The NPS Wellness Challenge at Gateway Arch National Park

Welcome to your Wellness Challenge at Gateway Arch National Park!

Known globally for its iconic architecture and engineering, the Gateway Arch is a monument commemorating westward expansion and acknowledging it's impact on indigenous peoples and the environment. It sits within a 91-acre urban national park located in downtown St. Louis, one of the few urban national parks west of the Mississippi River. The park grounds provide an oasis within the heart of the city. Gateway Arch National Park offers you multiple opportunities to improve your health through physical, mental and learning challenges.

What is the NPS Wellness Challenge?

The NPS Wellness Challenge promotes the unique health resources that you can find in all seven Missouri National Parks. Challenge yourself by choosing from a wide range of activites - physical, mental and learning - to promote your health and well-being.

Learn more about The National Park Service Wellness Challenge in Missouri.

Your Gateway to Wellness

Will you rest below an architectural wonder and take a
moment to breathe? Will you stroll through the paved paths of
the Explorer’s Garden? Will you learn something new about
history? The possibilities are endless - personal wellness is out
there waiting for you. And, it is well within reach.

Choose Your Challenge

Pick a path - the possibilities are endless. Take a look at the Gateway Arch Wellness Challenges and start earning your badges.

Answer our brief survey, to get your Wellness Challenge Completion Certificate for Gateway Arch National Park.

• 

  Physical Wellness

  Take part in three physical challenges by walking, running, biking or rolling along the paved paths, stairs and ramps of Gateway Arch NP.

• 

  Learning Wellness

  Exercise your mind with three learning challenges highlighting the history of St. Louis' role in exploration, innovation and confrontation.

• 

  Mental Wellness

  Relax and reflect as you absorb the sights and sounds of Gateway Arch National Park with three mental challenges.

Physical Wellness at the Gateway Arch

These physical challenges invite you to explore the park to improve your physical health. Whether you decide to explore a paved trail, climb the Grand Staircase or roll up a ramp to view new heights, each of the challenges are fun and accessible. Take time for yourself and find new ways to move at Gateway Arch National Park.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

Learning Wellness at the Gateway Arch

Exercise your mind with learning challenges that focus on stories of exploration, innovation, and confrontation centered on St. Louis’ place in history. Whether you connect with stories in the museum, watch an inspiring film, or become a park steward - each activity will grow your knowledge and challenge your perspective. Enriching your brain with new knowledge is just as important as moving your body. The National Park Service Wellness Challenge encourages you to learn something new.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

Mental Wellness at the Gateway Arch

Sometimes you just need a moment to pause, reflect, and unplug. The mental challenges invite you to explore the park to improve your mental health. Whether it's five minutes to clear your head by the reflection ponds on your lunch break or an afternoon on a blanket watching the clouds with friends and family, the mental challenges give you a chance to connect with yourself and your surroundings. Being outdoors provides you with a place to escape from the stressors of everyday life and enter a calm space to connect with your thoughts. The National Park Service Wellness Challenge allows you to take a breath, relax and embrace your surroundings to benefit your mental health.

Once you complete the challenges, download your digital badge to share on social media. You can also get a rubber stamp to add to your NPS Wellness Challenge Guide or Passport Book at the Visitor Center lobby.

The National Park Service Wellness Challenge inspires you to create lasting habits of personal wellness. Healthy Parks, Healthy People advances the fact that all parks - urban and wildland - are cornerstones of your physical, mental and spiritual health, social well-being; and sustainability of the planet.

Accessibility Information

• The Visitor Center faces Fourth Street and is accessible. There is an accessible bathroom and drinking fountains. Individuals with Disability Plates/Placards can park in any street parking sport for free.
• The park brochure is available in text-only and audio description formats on our website and through the UniDescription App. 
• Please give us two weeks’ notice if you need an ASL Interpreter. 

Learn more about accessibility at Gateway Arch National Park. For additional questions, email or call (314-6555-1614).