'Gateway To The Stars' Continues At The Arch This Fall

ST. LOUIS, MO — The stars may be light-years away, but you can get a close-up peek at them this fall when Gateway Arch National Park continues its special "Gateway to the Stars" stargazing events on September 22 and October 20. Each program will feature a ranger-led interpretive talk, followed by a St. Louis Astronomical Society-led telescope viewing of the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and other celestial objects.

Each event is free and open to all ages, weather permitting.

Attendees should meet “Sky Ranger” Rich Fefferman at the water feature outside the new circular glass west entrance of the Gateway Arch, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse, for both the interpretive talk and stargazing.

The telescope viewing may be cancelled if skies are cloudy, so call 314-655-1708 the afternoon of the event for an update on the weather.

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Animals of the Park Stargazing Experience: Saturday, Sept. 22; 6:30-8 p.m.

The recently transformed Gateway Arch grounds are more than just an oasis from the concrete and steel of the rest of the city. Learn about the surprising variety of animals and wildlife that actually inhabit the area.

Ghosts of the Arch Grounds Stargazing Experience: Saturday, Oct. 20; 6:30-8 p.m.

On the present-day site of Gateway Arch National Park once stood a French colonial village, a thriving riverfront port and a warehouse district. Learn about the adventures and misadventures of St. Louis’ historical figures such as Thomas Targee, James Eads and Kenneth Swyers, and how they helped shape the history and lore of the area.

A list of downtown St. Louis parking locations within walking distance of Gateway Arch National Park is available at getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available around the park.

Image via Shutterstock