Fireworks explode behind the Gateway Arch in St Louis in celebration of America250.

Celebrate America250 in St. Louis

Front-row fireworks beneath the Gateway Arch. Immersive journeys through America’s past. Lively neighborhood festivals that showcase Midwestern spirit.

There’s no better place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than St. Louis.

Be part of a once-in-a-generation moment where Americana charm meets modern entertainment. Find your vibe and see why the Gateway City is at the heart of it all in 2026.

See Where History Lives

From the ancient earthen monuments of Cahokia Mounds to the landmark freedom suits of the Old Courthouse, St. Louis is a city of profound layers. Discover engaging museums, historic sites and legendary neighborhoods that reveal the story of a region shaped for centuries by culture, ambition and innovation.

Visitors take photos in Gateway Arch National Park with the Old Courthouse in the background.

Meet American Heroes

Uncover fresh, seldom-reported information that brings the past to the forefront at historic sites across St. Louis. From the free Museum at the Gateway Arch to the expansive Missouri Civil War Museum to the unexpected Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, you can experience the settings, characters and stories that detail St. Louis’ fascinating role in U.S. history.

An exhibit illustrates Missouri's role in the American Civil War.

Ride a New Rhythm

Few cities embody the spirit of American creativity like St. Louis. Forged on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the Gateway City has long mirrored the American story itself: resilient, diverse and boldly original. When it comes to American music, St. Louis didn’t just echo the evolution of ragtime, blues and jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, punk and hip-hop; it helped write the notes.

The live music at Broadway Oyster Bar is best enjoyed during patio season in St. Louis.

Complete Your Gateway Arch Experience

Once you’ve experienced everything in Gateway Arch National Park, we suggest exploring more of downtown St. Louis. Here are our insider tips for things to do – plus, places to eat, drink and play for breakfast, lunch and dinner – in conjunction with your visit to the Gateway Arch.

Pink blooms frame the Gateway Arch in St Louis.
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