The Tallest of the National Parks #16

This newly inducted national park was previously a state park that I saw almost 4 years ago. Again, as previously stated a past visit wasn't going to count toward my quest.

So, while visiting my daughter, Mariah, and her family we decided to make the trip downtown to St. Louis. This was the first park that I was able to share with not only with my daughter, but my grandson, Bond too. My son-in-law was not able to come, however his mom who was in town was up it so off we went.

Included in the park with the arch is the courthouse across the street which is free to visit. This building is famous as the place where the Dred Scott trial court case was held. For those of you that don't know, this was one of the most important cases ever tried in the United States. The Supreme Court decided the case in 1857 which accelerated the beginning of The Civil War. Dred Scott and his wife were slaves that had been bought by the Emerson family and were living in free territories with their two children. Dred Scott sued Irene Emerson for his family's freedom per the law. The suit took 11 years and the Scotts were financially supported by their original owners to help them through the trial which they eventually won. There is a statue of Dred Scott and his wife facing the arch.

The inside of the courthouse is just beautiful with its carved wood court rooms and staircases and domed ceiling. Here are some photos:

After having a wonderful visit with a super sweet cashier in the gift shop, we walked across the street to the arch. It was a little chilly and windy outside as you can see.

The museum had been remodeled since the last time we were here and was very impressive. Bond definitely enjoyed the hands on activities and the space to run around.

Mariah and Bond decided to stay on the ground floor while the rest of us traveled in our little pod elevator to the top of the arch.

The pods supposedly seat 5 people, but I can tell you that it is cozy with three. Still a pretty cool experience!

Here are the views from the top on each side of the arch. You can see the baseball stadium in one of the shots which is right next to the parking garage where we parked our car. The other side is the Mississippi River.

Fun fact, the St. Louis arch is called The Gateway to the West. It is 630 feet tall, which makes it taller than the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument.