles on this road-trip. We were 1,181 miles from home at Topeka.

Shehzadi's Odometer at Topeka: 7,576 miles

Stay tuned as we continue our road trip across the heartland of America, uncovering hidden gems and creating lasting memories. In the next episodes, we reach the beginning of the great American Southwest at Moab, Utah via the stunning beauty around Colorado Springs, CO! Before you go on, to our next episode (Topeka, Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado - Pikes Peak Summit, Garden of the Gods & More), watch this video on our Gateway Arch experience:

Reference route map of The Vagabond Couple's 9,000-mile USA & Mexico overland roundtrip: Map-1 and Map-2.

The Vagabond Couple (and Shehzadi, of course) 🌍✨