Located on the western bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis, Missouri has something big for those visiting the city. The largest metropolitan area in Missouri lives by the motto "the bigger the better." Just look at the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and measures at 630 feet from the ground. Before visitors take a tram to the top, they have an opportunity to visit an informative museum at the entrance. Once inside the museum, rangers are onhand to answer questions if one is scared of heights, there are ways experience the Arch at the ground level. The Lousiana Purchase of 1803 and the challenges of early settlement are depicted in exhibits to keep things in context before viewing the land from atop the arch. Upon returning to the ground once the tram ride is over, the surrounding Gateway Arch National Park will give everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Photo ops and stellar views are guaranteed at this popular destination along the river.