4 hours free in St. Louis
I have a business trip coming up soon. First time visitor, will have a rental car, have 4 free hours. I'm thinking go to the arch, park, take the tram to the top, take my pics, back down. Walk over to Lou's at LaClede's Landing. Eat, walk about a bit, head back to the garage and head out. Can I reasonably do that in 4 hours? Thanks.
Yes, it is possible to enjoy the Gateway Arch and Lou’s at Laclede’s Landing in roughly 4 hours, but timing will be tight, so planning ahead is key. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
Timing Considerations:
- Parking: There are several parking garages near the Arch and Laclede’s Landing. Expect 5-10 minutes to find a spot depending on traffic and availability. The Museum Garage or Laclede’s Landing garages are convenient options.
- Arch Tram: The tram ride itself is about 4 minutes up, and 4 minutes down. However, allow extra time for security screening, waiting in line, and elevator/tram boarding. In total, expect around 45-60 minutes from entering the Arch area to returning.
- Walking and Photos: Walking around the park, taking pictures, and exploring the museum exhibits can take 30-45 minutes if you keep it brief.
- Lou’s at Laclede’s Landing: A casual meal might take 45-60 minutes depending on the crowd and service. If pressed for time, consider ordering to-go or choosing quick options from the menu.
Suggested Itinerary:
- 0:00-0:10 – Park near the Arch.
- 0:10-1:00 – Security, tram up, photos, tram down.
- 1:00-1:30 – Quick walk around Arch grounds and/or museum highlights.
- 1:30-2:00 – Walk or drive to Laclede’s Landing.
- 2:00-3:00 – Lunch at Lou’s, quick exploration of Landing area.
- 3:00-3:15 – Return to car.
- 3:15-4:00 – Head back to your departure point.
Tips to Make the Most of 4 Hours:
- Buy Arch tickets in advance online to save waiting time.
- Consider going early in the day if possible, as lines are shorter.
- Keep lunch simple or order to-go for quicker turnaround.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a fair bit.
With careful planning, your proposed plan is feasible, and you’ll be able to see the iconic Arch, get a nice view from the top, enjoy photos, and grab a meal at Lou’s within a 4-hour window.
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