The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows: Open: Gateway Arch National Park grounds, Gateway Arch Visitor Center, Museum, Arch Cafe, Arch Store, Tram Ride to the Top and Tucker Theatre Closed: Old Courthouse While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Outside Drinking Fountains on Gateway Arch Grounds Have Been Turned Off The drinking fountains have been winterized to prevent freezing of the plumbing components. This is done around the first of Oct through the middle of May. Please note that when the outside drinking fountains are on it may take some time for the water to make it's way to the fountain. This is because water is supplied from the nearest building on the Arch grounds and direct lines on the west side of Lenore K Sullivan and within Smith Square (the area between the Old Courthouse and the new West Entrance to the Arch Visitor Center). Due to the length of the run, the water has a distance to travel to reach the drinking fountains. This allows for Life Health Safety requirements so stagnant water isn't sitting in the line for long periods of time. When the fountains are active, you have to push the button for a few seconds to call for water. Please be patient the water will flow. Inside Drinking Fountains Are Located : In the Old Courthouse- there are two drinking fountains in the West Hall, one has a bottle filling station. There are also drinking fountains available in the Arch Visitor Center, if you enter on the North door of the West Entrance, make an immediate left towards the restrooms you will also find drinking fountains on the right side of the hallway. You do not have to go through security at this point, and are welcome to utilize the facilities. There are additional drinking fountains located through out the Visitor Center after you pass through security. |
Last updated: September 28, 2020