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ST. LOUIS — Join Gateway Arch National Park in celebrating National Park Week from Aug. 22–30 with a series of fun and informative park activities and events at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse. National Park Week is an annual celebration that invites everyone to discover and enjoy America’s 400+ national parks.
As one of the country’s premier urban national parks, Gateway Arch National Park provides local and regional families with a world-class national park experience right in their backyard.
“National parks are about connecting with our nation’s stories, culture, and community,” said David Murray, Superintendent at Gateway Arch National Park. “Gateway Arch National Park is perfect for families to visit on a quick road trip, enjoy hands-on educational experiences, and check a national park off their bucket list. National Park Week is an especially great time to visit because of the special programming.”
National Park Week Schedule & Daily Themes
Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs, museum exhibits, and interactive activities centered around the nationwide theme “Celebrate America’s Story.”
Aug. 22 | Kickoff Saturday: Create and share art about what National Park Week and America 250 mean to you at stations in both the Museum under the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse. At 6:30 p.m., join a Sky Ranger for Kids Explorer Night at the Gateway Arch.
Aug. 23 | Safety Sunday: Join a park ranger on the mezzanine at the Gateway Arch to learn more about the incredible feats of engineering required to construct the Gateway Arch and what park maintenance workers do today to keep staff and visitors safe.
Aug. 24 | America in Motion Monday: What’s the best way to get across the country? Vote on your favorite mode of transportation used by travelers moving westward in the Museum under the Gateway Arch.
Aug. 25 | National Park Service 110th Birthday & Fee-Free Day: Happy 110th Birthday to the National Park Service! To celebrate, the National Park Service is waiving the $3 entrance fee portion of the ticket price included with adult Tram Ride to the Top and Documentary Movie tickets. Participate in hands-on activities and conversations with an NPS volunteer who has traveled to many national park sites on the mezzanine at the Gateway Arch.
Aug. 26 | Wildlife Wednesday: Join rangers outside the Gateway Arch entrance with your dog to participate in the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and explore the grounds to see what wildlife you can identify at the Gateway Arch.
Aug. 27 | Thankful Thursday: Stop by the Gateway Arch information desk to sign a thank you card to our dedicated park partners who help the National Park Service preserve and protect Gateway Arch National Park.
Aug. 28 | Freedom Friday: Reflect on American heritage, the nation’s expansion and civil rights history through activities at the Old Courthouse museum.
Aug. 29 | Staff Saturday: Learn about the many jobs and responsibilities of National Park Service employees and discover different career paths through an interactive activity outside the Museum under the Gateway Arch.
Aug. 30 | Junior Ranger Day: Participate in National Park Week activities at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse to earn a special National Park Week Junior Ranger badge.
Learn more and plan your visit to Gateway Arch National Park at www.nps.gov/JEFF.
—nps.gov—
About National Park Week. National Park Week is an annual Presidentially proclaimed celebration that encourages people to discover the places, programs, experiences, and stories of the National Park Service. National Park Week 2026, “Celebrate America’s Story,” continues semiquincentennial commemorations and celebrates America’s 400+ national parks and their roles in America’s collective history. Learn more at go.nps.gov/NationalParkWeek2026.
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Last updated: August 12, 2026