The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a 91-acre park on the banks of the Mississippi river, is centrepiece St Louis. Although the National Park in itself is tiny compared to others on the nation-wide roster its attractions include the superbly stunning Gateway Arch and a courthouse famous for the historically important Dredd Scott decision.

Designed to reflect St Louis’ role as gateway to the west, superlatives are necessary in abundance to describe the greatness of the Gateway Arch. It is a feat of engineering ingenuity.

Standing at some 630ft high the concrete and stainless steel legs curve off into the sky. It’s the world’s tallest monument. And it’ll leave you scratching your head – “how did they ever build that?

After admiring the foundations up close entering either leg reveals a vast underground visitors centre in which you can find an answer to that question. Tour packages start at $10.

The tram clicks and claks to the top and the three minute ride in the cramped earth's atmosphere re-entry module styled pod is quite a time.

There are excellent panarams of downtown St Louis and the configuration of the observation platform windows allow for vertigo-inducing views straight down to the ground below.

Back on that ground, if you want to know more technical details then be sure to watch Monument to the Dream, a thirty-five minute documentary on the construction of the arch. The film might seem dated at first but stick with it.

The Museum of Westward expansion (located in the foundations too) has excellent exhibits and artefacts following the development of the American West. For those who have never been out that way it should only whet the appetite some more to go.

In peak seasons and holidays expect queues so book ahead and turn up for a tram ride to the top at a pre-determined time. Security is almost airport-like to get inside the visitors center so be prepared to queue at peak times for that too.

Across the road when the arch is done there is even more history at the (no longer sitting) federal/state courthouse.

It is now home to a museum detailing the events of the Dred Scott decision that happened there, a decision that many scholars agree contributed towards the outbreak of civil war.

So as the saying goes “If you do only one thing…” in St Louis make sure it’s the Jefferson National Expansion Monument.